Air discharge device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air discharge device having two air channels (6, 7) that extend obliquely towards each other. In order to control the magnitude and direction of the air flow with two planar elements (12, 14), but only with one electric motor, the present invention proposes that the coupling mechanism (15) has a coupling disk (16) that can rotate about an axis (K), which is permanently coupled to the second planar element (14) and is coupled to the first planar element (12) only for adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air discharge device according to the present invention. Background Art

[0002] Such an air discharge device is known from the published document CN108705919 A. The known air discharge device has two air channels each with an air discharge opening, wherein the air channels converge obliquely towards each other in the region of the air discharge openings and merge into a common air flow. By means of a flap-like air diverter (Luftweiche), the air flow can be guided from the air inlet of the air discharge device into one and / or the other air channel, thereby controlling the direction of the common air flow. In addition, the air discharge device has a closing flap which is arranged pivotable in the direction of the air inlet as seen from the air diverter and with which the cross-section for the flow can be opened and closed. Thus, by means of the closing flap, the magnitude of the common air flow can be controlled. "Magnitude" means the volume flow rate or the amount of air of the common air flow. The adjustment of the air diverter and the closing flap is not carried out manually but by means of an electric motor, on the shaft of which two sub-gears are integrally arranged. The teeth of the sub-gears are arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction such that they either engage with the gear of the shaft of the air diverter or with the gear of the shaft of the closing flap. Accordingly, the closing flap can be fully opened or fully closed by the motor, and then the air diverter can be adjusted in the open state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an air discharge device having only one electric motor for which the direction can be controlled in the case of different magnitudes of the air flow.

[0004] According to the present invention, this object is solved by an air discharge device according to the present invention. The air discharge device has first and second planar elements, wherein the planar elements are in particular flaps, rudders or foils. With these two planar elements, the air flow leaving the air discharge device can be changed not only in terms of its direction but also in terms of its magnitude. In particular, the first planar element is a metering flap and the second planar element is a vertical or horizontal foil.

[0005] A drive element, in particular just one drive element, in particular an electric motor, is used to adjust the two planar elements. For this purpose, the present invention provides a mechanical coupling mechanism between the drive element and the two planar elements.

[0006] The invention is characterized in that the coupling mechanism has a coupling element, the second planar element is permanently coupled to the coupling element, and the first planar element is coupled to the coupling element only for adjustment. This enables a simple and robust structure. In particular, the position of the second planar element is always determined by the coupling element through the permanent coupling. In addition, as long as there is no coupling with the first planar element, the second planar element can be freely adjusted. In the case where a horizontal thin sheet is used as the second planar element, the direction of the air flow can thus be adjusted along the vertical direction. In order to couple the first planar element for its adjustment, the coupling element is particularly placed in the following positions, so that it is not necessary to move to these positions for adjusting the second planar element and in these positions, as long as the adjustment of the first planar element is carried out, the second planar element is, for example, in the limit position. As long as the coupling element is not coupled to the first planar element, the first planar element is particularly held in its position by a braking device, a locking device or other holding devices. Only the coupling with the coupling element can enable adjustment. After the adjustment is carried out, the first planar element automatically holds the reached position again, and the coupling element can again be placed in the following positions, from which the second planar element can be adjusted and the first planar element is no longer coupled to the coupling element. The coupling element is particularly a coupling disk that can rotate around an axis, thereby realizing a simple structure.

[0007] Preferably, the air discharge device according to the invention has first and second air channels each with an air discharge opening. Other air channels are not excluded. It is also conceivable that one or both air channels have a plurality of air discharge openings. The air discharge openings can be arranged next to each other or spaced apart, side by side or one above the other. The air channels are particularly separated from each other over the entire flow cross-section. However, especially in the edge region when viewed along the flow-through direction, the air channels can also transition into each other. For example, two air channels extending parallel to each other and having a substantially slightly elongated rectangular cross-section can be provided, and the air channels are respectively connected at the edges by narrow connecting channels, so that generally an elongated O-shaped flow cross-section is formed. The air channels do not need to have the same cross-sectional shape nor a parallel or symmetric orientation.

[0008] The two air channels converge obliquely towards each other towards the air discharge opening, so that the partial air flows flowing through the two air channels and flowing out through the air discharge opening converge obliquely towards each other and merge and combine into an air flow leaving the air discharge device. If the air volume in one air channel is larger, it will guide the combined air flow from the air discharge device obliquely in the corresponding direction after the air discharge opening.

[0009] The volume flow through the two air channels can be controlled with the first and second planar elements such that the air flow can be changed not only in terms of its direction but also in terms of its magnitude. Different possible arrangements of the planar elements will be discussed below.

[0010] In a first embodiment, the first planar element is a metering valve for controlling the magnitude of the air flow, and the second planar element is an air diverter for controlling the direction of the air flow. The air diverter can pivot about a pivot axis which is substantially in the imaginary main extension plane of the air diverter and more precisely especially transverse to the flow direction and especially at the front or rear end of the air diverter along the flow direction. The pivot axis especially extends substantially perpendicular to the flow direction, and the air diverter is especially arranged in the region in front of the air channel along the flow direction. Thus, by means of the air diverter, air, especially from the air inlet of the air discharge device, is guided into the first and / or second air channels. Here, there may also be a slight influence on the magnitude of the air flow, just as the metering valve may also slightly influence the direction of the air flow, however, the dimensions of the air discharge device are preferably designed such that these effects are minor. As an alternative to the pivotable planar elements, these planar elements can also be movable, but pivotable planar elements allow for a simple and trouble-free structure.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the first planar element is a metering valve for controlling the magnitude of the air flow, and the second planar element is a first air baffle (Luftschott) for controlling the direction of the air flow. The first air baffle can pivot about an air baffle rotation axis which is offset in the normal direction relative to the imaginary main extension plane of the first air baffle. The first air baffle does not have to be flat here, but can also be slightly curved. The first air baffle can also be understood as part of an imaginary roller which can rotate about the air baffle rotation axis, where the first air baffle forms, for example, a 20-degree circumferential section of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the roller. With the first air baffle, the first or second air channel can be completely closed and opened in particular. Preferably, the air discharge device has a second air baffle which can especially pivot about the air baffle rotation axis together with the first air baffle. The second air baffle can especially be understood as another circumferential section of the mentioned imaginary roller. In particular, the second air baffle and the first air baffle have the same spacing relative to the air baffle rotation axis, although this is not mandatory. If two air baffles are provided, each air baffle especially belongs to one air channel respectively.

[0012] Preferably, the coupling element is a coupling disk rotatable about an axis, which has a control curve for the second planar element. Such a coupling disk enables a simple structure and well-predictable kinematic characteristics. Therefore, the structural implementation is particularly simple.

[0013] In order to realize the coupling of the coupling element to the first planar element according to the invention in the simplest possible way for adjusting only the first planar element, the invention proposes that the coupling element has two stops for adjusting the first planar element. In particular, one of the two stops is used to adjust the first planar element in a first direction, and the other stop of the two stops is used to adjust it in the opposite direction. For a coupling disk rotatable about an axis, the stops are in particular formed by at least partially radially extending edges, which are in particular opposed to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The coupling is achieved by the contact between the stops and a rod, projection or similar element of the first planar element.

[0015] The features and feature combinations, embodiments and design aspects mentioned above in the description of the invention, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively described or drawn combinations, but also in any other combination in principle or individually. The following embodiments of the invention are possible, which do not have all the features of the dependent claims. The individual features of the claims can also be replaced by other disclosed features or feature combinations. The following embodiments of the invention are possible, which do not have all the features of the said embodiments, but rather, if necessary, have in principle any part of the characteristic features of one embodiment in combination with one, several or all the features of one or more other embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0016] The invention will be explained in detail below with the aid of two embodiments shown in the drawings. Shown therein are:

[0017] Figure 1 A first air discharge device according to the invention is shown in perspective;

[0018] Figure 2 and 3 A side view of the same air discharge device in different positions is shown; and

[0019] Figure 4 A second air discharge device according to the invention is shown in perspective. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] In Figure 1The air discharge device 1 shown in the figure has a housing 2 which is flowed through by air and more precisely is flowed through by air from a slightly elongated, rectangular air inlet 3 to a likewise slightly elongated, rectangular air outlet 4 which is opposite along the main flow direction H. Furthermore, depending on the possible installation situation of the air discharge device 1 in a motor vehicle, the extension direction along the respective shorter side is referred to as "along the vertical direction" and the extension direction along the respective longer side of the air outlet 4 is referred to as "along the horizontal direction". Along the horizontal direction, the housing 2 has a constant cross-section which is closed at both horizontal ends. Along the main flow direction H, the vertical extent first remains constant in the inflow region 5 which extends along the main flow direction H over approximately half of the housing 2 and then, in the case of a V-shaped division, expands into an upper first air channel 6 and a lower second air channel 7. Each air channel 6, 7 has an internal air guiding surface 8 which faces away from the opposite internal air guiding surface 8. The internal air guiding surfaces 8 merge into each other at the transition from the inflow region to the air channels 6, 7. After the V-shaped division, the air channels 6, 7 extend parallel to each other for a short distance before they then converge obliquely towards each other and terminate together with the air discharge opening 9 in the air outlet 4. In the region of the air discharge opening 9, the internal air guiding surfaces 8 merge into each other again, such that the housing 2 has a horizontally extending gap 10 between the two air channels 6, 7.

[0021] As mentioned, the housing 2 has a constant cross-section along the horizontal direction. Although not shown, it is also possible to connect the two air channels 6, 7 to each other at the two horizontal ends.

[0022] The volume flow rate of the air, also referred to as the "air flow", can flow through the two air channels 6, 7 and is guided through the air channels 6, 7 obliquely to the air discharge opening 9 along the set flow-through direction, such that the partial air flows flowing out of the air channels 6, 7 converge into an air flow leaving the air discharge device.

[0023] In order to control the magnitude of the air flow, in the inflow region 5 near the air inlet 3, a metering flap 11 as a first planar element 12 is arranged in such a way that it can pivot about a metering flap axis D which is horizontally oriented and vertically centered in the housing 2. The metering flap 11 is rectangular and has a small thickness. The metering flap axis D extends centrally through the metering flap 11. If the metering flap 11 is oriented parallel to the main flow direction H, the air flowing into the housing 2 from an air-conditioning device (not shown) etc. through the air inlet 3 can pass through the metering flap 11 essentially unobstructed. Thus, the magnitude of the air flow reaches its maximum value. Conversely, if the metering flap 11 is pivoted about the metering flap axis D, the cross-section available for the air decreases as the degree of pivoting increases, so that ultimately the magnitude of the air flow also decreases. At a pivot of approximately 70 degrees, the cross-section is completely closed by the metering flap 11, as shown in Figure 1 and 2 , so that no air flow exits the air discharge device 1 any longer. Thus, the magnitude of the air flow reaches its minimum value.

[0024] In order to control the direction of the air flow, an air diverter 13 as a second planar element 14 is arranged in the inflow region 5 in the region immediately preceding the air channels 6, 7. The air diverter 13 is similar in size to the metering flap 11. The air diverter, like the metering flap 11, is rectangular and has a small thickness. The air diverter 13 can pivot about a pivot axis W which is horizontally oriented and vertically centered in the housing. The pivot axis W is arranged at the end of the air diverter 13 facing the air outlet 4 and is thus essentially in the imaginary main extension plane of the air diverter 13. If the air diverter 13 is oriented horizontally as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , approximately the same amount flows into the two air channels 6, 7. The partial air flows of the two air flows exiting the air channels 6, 7 through the air outlets 9 are inclined to each other and merge into a horizontally oriented air flow exiting the air discharge device. Conversely, if the air diverter 13 is pivoted downwards by approximately 30 degrees until it abuts against the housing 2 as shown in Figure 3 , the air flows from the air inlet 2 to the air diverter 13 and is guided by the air diverter only into the upper first air channel 6. The inclined course of the upper first air channel relative to the outlet 4 results in a downwardly directed air flow with a maximum downward deflection angle. If the air diverter 13 is pivoted upwards until it abuts against the housing 2 again (not shown), the air flow is directed upwards with a maximum upward deflection angle. By pivoting to an intermediate position, for example downwards by 10 degrees, the air flow can be controlled arbitrarily between the maximum deflection angles.

[0025] The coupling element 17 configured to couple the coupling disk 16 serves to control and form the coupling mechanism 15 of the two planar elements 12, 14. The coupling disk 16 is horizontally arranged beside the inflow region in the area outside the housing 2 and is arranged between the first and second planar elements 12, 14 with respect to the main flow direction H. The coupling disk 16 can rotate about the coupling disk axis K, which is arranged parallel to the pivot axis W and the metering valve axis D. As a drive element, an electric motor, here a stepper motor, is used to drive the coupling disk 16. The electric motor is not shown here for better overview and is arranged coaxially with the coupling disk axis K, for example.

[0026] The coupling disk 16 generally has the shape of two semi - circles with the same center but different diameters. Due to the different diameters, two radially extending edges are produced on the circumference at the transition between the semi - circles. These radially extending edges form the stops 18, whose function will be discussed later. In the region of the larger semi - circle, the coupling disk 16 is penetrated by a W - shaped, slit - like control curve 19. The guide journal 20 is embedded in the control curve 19 and is arranged at the end of the control rod 21 of the air diverter 13. The control rod 21 is torsionally rigidly connected to the air diverter 13 and is arranged outside the housing 2 like the coupling disk 16. The rotation of the coupling disk 16 can cause the pivoting of the control rod 21 through the control curve 19, whereby the air diverter 13 rotates about the pivot axis W. To adjust the air diverter 13 between two extreme positions (fully down or fully up) according to the desired air direction, a rotation of approximately 160 degrees of the coupling disk 16 is sufficient. The guide journal 20 moves in the middle region of the control curve 19, where the center of the control curve 19 corresponds to the horizontal center position of the air diverter 13, as shown in Figure 1 as shown. If the coupling disk 16 is rotated counterclockwise by 80 degrees as shown in Figure 2 the air diverter 13 is pivoted into the lower extreme position. Further rotation of the coupling disk 16 causes the guiding of the guide journal 20 in one of the two edge regions of the control curve 19. Since the control curve 19 extends along the circumferential direction here, that is, at a constant distance from the coupling disk axis K, the movement of the air diverter 13 does not occur here. Nevertheless, the coupling disk 16 remains permanently coupled to the air diverter 13.

[0027] On the metering valve 11, the metering rod 22 is torsionally resistant and connected to the locating journal (Anlagezapfen) 23. The metering rod 22 is arranged outside the housing 2 like the control rod 21. When adjusting the air diverter 13 as described above, the metering valve 11 is not coupled to the coupling disk 16, but is held in the corresponding position by a holding device (not shown), such as a brake or a locator. If the coupling disk 16 is rotated more than 80 degrees from the intermediate position as described above, then one of the two stops 18 can reach the locating journal 23. The metering valve 11 is adjusted according to how much the coupling disk 16 is rotated, wherein one stop 18 is used for adjustment in the closing direction and the other stop 18 is used for adjustment in the opening direction. Figure 3 The adjustment in the opening direction is shown.

[0028] If the adjustment of the metering valve 11 is completed, then the metering valve 11 is held in the set position by the holding device and the coupling disk 16 is rotated in the reverse direction to such an extent until the desired position of the air diverter 13 is reached. Here, the stop 18 temporarily coupled to the locating journal 23 is released from the locating journal 23 again.

[0029] At Figure 4The second embodiment shown has much in common with the first embodiment. Components with the same function are thus denoted by the same reference numerals and the following description focuses on the different features. The housing 2 of the second embodiment has an inflow region 5 in which, in the vicinity of the air inlet 3, a metering flap 11 is again arranged as a first planar element 12. Also before the housing 2 branches into two air channels 6, 7, the housing 2 widens and then tapers again in the form of a cylindrical section 24 in the vertical direction. A roller body 25 with a first air partition 26 and a second air partition 27 is arranged in this region and is centered with respect to the cylindrical section 24. The roller body 25 is supported at its two horizontal ends in such a way that it can pivot about the air partition rotation axis L with a sliding bearing 28. The two air partitions 26, 27 are held by connecting pieces 29 extending radially from the sliding bearing 28 and are oriented horizontally. The first air partition 26 forms a second planar element 14, and the second air partition 27 forms a third planar element 30. The main extension planes of the air partitions 26, 27 are each arranged such that the air partition rotation axis L is offset in the normal direction. The two air partitions 26, 17 are slightly curved here and lie within an imaginary cylindrical surface around the air partition rotation axis L. The air partitions 26, 27 each extend within a range of approximately 45 degrees of the cylindrical surface, so that there is an approximately 80-degree spacing on one side and an approximately 190-degree spacing on the other side between the air partitions 26, 27. The roller body 25 with the air partitions 26, 27 can be rotated such that either the first air partition 26 completely or partially blocks the first air channel 6, or the second air partition 27 completely or partially blocks the second air channel 7. If the roller body 25 is in the Figure 4 position shown, the inlets to the two air channels 6, 7 are open. Thus, by pivoting about the air partition rotation axis L, the direction of the air flow can be controlled, where, as with the air diverter 13 of the first embodiment, there is also a minor additional influence on the magnitude of the air flow in this embodiment. Thus, the pivoting of the roller body 30 corresponds to the pivoting of the air diverter 13 of the first embodiment. A rotation within an angular range of approximately 90 degrees about the air partition rotation axis L, that is, a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of 45 degrees each starting from the Figure 4 intermediate position shown, is sufficient to adjust the direction of the air flow.

[0030] As in the air diverter 13, a control rod 21 is arranged torsionally resistant on the roller body 25 outside the housing 2. Different from the first embodiment, the control rod 21 is at the same time a coupling element 17, and the drive element (not shown) acts directly on the roller body 25. The longitudinal sides of the control rod 21 form stops 18. As in the first embodiment, the metering valve 11 has a metering rod 22 with a positioning journal 23. By rotation of the roller body 25 over an angular range of more than about 90 degrees as described above, one of the two stops 18 can reach the positioning journal 23. Thus, the adjustment of the metering valve 11 is carried out similarly to the first embodiment.

[0031] These two embodiments can have additional planar elements, which are especially used to control the direction of the air flow in another dimension (not shown).

[0032] List of reference numerals

[0033] 1 Air discharge device

[0034] 2 Housing

[0035] 3 Air inlet

[0036] 4 Air outlet

[0037] 5 Inflow area

[0038] 6 First air channel

[0039] 7 Second air duct

[0040] 8 Internal air guiding surface

[0041] 9 Air discharge opening

[0042] 10 Notch

[0043] 11 Metering valve

[0044] 12 First planar element

[0045] 13 Air diverter

[0046] 14 Second planar element

[0047] 15 Coupling mechanism

[0048] 16 Coupling disk

[0049] 17 Coupling element

[0050] 18 Stop

[0051] 19 Control curve

[0052] 20 Guide journal

[0053] 21 Control lever

[0054] 22 Metering rod

[0055] 23 Positioning journal

[0056] 24 Cylindrical section

[0057] 25 Roller body

[0058] 26 First air baffle

[0059] 27 Second air baffle

[0060] 28 Sliding bearing of roller body 25

[0061] 29 Connecting piece

[0062] 30 Third planar element

[0063] D Metering valve axis

[0064] H Main flow direction

[0065] K Coupling disk axis

[0066] L Air baffle rotation axis

[0067] W Pivot axis of air diverter 13.

Claims

1. Air discharge device, comprising - a first planar element (12) and a second planar element (14), by means of which the air flow leaving the air discharge device can be changed both in terms of its direction and its magnitude, - a drive element, and - a mechanical coupling mechanism (15) between the drive element and the two planar elements (12, 14), such that the two planar elements (12, 14) can be adjusted using the same drive element, wherein, The coupling mechanism (15) has a coupling element (17), the second planar element (14) is in permanent engagement with the coupling element (17), and the first planar element (12) can be driven via the coupling element (17) for adjustment, characterized in that, after adjusting the first planar element (12), - the first planar element (12) can be decoupled from the coupling element (17), and - the second planar element (14) can be adjusted independently of the first planar element (12).

2. The air discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air discharge device - has first and second air channels (6, 7), the first and second air channels each have an air discharge opening (9), and the first and second air channels extend obliquely towards the air discharge opening (9) along the set flow direction of the air through the air channels (6, 7) and towards each other, such that partial air flows flowing out of the air channels (6, 7) through the two air discharge openings (9) converge into an air flow leaving the air discharge device, - and the volume flow rate through the two air channels (6, 7) can be controlled using the first planar element (12) and the second planar element (14), such that the air flow can be changed not only in terms of its direction but also in terms of its magnitude.

3. The air discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first planar element (12) is a metering valve (11) for controlling the magnitude of the air flow, and the second planar element (14) is an air diverter (13) for controlling the direction of the air flow, and the air diverter (13) can pivot about a pivot axis (W), which is substantially in the imaginary main extension plane of the air diverter (13).

4. The air discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first planar element (12) is a metering valve (11) for controlling the magnitude of the air flow, and the second planar element (14) is a first air baffle (26) for controlling the direction of the air flow, the first air baffle (26) can pivot about an air baffle rotation axis (L), the air baffle rotation axis is offset in the normal direction relative to the imaginary main extension plane of the first air baffle (26), and a second air baffle (27) can pivot together with the first air baffle (26) about the air baffle rotation axis (L).

5. The air discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The coupling element (17) has a single coupling disk (16) that can rotate about a coupling disk axis (K), the coupling disk has a single control curve (19), the second planar element (14) is in engagement with the single control curve (19), wherein the first planar element (12) can be driven via the single coupling disk (16) and decoupled from the single control curve (19).

6. The air discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The coupling element (17) has two stops (18) for driving the first planar element (12).

7. A method for moving an air discharge device, the air discharge device having - a first planar element (12) and a second planar element (14), by means of which the air flow leaving the air discharge device can be changed both in terms of its direction and its magnitude, - a drive element, and - a mechanical coupling mechanism (15) between the drive element and the two planar elements (12, 14), such that the two planar elements (12, 14) can be adjusted using the same drive element, wherein, The coupling mechanism (15) has a coupling element (17), wherein, - The second planar element (14) is in permanent engagement with the coupling element (17), and - The first planar element (12) is driven and adjusted via the coupling element (17), characterized in that the first planar element (12) is coupled to the coupling element (17) for the adjustment process, and in order to change the adjustment direction of the first planar element (12): - The first planar element (12) is decoupled from the coupling element (17), and - The second planar element (14) is adjusted independently of the first planar element (12).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, During operation of the drive element, the first planar element (12) is coupled to the coupling element (17) only during adjustment and is otherwise decoupled from the coupling element (17).

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