Adjustable vane for vehicle outlet

Abstract

Adjustable vanes for a vehicle outlet. An outlet to output air onto an inner surface of a windshield of a vehicle, the outlet comprising: a housing comprising: a first opening configured to receive air output by a blower; a second opening to output air toward the inner surface of the windshield; N sets of tracks formed within the housing, where N is an integer greater than 1; N vanes that are flexible and each slide along a respective one of the N sets of tracks; and an actuator coupled to each of the N vanes and configured to respectively slide the N vanes along the N sets of tracks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the overall context of this disclosure. The work of the currently attributed inventors, to the extent described in this section, and in all aspects of that description which at the time of filing may not be regarded as prior art, is neither expressly nor implicitly considered prior art to this disclosure.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle, and more particularly to adjustable blades configured to output air from the vehicle's HVAC system to the windshield. Background Technology

[0003] The vehicle's HVAC system includes two or more heat exchangers for providing heating and cooling to the vehicle's passenger compartment. The HVAC system can also be used to defrost the vehicle's windshield and defog the inner surface of the windshield.

[0004] A refrigerant pump delivers refrigerant to a heat exchanger. The HVAC system's blower increases the airflow passing through this heat exchanger to cool the air in the passenger compartment. The blower can also increase the airflow through a second heat exchanger to warm the air in the passenger compartment. This second heat exchanger may, for example, receive warm engine coolant from the engine. Alternatively, heat can be generated for the second heat exchanger via electricity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one feature, an air outlet for discharging air onto the inner surface of a vehicle's windshield is described. The air outlet includes: a housing comprising: a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a first opening configured to receive air output by a blower; a second opening for discharging air toward the inner surface of the windshield; first and second tracks formed on the first surface; third and fourth tracks formed on the second surface; a flexible blade including first, second, third, and fourth extensions, wherein the first and second extensions extend into and slide along the first and second tracks, and wherein the third and fourth extensions extend into and slide along the third and fourth tracks; and an actuator coupled to at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions and configured to, via movement of said at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions: slide the first and second extensions along the first and second tracks; and slide the third and fourth extensions along the third and fourth tracks.

[0006] In a further feature, the air outlet further includes: fifth and sixth tracks formed on a first surface; seventh and eighth tracks formed on a second surface; a second blade, which is flexible and includes fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions, wherein the fifth and sixth extensions extend into and slide along the fifth and sixth tracks, and wherein the seventh and eighth extensions extend into and slide along the seventh and eighth tracks, wherein the actuator is further coupled to at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions and is further configured to: slide the fifth and sixth extensions along the fifth and sixth tracks; and slide the seventh and eighth extensions along the seventh and eighth tracks by moving at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions.

[0007] In a further feature, the blade and the second blade comprise rubber.

[0008] In a further feature, the actuator is configured to move simultaneously the following two: (a) at least one of the first, second, third and fourth extensions and (b) at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth extensions.

[0009] In a further feature, the first length of the leaf blade differs from the second length of the second leaf blade.

[0010] In a further feature, the actuator includes an electric motor.

[0011] In a further feature, the actuator further includes an arm coupled at a first end to at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions, wherein an electric motor is configured to move at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions by moving the arm.

[0012] In a further feature, the actuator further includes a gear and a lever arm, the lever arm including teeth that mesh with the teeth of the gear, wherein the motor is configured to drive rotation of the gear and the lever arm, and wherein the lever arm is coupled to a second end of the arm.

[0013] Among the further features, the blades have a rectangular prism shape.

[0014] In a further feature, the first, second, third and fourth extensions extend outward from the side surface away from the blade.

[0015] Among further features, the first, second, third, and fourth orbitals are bow-shaped.

[0016] In a further feature, the shell has a trapezoidal prism shape, and the area of ​​the first opening is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening.

[0017] In a further feature, the first, second, third, and fourth tracks include openings through the housing.

[0018] In a further feature, the air outlet further includes: N additional blades, which are flexible and each includes a set of four extensions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to two; N sets of four tracks, wherein the first two of each set of four tracks are formed on a second surface and the last two of each set of four tracks are formed on a first surface, wherein the four extensions of each blade extend into and slide along the corresponding tracks of the set of four tracks of the blade.

[0019] In a further feature, the actuator is configured to selectively actuate the blade to the fully open position and to the fully closed position.

[0020] In a further feature, the actuator is configured to selectively actuate the blades to a position between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

[0021] In a further feature, the actuator is configured to selectively actuate the blades to a number of different positions between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

[0022] In a further feature, the actuator is configured to selectively oscillate the blades back and forth between two positions.

[0023] In a further feature, the blade is configured to: when the blade is in a first position, deliver air to the inner surface of the windshield in a first direction; when the blade is in a second position, deliver air to the inner surface of the windshield in a second direction; and when the blade is in a third position, deliver air to the inner surface of the windshield in a third direction.

[0024] One feature describes an air outlet for discharging air onto the inner surface of a vehicle's windshield. The air outlet includes: a housing comprising: a first opening configured to receive air supplied by a blower; a second opening for discharging air toward the inner surface of the windshield; N sets of tracks formed within the housing, where N is an integer greater than 1; N flexible blades, each sliding along a corresponding one of the N sets of tracks; and an actuator coupled to each of the N blades and configured to cause each of the N blades to slide along the N sets of tracks.

[0025] Further applicability of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] The present invention also provides the following technical solutions:

[0027] 1. An air vent for discharging air onto the inner surface of a vehicle's windshield, said air vent comprising:

[0028] The housing includes:

[0029] First surface;

[0030] A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface;

[0031] The first opening is configured to receive air output from the blower;

[0032] The second opening is used to direct air toward the inner surface of the windshield;

[0033] First and second orbitals formed on the first surface;

[0034] The third and fourth orbitals are formed on the second surface;

[0035] The blade is flexible and includes first, second, third, and fourth extensions.

[0036] The first and second extensions extend into and slide along the first and second tracks, and

[0037] Wherein, the third and fourth extensions extend into and slide along the third and fourth tracks; and

[0038] An actuator, coupled to at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions and configured to move said at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions:

[0039] Slide the first and second extensions along the first and second tracks; and

[0040] The third and fourth extensions are slid along the third and fourth tracks.

[0041] 2. The air outlet according to technical solution 1 further includes:

[0042] The fifth and sixth orbitals are formed on the first surface;

[0043] The seventh and eighth orbitals are formed on the second surface;

[0044] The second blade is flexible and includes fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions.

[0045] The fifth and sixth extensions extend into and slide along the fifth and sixth tracks, and

[0046] The seventh and eighth extensions extend into and slide along the seventh and eighth tracks.

[0047] The actuator is further coupled to at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions and is further configured to move the at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions:

[0048] Slide the fifth and sixth extensions along the fifth and sixth tracks; and

[0049] The seventh and eighth extensions are slid along the seventh and eighth tracks.

[0050] 3. The air outlet according to technical solution 2, wherein the blade and the second blade comprise rubber.

[0051] 4. The air outlet according to technical solution 2, wherein the actuator is configured to move simultaneously the following two: (a) at least one of the first, second, third and fourth extensions and (b) at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth extensions.

[0052] 5. The air outlet according to technical solution 2, wherein the first length of the blade is different from the second length of the second blade.

[0053] 6. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the actuator includes an electric motor.

[0054] 7. The air outlet according to technical solution 6, wherein the actuator further includes an arm, the arm being connected at a first end to at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions.

[0055] The electric motor is configured to move at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions by moving the arm.

[0056] 8. The air outlet according to technical solution 7, wherein the actuator further includes a gear and a lever arm, the lever arm including teeth meshing with the teeth of the gear.

[0057] The motor is configured to drive the rotation of the gear and the lever arm, and

[0058] The lever arm is connected to the second end of the arm.

[0059] 9. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the blade has a rectangular prism shape.

[0060] 10. The air outlet according to technical solution 9, wherein the first, second, third and fourth extensions extend outward from the side surface away from the blade.

[0061] 11. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth tracks are arc-shaped.

[0062] 12. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the housing has a trapezoidal prism shape, and the area of ​​the first opening is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening.

[0063] 13. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth tracks include openings passing through the housing.

[0064] 14. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the air outlet further comprises:

[0065] N additional blades, which are flexible and each includes a set of four extensions.

[0066] Where N is an integer greater than or equal to two;

[0067] N groups of four orbitals, wherein the first two orbitals in each group are formed on the second surface, and the last two orbitals in each group are formed on the first surface.

[0068] The four extensions of each blade extend into and slide along the corresponding tracks of the set of four tracks of the blade.

[0069] 15. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the actuator is configured to selectively:

[0070] Actuate the blade to the fully open position; and

[0071] The blade is actuated to the fully closed position.

[0072] 16. The air outlet according to technical solution 15, wherein the actuator is configured to selectively actuate the blade to a position between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

[0073] 17. The air outlet according to technical solution 15, wherein the actuator is configured to selectively actuate the blades to a plurality of different positions between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

[0074] 18. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the actuator is configured to selectively oscillate the blades back and forth between two positions.

[0075] 19. The air outlet according to technical solution 1, wherein the blade is configured as follows:

[0076] When the blade is in the first position, air is output to the inner surface of the windshield in the first direction;

[0077] When the blade is in the second position, air is output to the inner surface of the windshield along the second direction; and

[0078] When the blade is in the third position, air is output to the inner surface of the windshield in a third direction.

[0079] 20. An air vent for discharging air onto the inner surface of a vehicle's windshield, said air vent comprising:

[0080] The housing includes:

[0081] The first opening is configured to receive air output from the blower;

[0082] The second opening is used to direct air toward the inner surface of the windshield;

[0083] N sets of orbits are formed within the shell, where N is an integer greater than 1;

[0084] N blades, which are flexible and each slides along a corresponding one of the N sets of tracks; and

[0085] An actuator is coupled to each of the N blades and configured to cause the N blades to slide along the N sets of tracks, respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0086] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0087] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of an example portion of a vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system;

[0088] Figure 2 This is a top view of the example vehicle;

[0089] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment including an air outlet with adjustable blades.

[0090] Figures 4A-4B This is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the blade;

[0091] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the fully open position;

[0092] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the fully open position, with the components arranged adjacent to the first side of the housing and the blades shown as an illusion;

[0093] Figure 7 This is another perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the fully open position;

[0094] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the first side of the housing when the blades are in the fully open position;

[0095] Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of the air outlet when the blades are in the fully open position;

[0096] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the partially open position between the fully open and fully closed positions;

[0097] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the partially open position, with the components arranged adjacent to the first side of the housing and the blades shown as an illusion;

[0098] Figure 12 This is another perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the partially open position;

[0099] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the first side of the housing when the blades are in the partially open position;

[0100] Figure 14 This is a top perspective view of the air outlet when the blades are in the partially open position;

[0101] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the fully closed position;

[0102] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the fully closed position, with the components arranged adjacent to the first side of the housing and the blades shown as an illusion;

[0103] Figure 17 This is another perspective view of the air outlet facing the second side of the housing when the blades are in the fully closed position;

[0104] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the air outlet facing the first side of the housing when the blades are in the fully closed position;

[0105] Figure 19 This is a top perspective view of the air outlet when the blades are in a partially closed position;

[0106] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the air outlet without a casing when the blades are in the partially open position, looking at the second side of the casing.

[0107] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the air outlet without a casing when the blades are in the partially open position, looking at the first side of the casing.

[0108] Figure 22 This is a functional block diagram of an example air outlet control system; and

[0109] Figure 23 Example illustrations include oscillating airflow.

[0110] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to indicate similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0111] The defrost ducts and grilles of a vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may include fixed blades. The blower of the HVAC system blows air through the ducts, blades, and grilles onto the vehicle's windshield.

[0112] However, fixed blades can only direct air from the HVAC system to a limited and specific area of ​​the windshield. This allows for quick defrosting / defogging of those areas, while defrosting / defogging of other areas may be slower. Fixed blades may also be less aesthetically pleasing.

[0113] This application relates to an air outlet comprising adjustable airfoil blades that direct airflow from a blower to different sections of the windshield. For example, these blades can be adjusted during use to clear different areas of the windshield and / or the entire windshield faster than could be achieved with fixed blades. The adjustable blades can also be closable to provide a solid surface appearance when closed. Adjustable blades may also be more aesthetically / visually pleasing than fixed blades.

[0114] Figure 1This is a functional block diagram of an example portion of a vehicle's HVAC system. A blower 104 blows air into a duct 108. The blower 104 may draw air from, for example, the vehicle's engine compartment, the vehicle's passenger compartment, and / or another suitable location.

[0115] A duct is fluidly connected to an air outlet 112. Airflow from the air outlet 112 flows onto a windshield 116 (such as the front windshield or rear windshield of a vehicle). While an example of a windshield has been provided, this application can also be applied to other types of glass, such as windows.

[0116] The blades of the air outlet 112 control the airflow toward the windshield 116, as discussed further below. The HVAC system may include other components not shown, such as one or more actuators, ducts, two or more heat exchangers (e.g., one for cooling and one for heating), and / or one or more other components configured to regulate where air is drawn in and where it is output.

[0117] Figure 2 This is a top view of an example vehicle including a (front) windshield 116. The vehicle also includes a rear windshield 202. Although an example of windshield 116 will be discussed below, this application can also be applied to the rear windshield 202.

[0118] As discussed above, the blades 204 of the air outlet 112 control the airflow toward the windshield 116. Figure 2 In the example, blade 204 is shown in the fully closed position. However, as discussed further below, blade 204 can be adjusted between a fully open position and a fully closed position (including the endpoints). Furthermore, while an example of eight blades is provided and will be discussed, the outlet 112 may include a larger or smaller number of blades.

[0119] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the air outlet 112. Blades 204 are disposed within a housing 304 (such as a rectangular prism housing or a trapezoidal prism housing). The housing 304 may be a two-piece housing as shown, comprising a first piece 305 and a second piece 306. Alternatively, the housing 304 may be a single piece or more than two pieces.

[0120] The housing 304 includes several pairs of tracks 308 for the blades 204. Each pair of tracks includes a first track, such as a first track 312, and a second track 316. The first track 312 and the second track 316 of each pair of tracks may each be arcuate, as shown.

[0121] Each of the blades 204 may be associated with two pairs of tracks 308, such as a pair of tracks on a first surface 320 of the housing 304 and a second pair of tracks on a second surface 324 of the housing 304. The first surface 320 is opposite to the second surface 324.

[0122] Each track includes a recess (e.g., a groove) in the inner surface of an associated one of the first surface (or component) 320 and the second surface (or component) 324, or an aperture through an associated one of the first surface 320 and the second surface 324. In various embodiments, both recesses and apertures may be included. For example, an aperture may be used to connect to an actuator, as discussed further below.

[0123] Each of the blades 204 includes four extensions 328, such as extensions 328-1, 328-2, 328-3 and 328-4. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Example perspective views of one of the blades 204 when in the fully open position and when in the closed (e.g., partially) position. Each of the blades 204 includes a first surface 404 and a second surface 408 opposite to the first surface 404. Each of the blades 204 also includes a first lateral side 412 and a second lateral side 416 opposite to the first lateral side 412.

[0124] The extensions extend outward from the first lateral surface 412 and the second lateral surface 416 (e.g., vertically). For example, extensions 328-1 and 328-2 extend outward from the first side towards side 412, and extensions 328-3 and 328-4 extend outward from the second side towards side 416. Extension 328 may be cylindrical or have another suitable shape.

[0125] Extension 328 may also be referred to as a pin. Extension 328 may be made of a rigid material, such as plastic, nylon, or another suitable material. The body of blade 204, defined by the first surface 404 and the second surface 408, and the first lateral side 412 and the second lateral side 416, may comprise a flexible material, such as rubber, or another suitable material. The body of blade 204 may also comprise one or more other materials, such as plastic. The body of blade 204 may be formed, for example, via a two-shot process that includes plastic and rubber.

[0126] When in the fully open position, the body of blade 204 can be a rectangular prism (cubic prism), such as in... Figure 4A As shown in the example. When the blade 204 is in the partially closed and fully closed positions, the body of the blade 204 can form an arcuate rectangular prism, such as in... Figure 4B As shown in the example.

[0127] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The blades 204 may have different dimensions, such as the length 420 (and therefore the area) of their respective first surface 404 and second surface 408. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the length of the blades 204 positioned closer to the horizontal centerline 332 may be shorter than the length of the blades 204 positioned further away from the horizontal centerline 332. The length of the blades 204 may increase as they are moved horizontally away from the horizontal centerline 332. While examples of blades of different lengths are provided, this application is also applicable to blades of the same length. In various embodiments, the housing 304 may include a central divider 336 at the horizontal centerline 332 to divide the blades 204 into two groups of blades, such as a first group of blades for the left half of the windshield and a second group of blades for the right half of the windshield.

[0128] When in the fully open position, blade 204 is within a predetermined range of the horizontal centerline 332. In various embodiments, this predetermined range may be, for example, 0-10 degrees. When blade 204 is in the fully closed position, blade 204 may be coplanar and entirely located on the horizontal plane (i.e., at 0 degrees to the horizontal plane).

[0129] like Figure 3 As shown, two of the extensions 328 of each blade extend into and slide along their associated ones of the tracks 308 on the first surface 320 of the housing 304, and two other extensions of each blade extend into and slide along their associated ones of the tracks 308 on the second surface 324 of the housing 304. For example, extension 328-4 extends into and slides along track 312 on the first surface 320, and extension 328-2 extends into and slides along track 312 on the second surface 324. Extension 328-3 extends into and slides along track 316 on the first surface 320, and extension 328-1 extends into and slides along track 316 on the second surface 324.

[0130] The actuator selectively actuates the blade 204 to a fully open position, a fully closed position, and one or more positions between the fully open and fully closed positions via the arm 340. The arm 340 may be L-shaped and may extend horizontally away from the horizontal centerline 332 or vertically toward the windshield 116.

[0131] Arm 340 includes an aperture 344, and multiple extensions extend through the aperture 344 in the arm 340. In various embodiments, the arms 340 of the first group 356 may be positioned adjacent to the first piece 305 of the housing 304. Extensions 328-4 of the first group of blades 204 (e.g., for the right half of the windshield 116) extend into the aperture 344 of the arms 340 of the first group 356. The first group of blades 204 are actuated by the arms 340 of the first group 356. Arms 340 of the second group 357 may be positioned adjacent to the second piece 306 of the housing 304. Extensions 328-1 of the second group of blades 204 (e.g., for the left half of the windshield 116) extend into the aperture 344 of the arms 340 of the second group 357. The second group of blades 204 are actuated by the arms 340 of the second group 357.

[0132] exist Figure 3 In the example, arm 340 moves blade 204 between a fully open position and a fully closed position via motor 348. Motor 348 can be, for example, a stepper motor or another suitable type of electric motor.

[0133] The rotation of the output shaft of motor 348 causes the worm gear 352 to rotate. The worm gear 352 meshes with the first drive gear 354. The rotation of the worm gear 352 in a first direction drives the first drive gear 354 to rotate in a second direction. The rotation of the worm gear 352 in a third direction opposite to the first direction drives the first drive gear 354 to rotate in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction.

[0134] The second lever arm 340 of the second group 357 is connected to the first lever arm 358. For example... Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the first half of the arm 340 of the second group 357 can be connected to the inside of the first lever arm 358, and the second half of the arm 340 of the second group 357 can be connected to the outside of the first lever arm 358. This minimizes the packaging space.

[0135] The first lever arm 358 includes a first tooth 360 that meshes with the teeth of the first distribution gear 354. Clockwise rotation of the first distribution gear 354 drives the first lever arm 358 to rotate counterclockwise about axis 364. Counterclockwise rotation of the first distribution gear 354 drives the first lever arm 358 to rotate clockwise about axis 364. As used herein, clockwise, counterclockwise, and other translational directions can be described from the angle of view of the rotating component from the side of the housing 304.

[0136] The counterclockwise rotation of the first lever arm 358 causes the arm 340 of the second group 357 to translate horizontally toward the horizontal center line 332, thereby actuating or moving the second group of blades 204 toward the fully open position. The clockwise rotation of the first lever arm 358 causes the arm 340 of the second group 357 to translate horizontally away from the horizontal center line 332, thereby actuating or moving the second group of blades 204 toward the fully closed position.

[0137] A first transfer gear 354 is connected to the first end of a shaft 368. The first transfer gear 354 drives the rotation of the shaft 368. The shaft 368 extends through the housing 304, and a second transfer gear 372 is connected to the second end of the shaft 368. Counterclockwise rotation of the first transfer gear 354 (when viewing the first transfer gear 354) drives clockwise rotation of the second transfer gear 372 (when viewing the second transfer gear 372). Clockwise rotation of the first transfer gear 354 (when viewing the first transfer gear 354) drives counterclockwise rotation of the second transfer gear 372 (when viewing the second transfer gear 372).

[0138] The first lever arm 340 of the first group 356 is connected to the second lever arm 376. For example... Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the first half of the arm 340 of the first group 356 can be connected to the inside of the second lever arm 376, and the second half of the arm 340 of the first group 356 can be connected to the outside of the second lever arm 376. This minimizes the packaging space.

[0139] The second lever arm 376 includes a second tooth 380 that meshes with the teeth of the second distribution gear 372. Counterclockwise rotation of the second distribution gear 372 drives clockwise rotation of the second lever arm 376 about axis 384.

[0140] The counterclockwise rotation of the second lever arm 376 causes the arm 340 of the first group 356 to translate horizontally toward the horizontal center line 332, thereby actuating the first group of blades 204 toward or to the fully open position. The clockwise rotation of the second lever arm 376 causes the arm 340 of the first group 356 to translate horizontally away from the horizontal center line 332, thereby actuating the first group of blades 204 toward or to the fully closed position.

[0141] In view of the above, the first and second sets of blades 204 are simultaneously closed and simultaneously opened via motor 348. Although an example including an actuator with motor 348 is provided, motor 348 may be omitted, and blades 204 may be manually opened or closed, such as via a dial. For example, blades 204 may be positioned once by the vehicle manufacturer before the vehicle is sold and remain thereafter.

[0142] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully open position. Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully open position, wherein the components are arranged adjacent to the first surface 320 of the housing 304 and the blade 204 is shown in illusion. Figure 7 This is another perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully open position. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the first surface 320 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully open position. Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of the air outlet 112 when the blade 204 is in the fully open position.

[0143] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in a partially open position, between the fully open and fully closed positions. Partially opening the blade 204 provides more outward airflow and may be useful for larger windshields. For low blower speeds, the use of the partially open position can increase airflow.

[0144] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the partially open position, wherein the components are arranged adjacent to the first surface 320 of the housing 304 and the blade 204 is shown in illusion. Figure 12 This is another perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 306 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the partially open position. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the first surface 320 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the partially open position. Figure 14 This is a top perspective view of the air outlet 112 when the blade 204 is in the partially open position.

[0145] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully closed position. Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully closed position, wherein the components are arranged adjacent to the first surface 320 of the housing 304 and the blade 204 is shown in illusion. Figure 17This is another perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the second surface 324 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully closed position. Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 facing the first surface 320 of the housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the fully closed position. Figure 19 This is a top perspective view of the outlet 112 when the blades 204 are in the partially closed position. Example airflow direction is... Figure 5-19 The arrow illustrations in the various examples.

[0146] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 without housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the partially open position, looking at the second surface 324 of housing 304. Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the air outlet 112 without housing 304 when the blade 204 is in the partially open position, looking at the first surface 320 of housing 304.

[0147] Figure 22 This is a functional block diagram of an example air outlet control system. The position module 2204 determines the target position 2208 of the blades 204 of the air outlet 112, such as a fully open position, a fully closed position, or a position between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

[0148] Position module 2204 can determine target position 2208 based on one or more operating parameters, such as user input regarding defrosting / defogging of windshield 116 and / or one or more other operating parameters. For example, position module 2204 can set target position 2208 to a predetermined open position in response to receiving user input for defrosting / defogging of windshield 116. Position module 2204 can also change target position 2208 in one or more situations to increase the defrosting / defogging rate of the entire windshield 116. For example, when defrosting / defogging of windshield 116 has not been requested, position module 2204 can set target position 2208 to a fully closed position.

[0149] In various implementations, the position module 2204 can cause the target position 2208 to swing back and forth between two positions, such as a fully open position and a fully closed position. This can, for example, maximize the defrosting / defogging rate of the entire windshield 116. Figure 23 The illustration includes an example of an oscillating airflow, where the airflow in a first position during operation is indicated by a dashed line, and the airflow in a second position during operation is indicated by a solid line.

[0150] The motor control module 2212 receives power 2216 from a power source, such as the vehicle's battery or another suitable power source. The motor control module 2212 applies power to the motor 348 to achieve the target position 2208. This opens or closes the blades 204 to the target position 2208.

[0151] In various embodiments, the vehicle may include a windshield monitoring module 2220. The windshield monitoring module 2220 may include one or more devices configured to monitor fog / frost / snow on the windshield 116. For example, the windshield monitoring module 2220 may include one or more cameras that place the windshield 116 within the field of view of the cameras(s). The windshield monitoring module 2220 may determine, based on images from the cameras, the percentage (e.g., of the total area) of the transparent (uncovered by moisture, snow, or frost) portion of the windshield 116. The windshield monitoring module 2220 may also determine, relative to other areas where there is no moisture, snow, or frost or less moisture, snow, or frost on the windshield 116, one or more areas where there is more or less moisture, snow, or frost on the windshield 116. Position module 2204 may adjust target position 2208 based on input 2224 from windshield monitoring module 2220 to direct more air to one or more areas where there is more or less moisture, snow, or frost on windshield 116. Alternatively, position module 2204 may adjust target position 2208 based on input 2224 from windshield 116 to direct less air to one or more areas where there is less moisture, snow, or frost on windshield 116 or no moisture, snow, or frost at all.

[0152] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with each other remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0153] Spatial and functional relationships between components (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “closely adjacent,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between a first and a second component in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intervening components exist between the first and second components, or it can be an indirect relationship (spatially or functionally) between the first and second components. As used herein, the phrases A, B, and C at least one should be interpreted as referring to the logic (A OR B OR C) using non-exclusive logic OR, and should not be interpreted as referring to “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0154] In the accompanying drawings, the direction of arrows, as indicated by the arrows, typically illustrates the flow of information of interest (such as data or instructions). For example, when components A and B exchange various types of information, but the information transmitted from component A to component B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from component B to component A. Furthermore, for information sent from component A to component B, component B may send a request for the information to component A or receive acknowledgment of the information.

[0155] In this application (including the definitions below), the term "module" or "controller" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0156] A module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functionality of any given module of this disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules connected via the interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow for load balancing. In further examples, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may perform a function on behalf of a client module.

[0157] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuit" covers a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" covers a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The reference to multiple processor circuits covers multiple processor circuits on a discrete die, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuit" covers a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" covers a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0158] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not cover transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0159] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a special-purpose computer created by causing a general-purpose computing mechanism to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The function blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications that can be converted into computer programs through the routine work of skilled technicians or programmers.

[0160] A computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. A computer program may also include or depend on stored data. A computer program may encompass a basic input / output system (BIOS) for interacting with the hardware of a special-purpose computer, device drivers for interacting with specific devices of a special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0161] Computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code executed by an interpreter; and (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time (JIT) compiler, etc. As an example only, source code may be written in languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, JavaScript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language version 5), Ada, ASP (Dynamic Server Web Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessing Language), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

Claims

1. An air vent for discharging air onto the inner surface of a vehicle's windshield, said air vent comprising: The housing includes: First surface; A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; The first opening is configured to receive air output from the blower; The second opening is used to direct air toward the inner surface of the windshield; First and second orbitals formed on the first surface; The third and fourth orbitals are formed on the second surface; The first blade is flexible and includes first, second, third, and fourth extensions. Wherein, the first and second extensions extend into and slide along the first and second tracks, and wherein, the third and fourth extensions extend into and slide along the third and fourth tracks; and An actuator, coupled to at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions and configured to move said at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions: Slide the first and second extensions along the first and second tracks; and The third and fourth extensions slide along the third and fourth tracks; The air outlet further includes: The fifth and sixth orbitals are formed on the first surface; The seventh and eighth orbitals are formed on the second surface; The second blade is flexible and includes fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions. Wherein, the fifth and sixth extensions extend into and slide along the fifth and sixth tracks, and wherein, the seventh and eighth extensions extend into and slide along the seventh and eighth tracks. The actuator is further coupled to at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions and is further configured to move the at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions: Slide the fifth and sixth extensions along the fifth and sixth tracks; and The seventh and eighth extensions slide along the seventh and eighth tracks; The actuator is configured to cause the first blade to slide in a first direction while simultaneously causing the second blade to slide in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first blade and the second blade comprise rubber.

3. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is configured to move at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions and at least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth extensions simultaneously.

4. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first length of the first blade is different from the second length of the second blade.

5. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes an electric motor.

6. The air outlet according to claim 5, wherein, The actuator further includes an arm at a first end connected to at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions. The electric motor is configured to move at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth extensions by moving the arm.

7. The air outlet according to claim 6, wherein, The actuator further includes a gear and a lever arm, the lever arm including teeth that mesh with the teeth of the gear. The motor is configured to drive the rotation of the gear and the lever arm, and The lever arm is connected to the second end of the arm.

8. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first blade has a rectangular prism shape.

9. The air outlet according to claim 8, wherein, The first, second, third and fourth extensions extend outward from the side surface away from the first blade.

10. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first, second, third, and fourth orbits are arc-shaped.

11. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has a trapezoidal prism shape, and the area of ​​the first opening is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening.

12. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first, second, third, and fourth tracks include openings that pass through the housing.

13. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The air outlet further includes: N additional blades, which are flexible and each includes a set of four extensions. Where N is an integer greater than or equal to two; N groups of four orbitals, wherein the first two orbitals in each group are formed on the second surface, and the last two orbitals in each group are formed on the first surface. Each blade has four extensions that extend into and slide along the corresponding tracks of the four tracks of each blade.

14. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is configured to selectively: Actuate the first blade to the fully open position; and The first blade is actuated to the fully closed position.

15. The air outlet according to claim 14, wherein, The actuator is configured to selectively actuate the first blade to a position between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

16. The air outlet according to claim 14, wherein, The actuator is configured to selectively actuate the first blade to a plurality of different positions between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

17. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is configured to selectively oscillate the first blade back and forth between two positions.

18. The air outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first blade is configured as follows: When the first blade is in the first position, air is output to the inner surface of the windshield in the first direction; When the first blade is in the second position, air is output to the inner surface of the windshield in the second direction; as well as When the first blade is in the third position, air is output to the inner surface of the windshield in a third direction.

19. An air vent for discharging air onto the inner surface of a vehicle's windshield, said air vent comprising: The housing includes: The first opening is configured to receive air output from the blower; The second opening is used to direct air toward the inner surface of the windshield; N sets of orbits are formed within the shell, where N is an integer greater than 1; N blades, which are flexible and each slides along a corresponding one of the N sets of tracks; and An actuator, which is coupled to each of the N blades and configured to cause the N blades to slide along the N sets of tracks respectively; The actuator is configured to cause a first blade of the N blades to slide in a first direction and simultaneously cause a second blade of the N blades to slide in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

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