Ventilation system for vehicle interior

Abstract

A ventilation system for a motor vehicle includes a ventilation duct defining a ventilation duct inlet. The ventilation outlet is separated from the ventilation duct inlet. The first vent channel includes a first vent channel inlet in fluid communication with the vent duct inlet and a first channel spout defining a first fluid flow path along a first direction to the vent outlet. The second vent channel includes a second channel inlet in fluid communication with the vent duct inlet and a second channel spout defining a second fluid flow path to the vent outlet in a second direction converging with the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section and in aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a ventilation system for the interior of a vehicle. A vehicle climate control system typically includes an air handling unit and a plurality of vents for delivering air to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vents may be present in the dashboard or other areas of the passenger compartment, such as a head panel, a door panel, or a vehicle console. The vents typically include one or more blades and corresponding actuators that can be operated by a passenger of the vehicle to manipulate the direction of the airflow. Such blades and actuators are typically exposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle to allow easy access and control by the passenger. Summary of the invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a ventilation system for a motor vehicle. The ventilation system includes a ventilation duct, the ventilation duct defining a ventilation duct inlet and a ventilation outlet separated from the ventilation duct inlet. The ventilation system also includes a first ventilation channel, the first ventilation channel includes a first ventilation channel inlet and a first channel nozzle, the first ventilation channel inlet is fluidically connected to the ventilation duct inlet, and the first channel nozzle defines a first fluid flow path along a first direction to the ventilation outlet. The ventilation system also includes a second ventilation channel, the second ventilation channel includes a second ventilation channel inlet and a second channel nozzle, the second ventilation channel inlet is fluidically connected to the ventilation duct inlet, and the second channel nozzle defines a second fluid flow path along a second direction converging with the first direction to the ventilation outlet.

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some instances, the ventilation system further includes a main blade disposed in the ventilation duct inlet and configured to selectively block the first ventilation channel inlet or the second ventilation channel inlet. In some examples, the first ventilation channel and the second ventilation channel are each at least partially defined by a divider panel disposed between the main blade and the ventilation outlet.

[0005] In some configurations, the ventilation system further comprises a first auxiliary blade disposed in the first ventilation channel and a second auxiliary blade disposed in the second ventilation channel, each of the first auxiliary blade and the second auxiliary blade being configured to selectively rotate to direct the air flow in a lateral direction. In some examples, the first auxiliary blade and the second auxiliary blade are recessed from the ventilation outlet.

[0006] In some examples, the height of at least one of the first ventilation channel and the second ventilation channel tapers along the direction from the ventilation duct inlet to the ventilation outlet. In some embodiments, the first ventilation channel extends along a first arc path, and the second ventilation channel extends along a second arc path. In some configurations, the first channel jet includes a first jet outlet defining a first jet axis, and the second channel jet includes a second jet outlet defining a second jet axis converging with the first jet axis. In some examples, the first jet outlet is disposed adjacent to the second jet outlet at the ventilation outlet. In some embodiments, the first jet outlet is separated from the second jet outlet at the ventilation outlet.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an instrument panel for a motor vehicle. The instrument panel includes an upper instrument panel, a lower instrument panel spaced apart from the upper instrument panel, and a ventilation outlet disposed between the upper instrument panel and the lower instrument panel. The instrument panel also includes a ventilation system disposed in the instrument panel and connected to the ventilation outlet. The ventilation system includes a ventilation duct inlet, the ventilation duct including a first ventilation channel, the first ventilation channel including a first ventilation channel inlet and a first channel nozzle, the first ventilation channel inlet is fluidically connected to the ventilation duct inlet, the first channel nozzle defines a first fluid flow path along a first direction to the ventilation outlet; and a second ventilation channel, the second ventilation channel including a second ventilation channel inlet and a second channel nozzle, the second ventilation channel inlet is fluidically connected to the ventilation duct inlet, the second channel nozzle defines a second fluid flow path along a second direction converging with the first direction to the ventilation outlet.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some instances, the ventilation system includes a main blade disposed in the ventilation duct inlet and configured to selectively block the first ventilation channel inlet or the second ventilation channel inlet. In some embodiments, the first ventilation channel and the second ventilation channel are each at least partially defined by a divider panel disposed between the main blade and the ventilation outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ventilation system includes a first auxiliary blade disposed in a first ventilation channel and a second auxiliary blade disposed in a second ventilation channel, each of the first auxiliary blade and the second auxiliary blade being configured to selectively rotate to guide air flow in a lateral direction. In some configurations, the first auxiliary blade and the second auxiliary blade are recessed from the ventilation outlet. In some instances, the height of at least one of the first ventilation channel and the second ventilation channel tapers along a direction from the ventilation duct inlet to the ventilation outlet. In some instances, the first ventilation channel extends along a first arc path, and the second ventilation channel extends along a second arc path.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first channel jet includes a first jet outlet defining a first outlet axis, and the second channel jet includes a second jet outlet defining a second outlet axis converging with the first jet axis. In some configurations, the first jet outlet is disposed adjacent to the second jet outlet at the ventilation outlet. In some examples, the first jet outlet is separated from the second jet outlet at the ventilation outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a ventilation system according to the principles of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 The line 2-2 in Figure 1 A cross-sectional elevation view of a ventilation system;

[0014] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 The line 2-2 in Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system;

[0015] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system of FIG. 1 , wherein the ventilation system is configured to direct air flow in a first configuration;

[0016] Figure 4B yes Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system of FIG. 1 , wherein the ventilation system is configured to direct air flow in a second configuration;

[0017] Figure 4C yes Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system of , wherein the ventilation system is configured to direct air flow in a third configuration;

[0018] Figure 5is a perspective view of another example of a ventilation system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 The line 6-6 in Figure 5 A cross-sectional elevation view of a ventilation system;

[0020] Figure 7 is along Figure 5 The line 6-6 in Figure 5 A cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system;

[0021] Fig. 8A yes Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system of FIG. 1 , wherein the ventilation system is configured to direct air flow in a first configuration;

[0022] Figure 8B yes Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system of FIG. 1 , wherein the ventilation system is configured to direct air flow in a second configuration; and

[0023] Figure 8C yes Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation system of FIG. 1 , wherein the ventilation system is configured to direct air flow in a third configuration.

[0024] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an", and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly states otherwise. The terms "include", "comprise", and "have" are inclusive, and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0027] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0028] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0029] refer to Figure 1-5 , a first example of a ventilation system (vent system) 100 according to the present disclosure is provided. As shown, the ventilation system 100 is incorporated into the instrument panel 14 of the vehicle passenger compartment 12. In particular, the ventilation system 100 can be integrated into the instrument panel 14 between the upper instrument panel 16 and the lower instrument panel 18. Generally, the ventilation system 100 of the illustrated example is configured to minimize the visibility of the ventilation system 100 to passengers sitting in the vehicle passenger compartment 12. Therefore, the components of the ventilation system 100 are recessed into the instrument panel 14 relative to the passenger compartment 12. For example, in the illustrated example, the ventilation system 100 includes a ventilation outlet 102 integrated into the instrument panel 14 between the distal end 20 of the upper instrument panel 16 and the distal end 22 of the lower instrument panel 18. The ventilation outlet 102 is provided as an elongated channel extending continuously along the instrument panel 14.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel 14 shows the internal components of the ventilation system 100, which are generally recessed from the ventilation outlet 102 so that the internal components of the ventilation system 100 are not visible to the vehicle occupant P sitting in the passenger compartment 12. The ventilation system 100 includes a ventilation duct 104, which is configured to provide a fluid passage 106 from a climate control system (not shown) of the vehicle 10 to the ventilation outlet 102. As shown, the ventilation duct 104 includes a top ventilation duct plate 108 and a bottom ventilation duct plate 110, which is spaced apart from the top ventilation duct plate 108 to define a height H of the passage 106. 106 Although not shown, the duct 104 further includes a pair of side duct panels, each of which extends from the top duct panel 108 and the bottom duct panel 110. The top duct panel 108 includes a top duct surface 112, and the bottom duct panel 110 includes a bottom duct surface 114, which faces the top duct surface 112 and is along the longitudinal axis A of the duct 104. 104 Spaced from the top duct surface 112 to define a height H of the passage 106 106 The length of the ventilation duct 104 can be described as being along the longitudinal axis A. 104 Extending from the ventilation duct inlet 116 to the ventilation outlet 102 . The ventilation duct inlet 116 is disposed at a first end of the ventilation duct 104 and is configured to interface and communicate with a climate control system of the vehicle 10 .

[0031] The ventilation duct 104 also includes an intermediate portion or ventilation cavity 117 disposed between the ventilation duct inlet 116 and the ventilation outlet 102. In the illustrated example, the ventilation cavity 117 is disposed adjacent to the ventilation outlet 102 and defines a pair of ventilation passages 118, 120 that provide ventilation along the longitudinal axis A. 104 The ventilation cavity 117 includes a ventilation cavity divider 122 disposed between the top ventilation duct plate 108 and the bottom ventilation duct plate 110. The length of the ventilation cavity divider 122 is along the longitudinal axis A. 104 The ventilation cavity divider 122 extends from a first end 124 at the ventilation duct inlet 116 to a second end 126 at the ventilation outlet 102. The ventilation cavity divider 122 includes an upper divider surface 128 extending from the first end 124 to the second end 126 and an opposite lower divider surface 130 formed on an opposite side of the upper divider surface 128. The distance from the upper divider surface 128 to the lower divider surface 130 defines the height of the ventilation cavity divider 122.

[0032] Still reference Figure 2, the ventilation cavity 117 and the ventilation cavity divider 122 cooperate to define an upper ventilation channel 118 and a lower ventilation channel 120. In particular, the upper divider surface 128 is opposite (i.e., facing) and spaced apart from the top ventilation duct surface 112 defined by the top ventilation duct plate 108 to define the upper ventilation channel 118 that provides fluid communication from the ventilation duct inlet 116 to the ventilation outlet 102. Similarly, the lower divider surface 130 is opposite (i.e., facing) and spaced apart from the bottom ventilation duct surface 114 defined by the bottom ventilation duct plate 110 to define the lower ventilation channel 120 that provides fluid communication from the ventilation duct inlet 116 to the ventilation outlet 102.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the ventilation cavity surfaces 112, 114, 128, 130 provide an arcuate profile for the ventilation channels 118, 120. For example, the top ventilation duct surface 112 and the opposing bottom ventilation duct surface 114 each have a concave curvature extending between the ventilation duct inlet 116 and the ventilation outlet 102, while the upper ventilation divider surface 128 and the lower divider surface 130 each have a convex curvature extending between the first end 124 of the ventilation cavity divider 122 and the second end 126 of the ventilation cavity divider 122. Thus, the upper ventilation channel 118 follows a longitudinal axis A relative to the ventilation duct 104. 104 The lower ventilation channel 120 follows an arc-shaped path with a concave curvature relative to the longitudinal axis A. 104 The second end 126 of the ventilation cavity divider 122 forms a point at the ventilation outlet 102 where the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120 initially diverge from each other from the ventilation duct inlet 116 and then converge toward each other at the ventilation outlet 102. In this particular example, the ventilation channels 118, 120 converge with each other at the ventilation outlet 102. In other words, the second end 126 of the ventilation cavity divider 122 forms a point at the ventilation outlet 102 where the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120 intersect.

[0034] Still reference Figure 2, each of the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120 includes a ventilation channel inlet 132, 136 and a ventilation channel nozzle 134, 138. In particular, the upper ventilation channel 118 includes an upper ventilation channel inlet 132 extending from the ventilation duct inlet 116 and an upper ventilation channel nozzle 134 extending from the upper ventilation channel inlet 132 to the ventilation outlet 102. Similarly, the lower ventilation channel 120 includes a lower channel inlet 136 extending from the ventilation duct inlet 116 and a lower ventilation channel nozzle 138 extending from the lower ventilation channel inlet 136 to the ventilation outlet 102. The ventilation channel inlets 132, 136 correspond to the aforementioned portions of the ventilation channels 118, 120 that diverge from each other, while the ventilation channel nozzles correspond to the portions of the ventilation channels 118, 120 that converge toward each other. Therefore, each of the ventilation channel nozzles 134, 138 defines a corresponding ventilation nozzle axis A 134 , A 138 , ventilation nozzle axis A 134 , A 138 Along the longitudinal axis A 104 The directions of the light rays toward the ventilation outlet 102 converge with each other.

[0035] like Figure 2 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the ventilation duct divider 122 is arranged along the longitudinal axis A in the ventilation cavity 117. 104 The offset configuration provides each of the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120 with a tapered height H from the ventilation duct inlet 116 to the ventilation outlet 102. 118 , H 120 In particular, the height H of the ventilation passages 118, 120 is 118 , H 120 The upper and lower ventilation channel nozzles 134 and 138 taper gradually, which results in an increase in the velocity of the airflow A at the ventilation outlet 102 .

[0036] Continue to refer Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the ventilation system 100 includes a main blade or flap 140, which is disposed in the ventilation duct inlet 116 at the first end 124 of the ventilation chamber divider 122. The main blade 140 is configured to selectively allow air flow A to enter the upper ventilation channel 118 and / or the lower ventilation duct channel 120. The main blade 140 includes a first end 142, which is pivotally attached to the ventilation duct 104 adjacent to the first end 124 of the ventilation chamber divider 122. The length of the main blade 140 extends from the first end 142 to a distal second end 144 disposed in the ventilation duct inlet 116. The main blade 140 is configured so that the second end 144 pivots or rotates about the first end 142 to be in an "up" position ( Figure 4A ) and the "down" position ( Figure 4B ). In the upward position, the distal end 144 contacts the top ventilation duct surface 112 in the ventilation duct inlet 116 to block the air flow A from entering the upper ventilation channel 118. Conversely, in the downward position, the distal end 144 contacts the bottom ventilation duct surface 114 to block the air flow A from flowing to the lower ventilation channel 120. As described below, the main blade 140 can also be moved to an intermediate position ( Figure 4C ) to proportionally control the air flow A entering both the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120.

[0037] In addition to the main blades 140, the ventilation system 100 also includes a pair of secondary blades 148 respectively disposed in each of the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120. The secondary blades 148 include a series of secondary blade flaps 152, each of which is attached to a corresponding secondary blade pivot 150, whereby the secondary blade flaps 152 are configured to selectively direct the air flow A in a lateral direction through the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120. In other words, the secondary blade flaps 152 can be moved from a neutral position (i.e., the air is parallel to the longitudinal axis A) to a horizontal direction. 104 The vents 118 , 120 ) are rotated into a rotated position to direct air left or right relative to the vent outlet 102 .

[0038] The ventilation system 100 may include a ventilation control system 160, the ventilation control system 160 including a main blade motor configured to rotate the main blade 140, a secondary blade motor configured to rotate the secondary blade, and a ventilation control system, the ventilation control system including a controller (i.e., data processing hardware) and memory hardware for generating instructions for the main blade motor and the secondary blade motor. In other words, the main blade 140 and the secondary blade 148 are configured to be manipulated using motors, whereby there is no external actuator or controller inside the vehicle. In some examples, the secondary blades 148 can be controlled together by a single secondary blade motor. Alternatively, the secondary blades 148 can be actuated independently.

[0039] refer to Figures 4A-4C , shows an exemplary operation of the ventilation system 100 to control the direction of the air flow A. Figures 4A-4C Three examples are shown—up, down, and center—but it will be appreciated that the main vanes 140 may be manipulated to any intermediate position to proportionally control the direction of the air flow A. Figure 4A In the embodiment, the main blade 140 is configured in the "upward" position, whereby the distal end 144 of the main blade 140 rotates around the first end 142 and contacts the top ventilation duct surface 112 to block the upper ventilation channel inlet 132. The entire air flow A is thereby directed to the lower ventilation channel inlet 136. As shown by the directional arrows, the air flow A follows the arc path of the lower ventilation channel 120 and along the axis A of the lower ventilation channel nozzle 138.138 ( Figure 2 ) direction is guided to the ventilation outlet 102. Therefore, Figure 4A As shown, air flow A exits the vent outlet 102 and flows in an upward direction associated with the head or face of the passenger P.

[0040] exist Figure 4B , the main blade 140 is configured in the "downward" position, whereby the distal end 144 of the main blade 140 rotates around the first end 142 and contacts the bottom ventilation duct surface 114 to block the lower ventilation channel inlet 136, thereby directing the entire air flow A to the upper ventilation channel inlet 132. As shown by the directional arrows, the air flow A follows the arc path of the upper ventilation channel 118 and along the axis A of the upper ventilation channel nozzle 134. 134 ( Figure 2 ) direction is guided to the ventilation outlet 102. Therefore, Figure 4B As shown, the air flow A exits the ventilation outlet 102 and flows in a downward direction associated with the lower body of the passenger P.

[0041] exist Figure 4C 14, the main blade 140 is configured to be in a "neutral" position, whereby the distal end 144 of the main blade 140 rotates about the first end 142 and is centered between the upper ventilation duct surface 112 and the bottom ventilation duct surface 114, thereby evenly dividing the entire air flow A between the upper ventilation channel inlet 132 and the lower ventilation channel inlet 136. As shown by the directional arrows, the air flow A follows the arc path of each of the upper ventilation channel 118 and the lower ventilation channel 120, and along the axis A of the upper ventilation channel nozzle 134 and the lower ventilation channel nozzle 138, respectively. 134 , A 138 ( Figure 2 ) direction is guided to the ventilation outlet 102. The upper air flow A and the lower air flow A converge at the ventilation outlet 102, whereby the upward direction of the air flow A from the lower ventilation channel nozzle 138 and the downward direction of the air flow A from the upper ventilation channel nozzle 134 are combined and offset. Figure 4C As shown, the air flow A leaves the ventilation outlet 102 in a horizontal direction associated with the torso of the passenger P. In use, the vertical direction of the air flow A from the outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the main blade 140. For example, biasing the main blade 140 toward the top ventilation duct surface 112 will proportionally increase the volumetric flow rate (volumetric flow) flowing to the lower ventilation channel inlet 136. When the force associated with the larger air flow A passing through the lower ventilation channel 120 overcomes the force associated with the smaller air flow A passing through the upper ventilation channel 118, the increased air flow through the lower ventilation channel 120 will bias the outlet air flow A upward.

[0042] like Figure 2 As best shown, the distal ends 20, 22 of the upper and lower panels define a blunt surface that is substantially flat and transverse to the nozzle axis A. 134 , A 138 The distal ends 20, 22 are oriented to prevent the air flow A from being affected by the Coanda effect when the air flow A leaves the ventilation outlet 102. In the example shown, the distal ends 20, 22 are substantially vertical. However, in other configurations, the distal ends 20, 22 may be oriented relative to the nozzle axis A. 134 , A 138 Thus, the direction of the air flow A from the vent outlet 102 is fully controlled by regulating the air flow A through the vent passages 118 , 120 rather than through the outer surface of the instrument panel 14 .

[0043] refer to Figure 5-8C , the ventilation system 100a is incorporated into the instrument panel 14 of the vehicle passenger compartment 12. In particular, the ventilation system 100a can be integrated into the instrument panel 14a between the upper instrument panel 16a and the lower instrument panel 18a. Generally, the ventilation system 100a of the illustrated example is configured to minimize the visibility of the ventilation system 100a to passengers sitting in the vehicle passenger compartment 12. Therefore, the components of the ventilation system 100a are recessed into the instrument panel 14a relative to the passenger compartment 12. For example, in the illustrated example, the ventilation system 100a includes a ventilation outlet 102aa that is integrated into the instrument panel 14 between the distal end 20a of the upper instrument panel 16a and the distal end 22a of the lower instrument panel 18a. The ventilation outlet 102a is provided as an elongated channel that extends continuously along the instrument panel 14a.

[0044] refer to Figure 6 and 7 , a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel 14a shows the interior components of the ventilation system 100a, which are generally recessed from the ventilation outlet 102a so that the interior components of the ventilation system 100a are not visible to the vehicle occupant P sitting in the passenger compartment 12. The ventilation system 100a includes a ventilation duct 104a, which is configured to provide a fluid passage 106a from the climate control system 24 of the vehicle 10 to the ventilation outlet 102a. As shown, the ventilation duct 104a includes a top ventilation duct plate 108a and a bottom ventilation duct plate 110a, which is spaced apart from the top ventilation duct plate 108 to define a height H of the passage 106a. 106aAlthough not shown, the duct 104a also includes a pair of side duct panels, each of which extends from the top duct panel 108a and the bottom duct panel 110a. The top duct panel 108a includes a top duct surface 112a, and the bottom duct panel 110a includes a bottom duct surface 114a, which faces the top duct surface 112a and is along the longitudinal axis A of the duct 104a. 104a Spaced from the top duct surface 112a to define a height H of the passage 106a. 106a The length of the ventilation duct 104a can be described as the length along the longitudinal axis A. 104a Extending from the ventilation duct inlet 116a to the ventilation outlet 102a. The ventilation duct inlet 116a is disposed at a first end of the ventilation duct 104a and is configured to interface and communicate with a climate control system of the vehicle 10.

[0045] The ventilation duct 104a also includes an intermediate portion or ventilation cavity 117a disposed between the ventilation duct inlet 116a and the ventilation outlet 102a. In the illustrated example, the ventilation cavity 117a is disposed adjacent to the ventilation outlet 102a and defines a pair of ventilation passages 118a, 120a that provide ventilation along the longitudinal axis A. 104a The parallel fluid flow path from the ventilation duct inlet 116a to the ventilation outlet 102a in the direction of. The ventilation cavity 117a includes a ventilation cavity divider 122a disposed between the top ventilation duct plate 108a and the bottom ventilation duct plate 110a. The length of the ventilation cavity divider 122a is along the longitudinal axis A. 104a The ventilation cavity divider 122a extends from a first end 124a at the ventilation duct inlet 116a to a second end 126a at the ventilation outlet 102a. The ventilation cavity divider 122a includes an upper divider surface 128a extending from the first end 124a to the second end 126a and an opposite lower divider surface 130a formed on the opposite side of the upper divider surface 128a. The distance from the upper divider surface 128a to the lower divider surface 130a defines the height H of the ventilation cavity divider 122a. 122a .

[0046] Still reference Figure 6, the ventilation cavity 117a and the ventilation cavity divider 122a cooperate to define an upper ventilation channel 118a and a lower ventilation channel 120a. In particular, the upper divider surface 128a is opposite (i.e., facing) and spaced apart from the top ventilation duct surface 112a defined by the top ventilation duct plate 108a to define the upper ventilation channel 118a that provides fluid communication from the ventilation duct inlet 116a to the ventilation outlet 102a. Similarly, the lower divider surface 130a is opposite (i.e., facing) and spaced apart from the bottom ventilation duct surface 114a defined by the bottom ventilation duct plate 110a to define the lower ventilation channel 120a that provides fluid communication from the ventilation duct inlet 116a to the ventilation outlet 102a.

[0047] Still refer to Figure 6 , each of the upper ventilation channel 118a and the lower ventilation channel 120a includes a ventilation channel inlet 132a, 136a and a ventilation channel nozzle 134a, 138a. In particular, the upper ventilation channel 118a includes an upper ventilation channel inlet 132a extending from the ventilation duct inlet 116a and an upper ventilation channel nozzle 134a extending from the upper ventilation channel inlet 132a to the ventilation outlet 102a. Similarly, the lower ventilation channel 120a includes a lower channel inlet 136a extending from the ventilation duct inlet 116a and a lower ventilation channel nozzle 138a extending from the lower ventilation channel inlet 136a to the ventilation outlet 102a. In this example, the upper ventilation channel jets 134a are separated or spaced apart from the lower ventilation channel jets 138a at the ventilation outlet 102a by the front divider panel 131a, which extends between the upper divider surface 128a and the lower divider surface 130a at the second end 126a of the ventilation cavity divider 122a. Optionally, the front divider panel 131a can include a graphical user interface or electronic display integrated into the front divider panel 131a to provide a visual display and / or interface between the upper ventilation channel jets 134a and the lower ventilation channel jets 138a.

[0048] Similar to the example of the ventilation system 100 described previously, the ventilation channel inlets 132a, 136a are separated from each other, while the ventilation channel nozzles 134a, 138a converge toward each other. In this example, the ventilation channels 118a, 120a have a segmented profile, whereby each of the ventilation channel inlets 132a, 136a is a substantially straight first segment of the ventilation channels 118a, 120a that diverges from each other, and the ventilation channel nozzles 134a, 138a are substantially straight second segments of the ventilation channels 118a, 120a that converge toward each other along the direction of the air flow A. In the example shown, the ventilation channel inlets 132a, 136a are connected to the corresponding ventilation channel nozzles 134a, 138a by arcuate transition sections 133a, 137a, each arcuate transition section 133a, 137a defining a direction facing the longitudinal axis A.104a The concave curvature of Figure 6 and Figure 7 As best shown in FIG. 1 , each of the upper passage 118a and the lower ventilation passage 120a may have a tapered height H from the ventilation duct inlet 116a to the ventilation outlet 102a. 118a , H 120a In particular, the height H of the ventilation passages 118a, 120a is 118a , H 120a The upper and lower ventilation passage inlets 132a and 136a gradually become smaller, which results in an increase in the speed of the airflow A at the ventilation outlet 102a.

[0049] Continue to refer Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the ventilation system 100a includes a main blade or flap 140, which is disposed in the ventilation duct inlet 116a at the first end 124a of the ventilation chamber divider 122a. The main blade 140 is configured to selectively allow air flow A to enter the upper ventilation channel 118a and / or the lower ventilation channel 120a. The main blade 140 includes a first end 142, which is pivotally attached to the ventilation duct 104a adjacent to the first end 124a of the ventilation chamber divider 122a. The length of the main blade 140 extends from the first end 142 to a distal second end 144 disposed in the ventilation duct inlet 116a. The main blade 140 is configured so that the second end 144 pivots or rotates about the first end 142 to be in an "up" position ( Fig. 8A ) and the "down" position ( Figure 8B ) between. In the upward position, the distal end 144 contacts the top ventilation duct surface 112a in the ventilation duct inlet 116a to block air flow A from entering the upper ventilation channel 118a. On the contrary, in the downward position, the distal end 144 contacts the bottom ventilation duct surface 114a to block air flow A from flowing to the lower ventilation channel 120a. As described below, the main blade 140 can also move to the middle position to proportionally control the air flow A entering both the upper ventilation channel 118a and the lower ventilation channel 120a.

[0050] In addition to the main blade 140, the ventilation system 100a also includes a pair of secondary blades 148a respectively arranged in each of the upper ventilation channel 118a and the lower ventilation channel 120a. The secondary blade 148a includes a series of secondary blade flaps 152a, each of which is attached to a corresponding secondary blade pivot 150a, whereby the secondary blade flap 152a is configured to selectively guide air flow A in a lateral direction through the upper ventilation channel 118a and the lower ventilation channel 120a. In other words, the secondary blade flap 152a can be rotated from a neutral position (i.e., air flows directly through the ventilation channels 118a, 120a) to a rotational position to guide air to the left or right relative to the ventilation outlet 102a. In the illustrated example, the secondary blade pivot 150a is connected to each other by a common drive shaft 154, and the common drive shaft 154 can be controlled by a secondary blade motor.

[0051] The ventilation system 100a may include a ventilation control system 160 including a main vane motor configured to rotate the main vane 140, and a secondary vane motor 162 configured to rotate the secondary vane, and another ventilation control system including a controller (i.e., data processing hardware) and memory hardware for generating instructions for the main vane motor and the secondary vane motor. In other words, the main vane 140 and the secondary vane 148a are configured to be manipulated using motors, whereby there is no external actuator or controller inside the vehicle.

[0052] refer to Figures 8A-8C , shows an exemplary operation of the ventilation system 100a to control the direction of the air flow A. Figures 8A-8C Three examples are shown—up, down, and center—but it will be appreciated that the main vanes 140 may be manipulated to any intermediate position to proportionally control the flow direction of the air A. Fig. 8A In the embodiment, the main blade 140 is configured to be in the "upward" position, whereby the distal end 144 of the main blade 140 rotates around the first end 142 and contacts the top ventilation duct surface 112a to block the upper ventilation channel inlet 132a. The entire air flow A is thereby directed to the lower ventilation channel inlet 136a. As shown by the directional arrows, the air flow A follows the arc path of the lower ventilation channel 120a and along the axis A of the lower ventilation channel nozzle 138a. 138a ( Figure 6 ) direction is guided to the ventilation outlet 102a. Fig. 8A As shown, the air flow A exits the vent outlet 102a and flows in an upward direction associated with the head or face of the passenger P.

[0053] exist Figure 8B, the main blade 140 is configured in the "downward" position, whereby the distal end 144 of the main blade 140 rotates around the first end 142 and contacts the bottom ventilation duct surface 114a to block the lower ventilation channel inlet 136a, thereby directing the entire air flow A to the upper ventilation channel inlet 132a. As shown by the directional arrows, the air flow A follows the arc path of the upper ventilation channel 118a and along the axis A of the upper ventilation channel nozzle 134a. 134a ( Figure 6 ) direction is guided to the ventilation outlet 102a. Figure 8B As shown, the air flow A exits the ventilation outlet 102a and flows in a downward direction associated with the lower body of the passenger P.

[0054] exist Figure 8C , the main blade 140 is configured to be in a "neutral" position whereby the distal end 144 of the main blade 140 rotates about the first end 142, which is centered between the upper ventilation duct surface 112a and the bottom ventilation duct surface 114a, thereby evenly splitting the entire air flow A between the upper ventilation channel inlet 132a and the lower ventilation channel inlet 136a. As shown by the directional arrows, the air flow A follows the arc path of each of the upper ventilation channel 118a and the lower ventilation channel 120a, and along the axis A1 of the upper ventilation channel nozzle 134a and the lower ventilation channel nozzle 138a, respectively. 34a , A 138a ( Figure 6 ) direction is guided to the ventilation outlet 102a. The upper air flow A and the lower air flow A converge at the ventilation outlet 102a, whereby the upward direction of the air flow A from the lower ventilation channel nozzle 138a is combined and offset with the downward direction of the air flow A from the upper ventilation channel nozzle 134a. Figure 8C As shown, the air flow A leaves the ventilation outlet 102a and flows in a horizontal direction associated with the torso of the passenger P. In use, the vertical direction of the air flow A can be adjusted by adjusting the main blade 140. For example, biasing the main blade 140 toward the top ventilation duct surface 112a will proportionally increase the volume flow rate to the lower ventilation channel inlet 136a. When the force associated with the larger air flow A through the lower ventilation channel 120a overcomes the force associated with the smaller air flow A through the upper ventilation channel 118a, the increased air flow through the lower ventilation channel 120a will bias the outlet air flow A upward.

[0055] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A ventilation system for a motor vehicle, the ventilation system comprising: a ventilation duct, the ventilation duct defining a ventilation duct inlet; a ventilation outlet, the ventilation outlet being separated from the ventilation duct inlet; a first ventilation channel, the first ventilation channel comprising a first ventilation channel inlet and a first channel nozzle, the first ventilation channel inlet being in fluid communication with the ventilation duct inlet, the first channel nozzle defining a first fluid flow path along a first direction to the ventilation outlet; as well as A second ventilation channel includes a second ventilation channel inlet and a second channel nozzle, wherein the second ventilation channel inlet is in fluid communication with the ventilation duct inlet, and the second channel nozzle defines a second fluid flow path to the ventilation outlet along a second direction converging with the first direction. 2 . The ventilation system according to claim 1 , further comprising a main vane disposed in the ventilation duct inlet and configured to selectively block the first ventilation passage inlet or the second ventilation passage inlet.

3. The ventilation system of claim 2, wherein the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage are each at least partially defined by a divider panel disposed between the main blade and the ventilation outlet.

4. The ventilation system according to claim 2, further comprising a first auxiliary blade disposed in the first ventilation channel and a second auxiliary blade disposed in the second ventilation channel, each of the first auxiliary blade and the second auxiliary blade being configured to selectively rotate to direct the air flow in a lateral direction. 5 . The ventilation system according to claim 4 , wherein the first auxiliary blade and the second auxiliary blade are recessed from the ventilation outlet. 6 . The ventilation system according to claim 1 , wherein a height of at least one of the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage tapers along a direction from the ventilation duct inlet to the ventilation outlet.

7. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the first ventilation passage extends along a first arcuate path and the second ventilation passage extends along a second arcuate path.

8. The ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the first channel jet includes a first jet outlet defining a first jet axis, and the second channel jet includes a second jet outlet defining a second jet axis, the second jet axis converging with the first jet axis.

9. The ventilation system of claim 8, wherein the first jet outlet is disposed at the ventilation outlet adjacent to the second jet outlet.

10. An instrument panel for a motor vehicle, the instrument panel comprising: Upper dashboard; a lower instrument panel, the lower instrument panel being spaced apart from the upper instrument panel; a ventilation outlet, the ventilation outlet being disposed between the upper instrument panel and the lower instrument panel; as well as A ventilation system, the ventilation system is arranged between the upper instrument panel and the lower instrument panel and communicated with the ventilation outlet, the ventilation system comprising: Ventilation duct inlet; a ventilation duct, the ventilation duct comprising a first ventilation channel, the first ventilation channel comprising a first ventilation channel inlet and a first channel nozzle, the first ventilation channel inlet being in fluid communication with the ventilation duct inlet, the first channel nozzle defining a first fluid flow path along a first direction to the ventilation outlet; as well as A second ventilation channel includes a second ventilation channel inlet in fluid communication with the ventilation duct inlet and a second channel nozzle defining a second fluid flow path to the ventilation outlet along a second direction converging with the first direction.

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