Device for controlling the discharge of air from an air outlet

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling air flow from an air outlet of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The air outlet has an air discharge opening for discharging air into an interior vehicle space and extending over the air discharge opening is at least one elongated slat that is pivotable about a longitudinal axis to influence air flow through the air discharge opening, the pivot position of which is adjustable by at least one adjustment mechanism connected to the slat. When a vehicle seat is installed in the vehicle interior space, at least one actuation mechanism mounted to the vehicle seat moves into mechanical operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism and adjusts the at least one slat according to the position of the vehicle seat relative to the interior vehicle space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle air flow control and, more particularly, to an apparatus for controlling the exhaust of air from an air outlet of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a motor vehicle within an interior vehicle space. Background Art

[0002] The term air outlet, such as air conditioner or simply conditioner, is used in motor vehicles to refer to a component for exhausting and directing a controlled amount of ambient air or heated or cooled air in the interior vehicle space. The intensity of the exhaust air flow can be adjusted, for example, using a fan arranged upstream of the air outlet.

[0003] Typically, an air outlet comprises a grid form, which in most cases is formed by a plurality of adjustable slats, also called air baffles, ribs or blades, by means of which the flow direction of the air flow discharged from the air discharge opening of the air outlet can be changed. The adjustment of the slats is usually carried out manually by means of a slider arranged on the slat group or by means of an adjustment wheel arranged next to the slat group. Air outlets with non-adjustable slats are also known, in which the air flow direction cannot usually be changed.

[0004] In the interior vehicle compartment, a plurality of air outlets are usually arranged distributed over the width of the instrument panel, for example one on the left and right and one or two in the center, in order to be able to meet the individual requirements of different vehicle occupants with regard to ventilation, heating and cooling. Furthermore, it is known to install air outlets in the floor, side and roof regions of the interior vehicle compartment, wherein these air outlets can have non-adjustable, fixedly arranged or also adjustable slats.

[0005] For example, KR 100222889 B1 discloses an air conditioning system for a vehicle. The vehicle has two seats, which are arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Between the front and rear vehicle seats, an additional air outlet with adjustable slats is provided in the floor area so that air from the air conditioning system can also be provided to vehicle occupants sitting on the rear vehicle seats.

[0006] US patent application publication number 2009 / 0038774 A1 (also DE 10 2008 034 167 A1) further discloses an air conditioning system for a vehicle having at least three rows of seats and having air outlets arranged on the dashboard, roof and foot or floor area of ​​the interior vehicle space.

[0007] A similar system for distributing air for an air conditioning system of a vehicle in its interior space is also disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,491,578 B2, which also describes a vehicle seat that is connected to an air distributor system of the air conditioning system via flexible air guide channels so that air can also be blown through the seat and back cushions of the vehicle seat and in this way supplied to the vehicle occupants.

[0008] US Pat. No. 6,547,301 B1 further discloses a floor mat for an interior vehicle space having an air distribution channel and floor-side air outlets connected thereto so as to be able to supply air to vehicle occupants on first and second row seats.

[0009] Further disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,857,955 B1 is an air duct extension that can be subsequently connected to an existing air outlet in the interior vehicle space of a vehicle having an air outlet provided with an adjustable slat. For example, using the extension, air can be directed from the front seat side air outlet to the rear seat and can be selectively supplied to a vehicle occupant sitting in that position.

[0010] GB 444 470 A further describes a ventilation device for a vehicle having an air guide channel which is arranged in or below the vehicle floor and guides the air to air outlets arranged below the vehicle seats and / or in the vehicle side walls.

[0011] Against this background, it is desirable to provide a device for controlling the air flow from an air outlet of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, which provides improvements in terms of comfort for vehicle occupants. Furthermore, it is desirable that the device be easy to construct and inexpensive to produce. Summary of the invention

[0012] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically advantageous manner and set forth further embodiments of the present disclosure. The description further characterizes and specifies the present disclosure, in particular in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] In a device for controlling an air flow from an air outlet of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment, the air outlet has an air discharge opening for discharging air into an interior vehicle space and extending thereon at least one longitudinal slat which can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis in order to influence the air flow through the air discharge opening and whose pivot position can be adjusted by at least one adjustment mechanism connected to the slat. That is, by correspondingly pivoting at least one slat using the adjustment mechanism, the direction of the air outlet relative to the opening plane of the air discharge opening can be influenced or controlled. If the slat is, for example, oriented substantially perpendicularly to the opening plane of the air discharge opening, it does not substantially influence the air flow of the air flowing out of the air discharge opening (that is, the air flows from the air outlet substantially perpendicularly to the opening plane of the air discharge opening), whereas it redirects the air flow in one direction or another in the case of a pivot position different from this position (that is, the air then flows out of the air outlet in an inclined / skewed manner relative to the opening plane of the air discharge opening). If the slats can even be oriented essentially parallel to the opening plane of the air discharge opening and if the slat surface (in the case of a plurality of slats, the overall shape and the overall dimensions) essentially corresponds in shape and dimensions to the shape and dimensions of the surface of the air discharge opening, the air flow caused by the air outlet in such a pivoted position of the slats can at least be significantly weakened in its intensity or even completely stopped or interrupted.

[0014] The device according to one embodiment further comprises a vehicle seat, on which at least one actuating mechanism is mounted, which, when the vehicle seat is installed in the interior vehicle space, moves into mechanically operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism of the air outlet and adjusts the at least one slat depending on the position of the vehicle seat relative to the interior vehicle space. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "vehicle seat" is to be understood as meaning all components forming a vehicle seat in a known manner, that is to say, for example, a seat member, a backrest, one or two armrests, a headrest, a lower frame or a frame carrying the above-mentioned components, etc.

[0015] The mechanically operative engagement between the at least one actuation mechanism and the at least one adjustment mechanism may, for example, cause a rotation of the adjustment mechanism, a displacement of the adjustment mechanism along a linear or curved path of movement, or a combination thereof.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a change in the position of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space changes the pivot position of at least one slat of the air outlet due to an operational engagement between an actuation mechanism mounted on the vehicle seat and an adjustment mechanism of the air outlet, wherein the change in the pivot position of the slat is carried out in the context of an incoming air flow which is considered to be particularly comfortable for a vehicle occupant in the corresponding position of the vehicle seat. That is, in particular the flow direction of the air flowing through the air outlet is automatically adapted to the position of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space of the vehicle in a mechanical manner (mechanical operational engagement) in order to ensure an optimal incoming flow which is comfortable for a vehicle occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. It is no longer necessary for the vehicle occupant to manually adjust the air flow direction at the air outlet to the current position of the vehicle seat.

[0017] It is to be understood that the general term "position" in the context of the present disclosure includes a position of a vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space, which position can be adjusted and varied by a vehicle occupant in the assembled state of the vehicle seat and / or which position can be determined by assembling the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space. For example, the position of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space, which position can be determined by assembly, can define an orientation of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space, whereby this orientation can in principle be predetermined, for example in the direction of travel of the vehicle, that is to say in the direction of the front of the vehicle or the windshield, or opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle, that is to say in the direction towards the interior vehicle space. The combination of the position of the assembled vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space that is adjusted by a vehicle occupant and the position that is predetermined by assembly of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space is also included in the general term "position" used herein. Assembly in the context of the present disclosure is also to be understood as meaning the removal of a vehicle seat, which can be disassembled from the interior vehicle space and reinstalled, for example in an orientation opposite to the orientation of the vehicle seat before disassembly.

[0018] The device advantageously enables a change in the pivot position of at least one slat of the air outlet, which change is automatically achieved by changing the position of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space in a mechanical manner (mechanical operative engagement between actuating mechanism and adjusting mechanism), without the vehicle occupant having to subsequently manually change the flow direction of the air flowing out of the air outlet or adapt it to the corresponding position of the vehicle seat. Thus, the air flow direction from or to the air outlet can be automatically adapted, for example, to the adjusted spacing and / or the adjusted orientation of the vehicle seat, with a comfortable inflow for the vehicle occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. The mechanically provided operative engagement between the actuating mechanism of the vehicle seat and the adjusting mechanism of the air outlet is robust, durable and maintenance-free and can be manufactured in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle seat can be assembled in at least two different positions in the interior vehicle space. In a first position, the vehicle seat is in this case oriented substantially in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, that is to say in the direction of the front of the vehicle or the windshield, and in a second position, the vehicle seat is oriented substantially opposite to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, that is to say substantially towards the inside of the interior vehicle space. In this case, the term "direction of travel" is to be understood as meaning the forward travel direction of the vehicle. That is, at least two positions of the vehicle seat according to this embodiment can be adjusted by a rotation of approximately 180° about the vertical axis of the vehicle seat. Since the vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat thus also changes his seat position by approximately 180° relative to its vertical axis, an advantageous adjustment of the pivot position of at least one slat of the air outlet is an adjustment of the flow direction of the air flowing out of the air outlet according to the arrangement of the air outlet relative to the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space, so that any flow or volume that is considered comfortable for the vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat is ensured in the first and second adjustable seat positions.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment provides that at least two actuating mechanisms are mounted to the vehicle seat, wherein the first actuating mechanism is moved into mechanically operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism and displaces it in a first actuating direction up to the first actuating position when the vehicle seat is assembled in the first position, and the second actuating mechanism is moved into mechanically operative engagement with the same adjustment mechanism and displaces it in a second actuating direction opposite to the first actuating direction up to the second actuating position when the vehicle seat is assembled in the second position. The above-mentioned change of direction of the air flowing out of the air outlet can thereby be produced in a simple manner from the air outlet to ensure that the air flow is directed towards a vehicle occupant sitting on the passenger seat in two positions which differ substantially by 180° relative to the vertical axis of the vehicle seat. In this case, the adjustment of the adjustment mechanism can be achieved, for example, by a rotation of the adjustment mechanism caused by the two actuating mechanisms mounted on the vehicle seat and a displacement of the actuating mechanism along a straight or curved movement path or a combination thereof.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the adjustment path of the adjustment mechanism between the first actuation position and the second actuation position comprises an intermediate position in which at least one slat of the air outlet assumes a pivot position in which the air flow through the air discharge opening flows out substantially perpendicularly to the opening plane of the air discharge opening. In this case, the slat is advantageously also oriented substantially perpendicularly to the opening plane of the air discharge opening. Thus, a displacement of the adjustment mechanism from the first actuation position to the second actuation position and from the second actuation position to the first actuation position results in a reversal of the direction of the air flowing out of the air outlet relative to the intermediate position, which ensures a comfortable air flow for a vehicle occupant sitting on the vehicle seat in two adjustable seat positions that differ by 180° relative to their vertical axis.

[0022] In order to ensure a precise and defined displacement of the adjustment mechanism by at least one actuating mechanism which can be mounted in a simple manner on the vehicle seat, according to another advantageous embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is elastically loaded in the direction of its center position. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is therefore always urged in the direction of its center position by means of at least one elastic element, such as a pressure spring or a tension spring. The interaction of the actuating mechanism of the vehicle seat with the adjustment mechanism of the air outlet thus counteracts the pressure or tension exerted by the elastic element on the adjustment mechanism (in the event of its displacement away from its center position), which during the mechanical operative engagement between the actuating mechanism and the adjustment mechanism, ensures a permanent abutment of the adjustment mechanism with the actuating mechanism and thus a precise (desired) and permanently defined adjustment of the pivot position of at least one slat to influence the air flow out of the air outlet. In this way, for example, an undesired, uncontrolled "folding" of the slat, for example due to vibrations occurring during travel of the vehicle, is effectively prevented.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the vehicle seat has a lower frame that carries the seat surface. According to this embodiment, at least one actuating mechanism is mounted on the lower frame, which can also be referred to as the frame of the vehicle seat. The lower frame is usually formed from a strong, rigid material, such as metal, so that the actuating mechanism can be mounted sufficiently firmly to the vehicle seat and thus constitutes a fixed mount for generating the actuating forces necessary for the displacement of the adjustment mechanism. In a maintenance-free embodiment, the actuating mechanism can, for example, be constructed integrally with the lower frame of the vehicle seat or at least be connected to the lower frame in a material joint, such as by welding or bonding. Alternatively, it can also be mounted to the lower frame by means of screws and / or clamping connections, so that the position of the actuating mechanism can then also be adapted to the lower frame without significant complexity.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the lower frame is held so as to be fixed in relation to the movement of the interior vehicle space after assembly in the interior vehicle space. That is, in this embodiment, only the respective assembly position of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space causes a displacement of the adjustment mechanism in order to adapt the pivot position of at least one slat of the air outlet to the respective installation position of the vehicle seat. After assembly, the adjustment mechanism is no longer moved further due to the fixed arrangement of the lower frame in the interior vehicle space. The seat surface and / or the backrest and / or the armrest carried by the lower frame of the vehicle seat can of course continue to be adjusted in a conventional manner relative to the lower frame, so that the vehicle occupant seated on the vehicle seat can adopt a seating position that is comfortable for him. Thus, the seat surface can be displaced relative to the lower frame (for example in the longitudinal direction) and / or the backrest can be tilted relative to the seat surface. However, in this embodiment, such a change in position of the vehicle seat relative to the interior vehicle space does not result in an adjustment of the adjustment mechanism of the air outlet.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the air outlet is arranged below the vehicle seat. Preferably, the air outlet is in this case arranged on or in the floor of the interior vehicle space. In this case, the automatic displacement of the adjustment mechanism of the air outlet caused by a change in the position of the vehicle seat and described here ensures in a particularly advantageous manner a selective and continuous flow to the foot / leg area of ​​a vehicle occupant seated on the vehicle seat by correspondingly adjusting the pivot position of the at least one slat, wherein the air is discharged through the air outlet depending on the respective position / orientation of the vehicle seat in the interior vehicle space.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is constructed in a rod-shaped manner at least in the engagement region with the actuating mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism for operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism exerts a force in the radial direction of the rod-shaped adjustment mechanism. In this way, an easy-to-produce, strong, always separable (e.g. in order to facilitate the removal and reinstallation of the vehicle seat), maintenance-free mechanical operative connection between the actuating mechanism of the vehicle seat and the adjustment mechanism of the air outlet can be provided. The rod-shaped cross section can, for example, be configured as a circle (circular or oval) or also as an angular shape (e.g. triangular, square or with more angles), depending on which shape is particularly suitable for an operative connection with the corresponding actuating mechanism. As described above, the displacement movement of the adjustment mechanism caused by the actuating mechanism can include a displacement and a rotation of the adjustment mechanism or a combination thereof.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism is constructed in a wedge-shaped manner, wherein the adjustment of the at least one slat is produced due to a relative movement between the actuating mechanism in operative engagement with the adjusting mechanism and the adjusting mechanism, during which the adjusting mechanism slides along the side faces of the wedge-shaped actuating mechanism, which side faces extend obliquely with respect to the movement direction of the actuating mechanism. As a result, it is easy to produce both a displacement and a rotation of the adjusting mechanism by the actuating mechanism.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention through a study of the following specification, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the figure:

[0030] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device for controlling air flow from an air outlet;

[0031] FIG. 1 b is an enlarged side view of a cutout taken from FIG. 1 a;

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 1 a in its first actuated position along the section line AA shown in FIG. 1 a ;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 1 a in its second actuated position along the section line AA shown in FIG. 1 a ;

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an air outlet of another embodiment of the device;

[0035] FIG5 a is a partial side view of a conventional device, which is not a device according to the present invention and is provided for comparison purposes only;

[0036] Fig. 5b is a partial side view of the device shown in Fig. 1a in its first actuated position;

[0037] FIG5c is a partial side view of the device of FIG1a in a second actuated position;

[0038] FIG6 a is a partial side view of a conventional device, which is not a device according to the present invention and is provided for comparison purposes only;

[0039] FIG6 b is a partial side view of another embodiment of the device in a first actuated position;

[0040] Fig. 6c is a partial side view of the device shown in Fig. 6b in a second actuated position;

[0041] FIG. 7 a is a partial side view of a conventional device, which is not a device according to the present invention and is provided for comparison purposes only;

[0042] FIG7 b is a partial side view of yet another embodiment of the device in a first actuated position;

[0043] Fig. 7c is a partial side view of the device shown in Fig. 7b in a second actuated position;

[0044] FIG8 a is a partial side view of a conventional device, which is not a device according to the present invention and is provided for comparison purposes only;

[0045] FIG8b is a partial side view of yet another embodiment of the device in a first actuated position; and

[0046] 8c is a partial side view of the device shown in FIG. 8b in a second actuated position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the individual figures, functionally equivalent components are always provided with the same reference numerals, so that they are usually also described only once.

[0048] FIG. 1a is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a device 1 according to one embodiment when viewed obliquely from the front. The device 1 is used to control the air flow from an air outlet 2 of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a motor vehicle, which is not shown in detail. It should be understood that the device 1 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b is shown in a state installed in the interior vehicle space of a motor vehicle, which is not shown in detail.

[0049] As can be seen in FIG. 1 a, the air outlet 2 has an air discharge opening 3 for discharging air into the interior vehicle space. Extending over the air discharge opening 3 are a plurality of longitudinal slats 4 which extend parallel to one another. The slats 4 can be pivoted about a longitudinal or pivot axis 6 (see FIG. Figure 2 and 3 ) is pivoted in order to influence the air flow 5 flowing through the air discharge opening 3. In the embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the pivot position of the slat 4 can be adjusted via an adjustment mechanism 7, which is connected to the slat 4, as will be described in detail below. The device 1 shown in Figure 1a has only a single adjustment mechanism 7 for adjusting the slat 3 of the air outlet 2.

[0050] Furthermore, the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 a has a vehicle seat 8, which is shown only schematically. The vehicle seat 8 shown has as essentially main components a lower frame 10 (also referred to as frame) which carries a seat surface 9 or a seat trim part, and a backrest 11 which is also carried by the lower frame 10. It should be understood that the seat surface 9 and / or the backrest 11 of the vehicle seat 8 can be adjusted in a conventional manner relative to the lower frame 10 in order to be able to provide a comfortable seating position for a vehicle occupant (not shown) sitting on the vehicle seat 8. The adjustability of the seat surface 9 and / or the backrest 11 relative to the lower frame 10 is not absolutely necessary for the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 a.

[0051] In the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 a, the air outlet 2 is arranged below the vehicle seat 8. In particular, the air outlet 2 is arranged on or in the floor (not shown) of the interior vehicle space and is connected thereto. Thus, the opening plane of the air discharge opening 3 extends substantially parallel to the base surface below the vehicle seat 8.

[0052] The lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8 of the embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 1a is further retained after the vehicle seat 8 has been assembled in the interior vehicle space so as to be fixed with respect to movement relative to the interior vehicle space, for example for subsequent disassembly and reconstruction of the vehicle seat 8 from outside the interior vehicle space or in the vehicle interior space, and the corresponding threaded connection can advantageously be released in a non-destructive manner without significant complexity.

[0053] A total of two actuating mechanisms 12 and 13 are mounted on the vehicle seat 8 of the device 1 , wherein the actuating mechanism 12 cannot be seen in FIG. 1 a because it is located on the left side of the vehicle seat 8 facing away from the observer.

[0054] FIG. 1a shows that the actuating mechanism 12 in a vehicle seat 8 is mounted on its lower frame 10. The lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8 comprises different, substantially rigid struts 14, 15, which are made of metal, for example, and which firmly connect the seat surface 9 and the backrest 11 to the floor of the interior vehicle space. As an example, FIG. 1a shows three vertical struts 14, which extend from the respective corners of the seat surface 9 to the floor of the interior vehicle space and a horizontal connecting strut 15, which connects the right front and right rear vertical struts 14 to each other on the floor side (when viewed from the seating direction of a vehicle occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 8). It should be understood that more or fewer struts 14, 15 can also be provided, which have a possibly different orientation than the struts shown in FIG. 1a.

[0055] The left rear vertical strut 14 of the lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8 cannot be seen in the illustration of FIG. 1a. However, it should be understood that the left front and left rear vertical struts 14 are also connected to the horizontal connecting struts 15 extending on the floor side in a manner similar to the struts 14 on the right side of the vehicle seat 8 shown in FIG. 1a. The lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8 shown in FIG. 1a is therefore constructed essentially symmetrically on the left and right sides at least with respect to the struts 14 and 15 described in this case, but this is not absolutely necessary.

[0056] In FIG. 1 a , it can further be seen that the actuating mechanism 12 is mounted on the right horizontal connecting strut 15 of the lower frame 10. The actuating mechanism 13 already mentioned above is mounted in a similar manner to the left horizontal connecting strut 15 of the lower frame 10 which is not visible in FIG. 1 a . For particularly simple and cost-effective production of the vehicle seat 8 , the actuating mechanisms 12 and 13 are each designed integrally with the connecting strut 15 or are at least connected to them in a materially joined manner (e.g. welded or adhesively bonded) in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a .

[0057] As can be further seen from FIG. 1 a , the actuating mechanism 12 is in mechanical operative engagement with the adjusting mechanism 7. In particular, the adjusting mechanism 7 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a is configured in a rod-shaped manner with a circular cross section at least in the region of the operative engagement, the adjusting mechanism 7 being laterally adjacent to the actuating mechanism 12 which is configured in this case in a wedge-shaped manner, in particular on one side thereof. Thus, a change in the position of the vehicle seat 8 , in this case in particular a change in the position of the lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8 relative to the interior vehicle space, causes an adjustment of the slats 4 of the air outlet 2 connected to the adjusting mechanism 7 .

[0058] In FIG. 1a , a state of a vehicle seat 8 installed in an interior vehicle space is shown. Thus, in this illustration, the adjustment mechanism 7 is already in a first actuation position, which is located in the rear (backrest side) part of the horizontal connecting strut 15 marked with x in FIG. 1a . The opposite front part of the connecting strut 15 is marked with y in FIG. 1a . The actuation mechanism 12 is arranged at the transition point between the rear part x and the front part y.

[0059] FIG. 1 b is an enlarged side view of the circled area in FIG. 1 a for explaining the situation before the operational engagement between the actuating mechanism 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7. The illustration of FIG. 1 b shows the state shortly before the vehicle seat 8 is assembled in the interior vehicle space of the motor vehicle. In this case, it can be seen that the adjusting mechanism 7 is located substantially below the actuating mechanism 12. When the vehicle seat 8 is assembled in the vehicle interior space, the movement direction of the lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8 is shown in FIG. 1 b by the corresponding arrow 16. This assembly movement causes a change in the position of the vehicle seat relative to the interior vehicle space and further leads to a movement of the actuating mechanism 12, which is connected to the lower frame 10 towards the adjusting mechanism 7 arranged on the floor side of the air outlet 2, which is connected to the floor of the interior vehicle space. If the actuating mechanism 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7 enter into mechanical operational engagement during assembly when they are sufficiently close, then in the embodiment of the device 1 shown, the adjusting mechanism 7 slides along the side (in this case, the left side) of the wedge-shaped actuating mechanism 12, and the adjusting mechanism 7 is tilted relative to the movement direction 16 of the actuating mechanism 12, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 b. In this case, the actuating mechanism 12 applies a force in the radial direction of the rod-shaped adjusting mechanism 7 to the adjusting mechanism 7, so that, in the case shown in FIG. 1 a, it is displaced to the left in the direction of the rear portion x of the connecting strut 15. The displacement of the adjusting mechanism 7 in turn leads to a displacement or pivoting thereof in the desired direction due to the connection with the slat 4 of the air outlet 2 so that the slat 4 directs the air flow 5 discharged from the air outlet 2 forwards, that is, in the direction of the foot / leg area of ​​the vehicle occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 8, as indicated by the arrow 5 in FIG. 1 a.

[0060] Figure 2 A section of the device 1 of Fig. 1a is shown in its first actuated position in cross section along section line AA shown in Fig. 1a. It can be seen that the air outlet 2 is arranged on or in a floor 17 of the interior vehicle space and is connected thereto. Figure 2 The air outlet shown in FIG. 1 has a total of four slats 4, each of which can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis or pivot axis 6. The longitudinal or pivot axis 6 is located at Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the slats 4 are arranged at the upper end of each slat 4. At their lower end, the individual slats 4 are also connected to one another via a common connecting element 18, which extends along all slats 4 so as to be pivotally movable. The adjustment mechanism 7 is also connected to the connecting element 18 so that the displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 in the transverse direction (in Figure 2 A simultaneous pivoting of all slats 4 about the corresponding longitudinal axis or pivot axis 6 results (to the left or to the right).

[0061] Figure 2 The pivoted position of the slat 4 is shown in the first actuation position of the adjustment mechanism 7 shown in FIG. Figure 2 Since the foot / leg area of ​​a vehicle occupant sitting on the passenger seat 8 shown in FIG. 1 a is located on the left side, the air flow 5 is directed upward there.

[0062] Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the same part of the device of FIG. 1a along the section line AA shown in FIG. 1a is shown in a second actuation position. When the vehicle seat 8 is rotated about its vertical axis by approximately 180° compared to the illustration in FIG. 1a installed in the interior vehicle space, the device 1 shown in FIG. 1a assumes the second actuation position shown. This is because the second actuation mechanism 12, which is not visible in FIG. 1a, is then moved into operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism 7, which can be seen in FIG. 1a, so that the adjustment mechanism 7 is moved into a second actuation position opposite the first actuation position, that is, in the second actuation position. Figure 3 Therefore, the slat 4 and Figure 2 Compared with the pivot position of the slat 4 shown in FIG. 1 , a new pivot position is presented which is rotated in the clockwise direction and which allows the slat 4 to be rotated in the clockwise direction according to FIG. Figure 3 The illustrated air flow 5 in FIG. 1 now flows from the air outlet 2 to the right in an upward direction, since the foot / leg area of ​​the vehicle occupant on the vehicle seat 8 , which has been rotated about its vertical axis by approximately 180°, is now located in this new direction.

[0063] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The change of the position of a vehicle seat 8 (FIG. 1a) in the interior vehicle space is shown, due to the mechanically operative engagement between two actuating mechanisms 12 and 13 (the two actuating mechanisms 12 and 13 are mounted to the lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8) and the adjusting mechanism 7 (the adjusting mechanism 7 is connected to the slats 4 of the air outlet 2) automatically causing the pivot position of the slats 4 of the air outlet 2 to change so that in the device 1 shown in FIG. 1a it is always ensured that the air flow is directed to the foot / leg area of ​​the vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 8, regardless of whether the vehicle seat 8 is mounted and oriented in the interior vehicle space as shown in FIG. 1a or in a position rotated about 180° about its vertical axis relative to it. The first position of the vehicle seat 8 shown in FIG. 1a can correspond to the position of the vehicle seat 8 oriented in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle (forward travel direction), wherein the second position of the vehicle seat 8 rotated about 180° about its vertical axis then corresponds to a position facing the interior vehicle space of the vehicle. When the above-mentioned position of the vehicle seat 8 changes, manual adjustment of the air outlet 2 is advantageously not required in the device 1.

[0064] For pivoting Figure 2 and Figure 3The arrangement of the slats 4 of the air outlet 2 shown in is intended to be understood as only one of many possible examples. Thus, for example, it is possible to arrange the longitudinal or pivot axis 6 about which the respective slat 4 can pivot also at the lower end of each slat 4 and to have the connecting element 18 pivotably connected thereto at the respective upper end of the slat 4. In this case, Figure 2 A lateral displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 connected to the connecting element 18 to the right will result in the following Figure 3 The pivot position of the slat 4 is shown. Figure 3 The displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 to the left will correspondingly result in Figure 2 The slat 4 is shown in its pivoted position.

[0065] It is also conceivable and includes arranging the longitudinal or pivot axis 6 at the center of the respective slat 4 so that the extension of each slat 4 on either side of the longitudinal or pivot axis 6 so arranged to the respective slat edge or end is of approximately equal size.

[0066] As an alternative to the displacement movement of the adjustment mechanism 7, this can also be connected to the slat 4 of the air outlet 2 in such a way that a change in the pivot position of the slat 4 is achieved by a rotation of the adjustment mechanism 7. Figure 4 It is shown by way of example.

[0067] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an air outlet 19 of another embodiment of the device. Transversely over the air discharge opening 3 of the air outlet 19, three slats 4 extend in the example shown, which are supported so as to be pivotably movable. These slats are again connected to one another in such a way that the rotation or pivoting caused by the adjustment mechanism 20 rotatable on one of the slats 4 in this example can also be synchronously transmitted to the other two slats 4 in order to control the air flow discharged from the air discharge opening 3 in the desired direction. The adjustment mechanism 20 is connected to the slats 4 so as to transmit the rotation via the adjustment shaft 21. Figure 4 It is also shown that the air outlet 19 is integrated into the air guide channel 22, only a part of which can be Figure 4 The air guide channel 22, due to its flat, relatively wide cross section, is particularly suitable for being placed on or in the floor of an interior vehicle space and being mounted at this location in order to arrange the air outlet 19 in a manner similar to the air outlet 2 of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 a below a vehicle seat 8 with all the attendant characteristics and advantages described herein.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 5a-5c, 6a-6c, 7a-7c and 8a-8c described below, the mechanical operative engagement that occurs in the interior vehicle space of a motor vehicle during the assembly operation of the vehicle seat 8 shown in FIG. 1a between the actuating elements 12 and 13 mounted to the vehicle seat 8 and the adjusting element 7 connected to the slat 4 of the air outlet 2 is described in detail. FIGS. 5a-5c, 6a-6c, 7a-7c and 8a-8c each show an assembly time shortly before the operative engagement that occurs between the actuating mechanisms 12 and 13 and the adjusting mechanism 7.

[0069] 5a-8c show two different partial side views (b) and (c) of a first and second actuation position of an embodiment of a device according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively. In contrast, the partial side views shown in FIGS. 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a show a comparative example, which is not a device according to the invention and is only used to better understand an embodiment of the device according to the invention, for comparison purposes, an embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 5b, 5c, 6b, 6c, 7b, 7c, 8b and 8c, respectively. The comparative example shown in each case in the views of FIGS. 5a, 6a, 7a and 8a is identical.

[0070] Fig. 5b is a partial side view of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1a in its first actuated position, and Fig. 5c is a partial side view of the same device 1 in its second actuated position. The corresponding side views Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c correspond to views of the side portion of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1a in the foreground from the outside, that is, from a direction opposite to the viewing direction defined by the section line AA in Fig. 1a.

[0071] The comparative example not in accordance with the invention shown in FIG5a shows a horizontal connecting pillar 15 of the lower frame 10 of the vehicle seat 8 shown in FIG1a, an actuating mechanism 12 fixed thereto and an adjustment mechanism 7 of the air outlet 2 shown in FIG1a. As also shown in FIG1a, the connecting pillar 15 is oriented in FIG5a so that its rear x is located in the left half of the image of FIG5a and its front y is located in the right half of the image of FIG5a. The viewing direction of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat 8 connected to the lower frame 10 oriented in this way is indicated by a directional arrow 22. The rightward viewing direction 22 shown in FIGS. 5a-8c in this case represents the viewing direction of the vehicle occupant in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle (forward travel direction), while the leftward viewing direction 22 shown in FIGS. 5a-8c represents the viewing direction opposite to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle (forward travel direction), and therefore correspondingly into the interior vehicle space.

[0072] In the comparative example shown in FIG. 5 a , the actuating mechanism 12 is oriented exactly centrally with respect to the entire length of the horizontal connecting strut 15 in the same manner as the adjusting mechanism 7 . a The length is equal to the front y a The length (x a =y a 5a-5c ). The reference point of the central orientation of the adjustment mechanism 7 corresponds to the center point of the circular adjustment mechanism cross section, and the reference point of the actuating mechanism 12 oriented relative to the center corresponds to the actuating mechanism contact position when mechanical operative engagement occurs between the actuating mechanisms 12 and 13 and the adjustment mechanism 7 (in this case, the lower tip of the triangular / wedge-shaped actuating mechanism shown).

[0073] In this case, the adjustment mechanism 7 is constructed in a rod-like manner, at least in the region of engagement with the actuation mechanism 12, whose circular cross section has a diameter d. Due to the central arrangement of the actuation mechanism 12 and the adjustment mechanism 7, an operational engagement between the actuation mechanism 12 and the adjustment mechanism 7 can be produced, that is, the operational engagement will lead to a well-defined lateral displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 with respect to a displacement direction substantially parallel to the connecting strut 15. Therefore, this arrangement shown in FIG. 5 a also does not correspond to an embodiment according to the invention.

[0074] FIG. 5 b shows the region of the horizontal connecting strut 15 of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 a. It can be seen that the actuating mechanism 12 is arranged eccentrically relative to the overall length of the connecting strut 15 (x b ≠y b 5a), the actuating mechanism 12 in the illustrated embodiment of the device 1 is arranged further forward on the connecting strut 15, that is to say, x b >y b Compared to the comparative example shown in FIG. 5 a , the displacement of the actuating mechanism 12 of the device 1 corresponds in this case approximately to d / 2, but is not limited thereto. The only important aspect is that, when the operative engagement between the actuating mechanism 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7 occurs, a lateral displacement of the adjusting mechanism 7 that is clearly determined relative to the displacement direction is ensured.

[0075] The regulating mechanism 7 is arranged centrally in the embodiment shown in FIG5 b , as can be easily seen from a comparison with FIG5 a . The central position of the regulating mechanism 7 in the embodiment of the device 1 shown in FIG5 a corresponds to the intermediate position already described herein of the slats 4 of the air outlet 2 connected to the regulating mechanism 7 . In the intermediate position, the slats 4 of the air outlet 2 are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the opening plane of the air discharge opening 3 , so that the air flow 5 flowing through the air discharge opening 3 can also flow out substantially perpendicularly to the opening plane of the air discharge opening 3 .

[0076] With the continued assembly movement of the vehicle seat 8 and thus of the connecting strut 15, the operative engagement between the actuation mechanism 12 and the adjustment mechanism 7 results in a lateral displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 in the direction of the left half of the image of FIG. 5 b, opposite to the viewing direction 22, approximately up to the point of the adjustment mechanism 7 indicated by the dashed outer line in FIG. 5 b. This position of the adjustment mechanism 7 presented after assembly of the vehicle seat 8 in the interior vehicle space corresponds to the first actuation position of the adjustment mechanism 7 shown in FIG. 1 a, in which the slats 4 of the air outlet 2 present a pivot position in which the air flow 5 out of the air discharge opening 3 is directed in the viewing direction 22 of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat 8 and thus into his foot / leg area (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ).

[0077] FIG5 c shows the assembled vehicle seat 8 shortly before the operational engagement of the actuating mechanism 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7 from the same viewing position as in FIG5 b , but the vehicle seat 8 is rotated 180° about its vertical axis. Thus, the left-hand actuating mechanism 13 mounted to the left-hand connecting strut 15 of the lower frame 10 relative to the viewing direction 22 can now be seen in FIG5 c .

[0078] In case of a continued assembly movement of the vehicle seat 8 and thus of the connecting strut 15, the operative engagement between the actuation mechanism 13 and the adjustment mechanism 7 results in a lateral displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 in the direction of the right half of the image of FIG. 5 c, opposite to the viewing direction 22, approximately up to the point of the adjustment mechanism 7 indicated by the dashed outer line in FIG. 5 c, in the case of a continued assembly movement of the vehicle seat 8 and thus of the connecting strut 15. This position of the adjustment mechanism 7 which is present after the assembly of the vehicle seat 8 in the interior vehicle space corresponds to a second actuation position of the adjustment mechanism 7, in which the slats 4 of the air outlet 2 present a pivot position in which the air flow 5 out of the air discharge opening 3 is again directed in the viewing direction 22 of the vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat 8 and thus into his foot / leg area (see also Figure 3 ). With respect to the interior vehicle space, this means a reversal of the flow direction of the air flowing out of the air discharge opening 3 of the air outlet 2 .

[0079] In the device 1 shown in FIGS. 5 b and 5 c , the connecting strut 15 is constructed symmetrically with respect to the arrangement of the actuating means 12 and 13 , that is, x c =x b and c =y b However, when the vehicle seat 8 is rotated 180° about its vertical axis, the eccentric arrangement of the two actuating mechanisms 12 and 13 enables a clearly defined displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 into the first or second actuating position depending on the selected orientation of the vehicle seat 8 in the interior vehicle space.

[0080] 5b and 5c, the adjustment mechanism 7 is elastically loaded in the direction of its middle position (in this case the center). That is, after removal of the vehicle seat 8, the adjustment mechanism 7 automatically returns to its middle position again.

[0081] Figures 6b and 6c show first and second actuation positions of the adjustment mechanism 7 of another embodiment of a device 24. Apart from the differences shown in Figures 6b and 6c and the different configuration of the air outlet, the device 24 is constructed in substantially the same manner as the device 1 shown in Figure 1a.

[0082] As can be seen in FIG. 6 b , the actuating mechanism 12 in this embodiment of the device 24 is also arranged eccentrically, but further back on the connecting strut 15 than in the central arrangement in the comparative example of FIG. 6 a , that is to say, x b <y b In this case, the offset of the actuating mechanism 12 of the device 24 from the center corresponds approximately to d / 2, but is not limited thereto. The only important aspect is that, when the operative engagement between the actuating mechanism 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7 occurs, a clearly determined lateral displacement of the adjusting mechanism 7 relative to the adjustment direction is ensured.

[0083] Since the adjustment mechanism 7 in the device 24 is further arranged in the center, in the case of the continuous assembly movement 23 illustrated in FIG. 6 b , the operative engagement between the actuation mechanism 12 and the adjustment mechanism 7 results in a displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 in the direction of the viewing direction 22 (right half of the image of FIG. 6 b ). The position of the adjustment mechanism 7 presented after assembly of the vehicle seat 8 in FIG. 6 b corresponds to a first actuation position of the device 24 in which the alternative air outlet (not shown in the figure but in conjunction with the air outlet) is moved. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The air flow discharged from the air outlet opening 2 (mentioned in the description of the air outlet 2 shown in ) is also directed in the viewing direction 22 and is therefore directed towards the foot / leg area of ​​a vehicle occupant sitting on the passenger seat 8 .

[0084] FIG. 6 c shows a possible second actuation position of the adjustment mechanism 7 of the device 24 after assembly of the vehicle seat 8, wherein the orientation of the vehicle seat 8 is rotated 180° about its vertical axis compared to the illustration in FIG. 6 b. Since the arrangement of the actuation mechanism 13 on the left connecting strut 15 of the vehicle seat 8 in the device 24 is also symmetrical with respect to the arrangement of the actuation mechanism 12 on the right connecting strut 15 of the vehicle seat 8, that is to say, x c =x b and c =y b6c , the actuation mechanism 13 in the illustration of FIG. 6c causes a lateral displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 in the viewing direction 22 but to the left half of the image of FIG. 6c and thus in a direction opposite to the displacement direction of the adjustment mechanism 7 shown in FIG. 6b . This second actuation position of the adjustment mechanism 7 results in a reversal of the induced air flow direction compared to the first actuation position and thus also in an air flow applied to the foot / leg area of ​​the vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 8. In the embodiment of the device 24 shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c , the adjustment mechanism 7 is also spring-loaded in the direction of its middle position (in this case the center).

[0085] Figures 7b and 7c show the first and second actuated positions of the adjustment mechanism 7 of a further embodiment of a device 25. Apart from the differences shown in Figures 7b and 7c, the device 25 corresponds substantially to the structure of the device 1 shown in Figure 1a.

[0086] As can be seen from FIG. 7 b , in this embodiment, the actuating element 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7, which is shown as a solid circle in its middle position, are arranged eccentrically. In order to arrange the actuating mechanism 12 on the connecting strut 15 , in this case x is applied. b <y b , that is, the actuating mechanism 12 is arranged further back offset relative to the center of the connecting strut 15. The adjusting mechanism 7 is shown in FIG. 7 b , and due to the operational engagement associated with the assembly of the actuating mechanism 12, the adjusting mechanism 7 is displaced opposite to the viewing direction 22 (to the left half of the image of FIG. 7 b ) and reaches the first actuating position of the device 25 at the position of the adjusting mechanism 7, which is shown in FIG. 7 b with a dotted circular outline and is, like the device 1, obtained by, for example, Figure 2 and 3 The air outlet 2 shown in generates a flow to the foot / leg area of ​​a vehicle occupant sitting on a passenger seat 8 .

[0087] FIG. 7 c again shows the assembly situation when the vehicle seat 8 is installed in an orientation rotated 180° about its vertical axis compared to the illustration in FIG. 7 b. However, due to the eccentric arrangement of the middle position of the adjustment mechanism 7 shown in FIG. 7 b in the device 25, the arrangement of the actuating mechanism 13 on the left connecting strut 15 of the lower frame 10 is no longer symmetrical with respect to the arrangement of the actuating mechanism 12 on the right connecting strut 15. As shown in FIG. 7 b, the arrangement of the actuating mechanism 12 on the right connecting strut 15 is offset backwards from its center (x b <y b 7c, relative to the center of the connecting pillar 15, the arrangement of the actuator 13 on the left connecting pillar 15 is arranged to be biased forward, so that in order to arrange the actuator 13 on the connecting pillar 15, the application of x c >y c, so that a displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 in the assembled situation shown in FIG7 c opposite to the viewing direction 22, that is, in the direction of the right half of the image in FIG7 c, can be ensured. In the embodiment of the device 25 shown in FIGS. 7 b and 7 c, the adjustment mechanism 7 is also spring-loaded in the direction of its center position, in this case eccentrically.

[0088] Figures 8b and 8c show the first and second actuated positions of the adjustment mechanism 7 of a further embodiment of a device 26. Apart from the differences shown in Figures 8b and 8c, the device 26 substantially corresponds to the structure of the device 24 explained in conjunction with the description of Figures 6b and 6c.

[0089] For the device 26 shown in FIG8 b , the actuating mechanism 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7 are also arranged eccentrically in their middle positions shown as solid circles. In order to arrange the actuating mechanism 12 on the connecting strut 15 of the device 25 , in this case x is applied. b <y b , that is, the actuating mechanism 12 is arranged further rearwardly offset relative to the center of the connecting strut 15. However, the engagement caused by the assembly of the vehicle seat 8 between the actuating mechanism 12 and the adjusting mechanism 7 displaces them in the viewing direction 22 according to the illustration in FIG. 8 b , that is, toward the right half of the image in FIG. 8 b , which shows a first actuating position of the adjusting mechanism 7 of the device 26. The action of this first actuating position of the device 26 corresponds to the action of the first actuating position of the device 24 shown in the description in conjunction with FIGS. 6 b and 6 c .

[0090] FIG8c again shows the assembly situation when the vehicle seat 8 is installed with an orientation rotated 180° about its vertical axis compared to the illustration in FIG8b. However, since the middle position of the adjustment mechanism 7 shown in FIG8b is arranged eccentrically in the case of the device 26, the arrangement of the actuating mechanism 13 on the left connecting strut 15 of the lower frame 10 is also asymmetrical with respect to the arrangement of the actuating mechanism 12 on the right connecting strut 15. Although the arrangement of the actuating mechanism 12 on the right connecting strut 15 is offset backwards from its center (x 1 / 2) as shown in FIG8b, the arrangement of the actuating mechanism 12 on the right connecting strut 15 is also asymmetrical. b <y b 8c, the arrangement of the actuator 13 on the left connecting pillar 15 is arranged forwardly offset relative to the center of the connecting pillar 15, so that in order to arrange the actuator 13 on the connecting pillar 15, the application of x c >y c , so that a displacement of the adjustment mechanism 7 in the assembled state shown in Figure 8c in the viewing direction 22, that is, in the direction of the left half of the image of Figure 8c, can be ensured. In the embodiment of the device 26 shown in Figures 8b and 8c, the adjustment mechanism 7 is also spring-loaded in the direction of its middle position, in this case eccentrically.

[0091] The above-mentioned device for controlling the exhaust of air from the air outlet of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a motor vehicle is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but also includes other embodiments with the same effect. Thus, the actuating mechanism can deviate from the wedge shape shown in particular in Figures 5b, 5c, 6b, 6c, 7b, 7c, 8b and 8c, for example with respect to the inclination angle of its side or with respect to the geometry of its first contact area, which is particularly suitable when engaging with the initial operation of the adjustment mechanism, etc. The first contact area of ​​the actuating mechanism can, for example, have a correspondingly suitable curvature.

[0092] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figures 5b, 5c, 6b, 6c, 7b, 7c, 8b and 8c that wedge-shaped actuating means 12 and 13 are shown, in which only one of the two side faces is always moved into operational engagement with the adjustment means 7. Thus, the actuating means 12, 13 can be freely configured on the side thereof which is not involved in the operational engagement with the adjustment means 7. Thus, for example, the actuating means 12, 13 shown can also be reduced to half the cross-sectional surface area by halving the actuating means 12, 13, which provides for the complete omission of the side face which is not involved in the operational engagement. According to other embodiments, it is also conceivable to provide the actuating means in a form other than a wedge-shaped form.

[0093] In one embodiment, the device according to the invention for controlling the exhaust of air from an air outlet of a HVAC system in a motor vehicle is used in a particularly preferred manner in a motor vehicle having at least one vehicle seat which can be installed in different orientations.

[0094] It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing constructions without departing from the concepts of the present invention and that these concepts are intended to be covered by the claims unless the claims indicate otherwise by their language.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling air flow from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, comprising: an air outlet having an air discharge opening for discharging air into an interior vehicle space; at least one elongated slat extending over said air outlet and pivotable about a longitudinal axis to affect said air flow through said air discharge opening and having a pivot position adjustable by at least one adjustment mechanism connected to said elongated slat; as well as an actuation mechanism mounted to the vehicle seat, the actuation mechanism moving into mechanical operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism when the vehicle seat is installed in the interior vehicle space and adjusting the at least one elongated slat according to the position of the vehicle seat relative to the interior vehicle space, At least two actuating mechanisms are mounted to the vehicle seat, wherein a first actuating mechanism moves to mechanically engage with the adjustment mechanism and displaces the first actuating mechanism in a first actuating direction until a first actuating position when the vehicle seat is assembled in a first position, and a second actuating mechanism moves to mechanically engage with the adjustment mechanism and displaces the second actuating mechanism in a second actuating direction opposite to the first actuating direction until a second actuating position when the vehicle seat is assembled in a second position.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat is capable of being assembled in at least two different positions in the interior vehicle space, wherein the vehicle seat in a first position is oriented in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and wherein the vehicle seat in a second position is oriented opposite to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment path of the adjustment mechanism between the first actuation position and the second actuation position includes an intermediate position, in which the at least one longitudinal slat of the air outlet is in a pivot position, in which the air flow flowing through the air discharge opening flows out perpendicular to the opening plane of the air discharge opening.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism is spring loaded in the direction of the intermediate position thereof.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vehicle seat has a lower frame that carries a seat surface and wherein at least one actuating mechanism is mounted on the lower frame. 6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a lower frame of the vehicle seat is held fixed relative to movement of the interior vehicle space after assembly in the interior vehicle space.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is disposed below the vehicle seat.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is constructed in a rod-like manner at least in the engagement area with the at least two actuating mechanisms, and the actuating mechanism for operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism applies a force thereto in a radial direction of the adjustment mechanism.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least two actuating mechanisms are constructed in a wedge-shaped manner, wherein adjustment of the at least one longitudinal slat is caused due to the relative movement between the at least two actuating mechanisms and the adjustment mechanism, the actuating mechanism is operatively engaged with the adjustment mechanism, and during the adjustment, the adjustment mechanism slides along the side of the wedge-shaped actuating mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism extends obliquely relative to the movement direction of the actuating mechanism.

10. A vehicle HVAC airflow control device comprising: an air outlet having an air discharge opening; an elongated slat extending over the outlet and pivotable about a longitudinal axis to affect airflow through the opening; regulating agency; as well as an actuating mechanism mounted to a vehicle seat, the actuating mechanism moving into engagement with the adjustment mechanism to adjust the position of the elongated slat according to the position of the vehicle seat, At least two actuating mechanisms are mounted to the vehicle seat, wherein when the vehicle seat is assembled in a first position, a first actuating mechanism moves into mechanical operation engagement with the adjustment mechanism and displaces the first actuating mechanism in a first actuating direction until a first actuating position, and when the vehicle seat is assembled in a second position, a second actuating mechanism moves into mechanical operation engagement with the adjustment mechanism and displaces the second actuating mechanism in a second actuating direction opposite to the first actuating direction until a second actuating position.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle seat is capable of being assembled in at least two different positions in the interior vehicle space, wherein the vehicle seat in a first position is oriented in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and wherein the vehicle seat in a second position is oriented opposite to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

12. A device according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment path of the adjustment mechanism between the first actuation position and the second actuation position includes an intermediate position, in which at least one of the longitudinal slats of the air outlet is in a pivot position, in which the air flow flowing through the air discharge opening flows out perpendicular to the opening plane of the air discharge opening.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the adjustment mechanism is spring loaded in the direction of the intermediate position thereof.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the vehicle seat has a lower frame that carries a seat surface and wherein at least one actuating mechanism is mounted on the lower frame.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lower frame of the vehicle seat is held fixed relative to movement of the interior vehicle space after assembly into the interior vehicle space.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the air outlet is disposed below the vehicle seat.

17. The device according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment mechanism is constructed in a rod-like manner at least in the engagement area with the at least two actuation mechanisms, and the actuation mechanism for operative engagement with the adjustment mechanism applies a force thereto in a radial direction of the adjustment mechanism.

18. A device according to claim 10, wherein the at least two actuating mechanisms are constructed in a wedge-shaped manner, wherein adjustment of at least one of the longitudinal slats occurs due to the relative movement between the at least two actuating mechanisms and the adjustment mechanism, the actuating mechanism is operatively engaged with the adjustment mechanism, and during the adjustment, the adjustment mechanism slides along the side of the wedge-shaped actuating mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism extends obliquely relative to the movement direction of the actuating mechanism.

Images