Air outlet device

Abstract

The invention provides an air outlet device. The air outlet device comprises a shell, an air inlet and an air outlet, the blade string is arranged in the shell and comprises a plurality of blade units, and the plurality of blade units are connected in series in a relatively rotating manner; the switching module is arranged to be capable of operating to enable at least one blade unit in the plurality of blade units to rotate relative to other blade units so as to switch the arrangement mode of the blade units when the blade string is driven and the blade string is not driven; and a driving unit provided for driving the switching module to operate. According to the air outlet device, the arrangement mode of the blade units can be changed to provide different air outlet feelings while the whole blade string rotates to sweep air / discharge air, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to automotive interior components, and more particularly to an air outlet device. Background Art

[0002] Automobiles are usually equipped with an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes air outlet devices installed at multiple positions inside the automobile, which blow air to multiple positions inside the automobile, thereby adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle. The air outlet device generally includes a housing with a long and narrow air outlet and a blade string disposed inside the housing. The blade string is used to control the air outlet direction. The blade string generally includes a plurality of blade units connected in series with each other.

[0003] In some prior arts, the blade units are synchronized to rotate by means of axial pressure and tooth-shaped locking. When the entire blade string rotates for air sweeping / air blowing, the tooth-shaped locking is maintained between the blade units, and the blade unit arrangement mode cannot be switched simultaneously. Before switching the blade unit arrangement mode, it is necessary to first stop the overall rotation of the blade string, release the axial pressure, and release the tooth-shaped locking to allow the plurality of blade units to rotate relative to each other to perform the blade unit arrangement mode switching. This mode switching method takes a long time. Moreover, when the blade units are subject to axial or radial frictional forces during the mode switching process, the tooth-shaped structure is likely to cause impact sounds. These will all bring an unpleasant use experience to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to solve one or more of the problems existing in the above prior art, and to propose an improved air outlet device.

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides an air outlet device, the air outlet device comprising: a housing; a blade string, the blade string being disposed inside the housing and including a plurality of blade units, the plurality of blade units being connected in series in a relatively rotatable manner; a switching module, the switching module being configured to operate both when the blade string is driven and when the blade string is not driven to cause at least one of the plurality of blade units to rotate relative to other blade units to perform a blade unit arrangement mode switching; and a driving unit, the driving unit being configured to drive the switching module to operate.

[0006] According to the above technical concept, the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional embodiments.

[0007] In some optional embodiments, the air outlet device includes a driving module, the driving module including a first motor to drive the blade string to rotate.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the blade string includes a drive shaft, and the plurality of blade units are sleeved outside the drive shaft and include a proximal blade unit and a distal blade unit located at two ends of the blade string; wherein, the proximal blade unit and the drive shaft are configured to be suitable for synchronous rotation; wherein, the switching module includes a first switching element, and the first switching element and the drive shaft are coaxially arranged; wherein, the first switching element and the blade string are configured such that when the first switching element moves axially relative to the drive shaft, the first switching element drives at least one of the distal blade unit and the drive shaft to rotate relative to the first switching element, so that the distal blade unit and the proximal blade unit perform relative rotation to switch the arrangement mode of the blade units.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments, the first switching element and the blade string are configured such that when the first switching element moves axially relative to the drive shaft, the first switching element simultaneously drives the distal blade unit and the drive shaft to rotate relative to the first switching element, and the rotation directions of the distal blade unit and the drive shaft are opposite, so that the distal blade unit and the proximal blade unit perform relative rotation to switch the arrangement mode of the blade units.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, one of the distal blade unit and / or the drive shaft includes one of a spiral track and a mating portion, and the first switching element includes the other of the spiral track and the mating portion, wherein the mating portion is adapted to cooperate with the spiral track and can move along the spiral track.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, both the distal blade unit and the drive shaft include spiral tracks, the first switching element includes a mating portion, and the spiral tracks of the distal blade unit and the drive shaft are arranged in opposite directions, so that when the first switching element moves axially relative to the drive shaft, the first switching element simultaneously drives the distal blade unit and the drive shaft to rotate in opposite directions relative to the first switching element.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, the distal blade unit includes a first hollow shaft sleeved outside the drive shaft, and the first hollow shaft includes a first spiral track, wherein the first switching element is sleeved outside the first hollow shaft, and / or the drive shaft includes a second hollow shaft, and the second hollow shaft includes a second spiral track, wherein the first switching element is sleeved outside the second hollow shaft.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the blade string includes at least one limiting portion to limit the axial movement of the plurality of blade units relative to the drive shaft, and / or the first switching element is axially movably mounted to the drive shaft.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the proximal blade unit is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft in the circumferential direction.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the proximal blade unit and the transmission shaft are connected by a key.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, the switching module further includes a second switching element, which is sleeved outside the first switching element and axially positioned relative to the first switching element. The first switching element can rotate relative to the second switching element, and the second switching element can be driven by the driving unit to axially move relative to the transmission shaft.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments, the housing includes a first bracket. Wherein, the second switching element is axially movably mounted to the first bracket, and the distal blade unit is rotatably mounted to the first bracket and axially positioned relative to the first bracket.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments, the switching module can axially move relative to the transmission shaft between a first axial position and a second axial position to correspondingly switch the blade string between a first arrangement mode and a second arrangement mode; wherein, adjacent two blade units among the plurality of blade units are connected by a key and a keyway, wherein each keyway is configured to allow the corresponding key to circumferentially move inside it between a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position, and wherein the blade string is in the first arrangement mode when each key is in the first circumferential position, and is in the second arrangement mode when each key is in the second circumferential position.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments, each blade unit includes a rotating shaft sleeved on the transmission shaft and blades arranged on the rotating shaft at an angle to the rotating shaft, and the rotating shafts of the plurality of blade units are axially connected in series in sequence.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, the driving unit is configured to drive the switching module to axially move relative to the transmission shaft between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the blade string is in a first arrangement mode and a second arrangement mode respectively when the switching module is in the first axial position and the second axial position.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments, the driving unit includes a first shape memory alloy component and a second shape memory alloy component, wherein the driving unit can drive the switching module to axially move to the first axial position when the size changes due to the temperature change of the first shape memory alloy component, and drive the switching module to axially move to the second axial position when the size changes due to the temperature change of the second shape memory alloy component.

[0022] In some alternative embodiments, the driving unit further includes a sliding member, which is axially slidably mounted to the housing and connected to the switching module, wherein one ends of the first shape memory alloy member and the second shape memory alloy member are both connected to the sliding member, and the other ends of the first shape memory alloy member and the second shape memory alloy member are respectively connected to two sides of the housing, and the first shape memory alloy member and the second shape memory alloy member are adapted to respectively pull the sliding member in different directions when the size changes due to temperature change, so as to respectively axially slide the sliding member in opposite directions and drive the switching module to axially move in opposite directions.

[0023] In some alternative embodiments, the driving unit further includes a stroke amplification mechanism, and the sliding member is connected to the switching module via the stroke amplification mechanism, wherein the stroke amplification mechanism is configured such that the axial stroke of the switching module is greater than the axial stroke of the sliding member.

[0024] In some alternative embodiments, the stroke amplification mechanism includes a swing arm, wherein the swing arm includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a third connecting portion, wherein the swing arm is pivotally connected to the housing at the first connecting portion and is respectively connected to the sliding member and the switching module at the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion, wherein the sliding member drives the switching module to axially move via the swing arm, and the pivot radius of the third connecting portion is greater than the pivot radius of the second connecting portion.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments, the driving unit includes a rotatable driving disk, wherein the driving disk contacts the switching module and drives the switching module to axially move relative to the transmission shaft by rotation.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, the air outlet device includes one or more air doors, and the one or more air doors can pivot to change the air outlet direction and air outlet volume of the air outlet device. The driving disk contacts the one or more air doors and the switching module and drives the one or more air doors to pivot and drives the switching module to axially move relative to the transmission shaft by rotation.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, the driving disk is configured to: be able to drive the one or more air doors to pivot and drive the switching module to axially move during rotation within a predetermined circumferential position range, and at any moment during rotation within the predetermined circumferential position range, at most one of the pivoting of the one or more air doors and the axial movement of the switching module is achieved.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the drive disk is configured to drive at least one of the one or more air dampers to pivot when the switching module is in the first axial position and the second axial position, respectively.

[0029] In some alternative embodiments, the drive disk rotates about the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and includes a guiding structure, wherein the switching module includes an actuating portion, and wherein the actuating portion moves along the guiding structure when the drive disk rotates to axially move the switching module.

[0030] In some alternative embodiments, the drive disk further includes a track groove, wherein each air damper is pivotally mounted to the housing such that its pivot axis is parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, and wherein each air damper includes a driving portion, and the driving portion moves along the track groove when the drive disk rotates to pivot the air damper, and the drive disk can at most achieve the pivoting of one of the one or more air dampers at any moment during rotation within the predetermined circumferential position range.

[0031] In some alternative embodiments, the one or more air dampers include a first air damper and a second air damper, and wherein the guiding structure and the track groove are configured such that: when the drive disk rotates within the first circumferential position range, the second circumferential position range, and the third circumferential position range, it can respectively drive the switching module to move axially, the first air damper to pivot, and the second air damper to pivot, and wherein the first circumferential position range, the second circumferential position range, and the third circumferential position range have no intersection with each other or only have common endpoints.

[0032] In some alternative embodiments, the first circumferential position range includes a first range and a second range, and the first range, the second circumferential position range, the second range, and the third circumferential position range are arranged in sequence; or, the second circumferential position range includes a third range and a fourth range, the third circumferential position range includes a fifth range and a sixth range, and the fifth range, the third range, the first circumferential position range, the fourth range, and the sixth range are arranged in sequence.

[0033] In some alternative embodiments, the guiding structure includes a moving section that extends obliquely to the axis of rotation, and wherein the switching module moves axially when the actuating portion moves along the moving section.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, the guiding structure includes a dwelling section that extends circumferentially to the axis of rotation, and wherein the switching module maintains its axial position when the actuating portion moves along the dwelling section.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments, the guiding structure is in the form of a guiding surface or a guiding groove, and / or the actuating part is in the form of a convex post.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments, the driving disc includes a receiving channel for receiving the switching module, and the guiding structure is disposed along the inner circumference of the receiving channel.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments, the track groove includes a first arc groove, a second arc groove, and a transitional arc groove connecting the first arc groove and the second arc groove. Wherein, the diameter of the first arc groove is different from that of the second arc groove. Wherein, each air door is respectively held at a different pivoting position when its driving part moves along the first arc groove and the second arc groove, and each air door pivots when its driving part moves along the transitional arc groove.

[0038] In some alternative embodiments, the track groove is disposed at the axial end face of the driving disc, and / or the driving part is in the form of a pin post.

[0039] In some alternative embodiments, the driving unit further includes a second motor, and the driving disc is driven to rotate by the second motor.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, the air outlet device includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and a first air duct and a second air duct extending from the air inlet to the air outlet and guiding air in different directions. Wherein, the one or more air doors are disposed at the air inlet and control the opening and closing of the first air duct and the second air duct by pivoting, thereby changing the air outlet direction and the air outlet volume at the air outlet.

[0041] The switching module of the air outlet device according to the present invention can operate to switch the blade unit arrangement mode both when the blade string is driven and when the blade string is not driven, so that the air outlet device can change the blade unit arrangement mode while the blade string rotates as a whole for sweeping air / outlet air to provide different air outlet air sensations, solving the problem of interruption of sweeping air / outlet air when changing the blade unit arrangement mode in the prior art, and improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following alternative embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar components, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are respectively a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle including an air outlet device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2AIs a perspective view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2B Is another perspective view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper housing of the air outlet device is omitted;

[0046] Figure 3 Is an exploded view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4A Is a perspective view of the blade string of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4B Is a perspective view of the blade string and the switching module of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention assembled together;

[0049] Figure 5A Is a perspective view of the first switching element of the switching module of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5B And Figure 5C Are respectively the front view and the side view of the first switching element of the switching module of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 6A And Figure 6B Are respectively the perspective view and the side view of the second switching element of the switching module of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 7A Is a perspective view of the first hollow shaft of the distal blade unit of the blade string of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7B Is a perspective view of the first bracket of the housing of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 7C Is a perspective view of the transmission shaft of the blade string of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 8A Is a partial cross-sectional view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention at the blade string;

[0056] Figure 8B Is Figure 8A The partial enlarged view of;

[0057] Figure 9A And Figure 9BTop views of the blade string and the switching module of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the blade string is in the first arrangement mode and the second arrangement mode, respectively;

[0058] Figure 10A Partial schematic view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the blade string, the switching module, the driving unit, and the upper housing of the air outlet device are shown;

[0059] Figure 10B Another partial schematic view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the blade string, the switching module, and the driving unit of the air outlet device are shown;

[0060] Figure 11A Three-dimensional view of the swing arm of the driving unit of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 11B and Figure 11C Three-dimensional views of the sliding member of the driving unit of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention observed from different angles, respectively;

[0062] Figure 12A and Figure 12B Three-dimensional views of the upper housing of the housing of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention observed from different angles, respectively;

[0063] Figure 13A Top view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the blade string is in the first arrangement mode;

[0064] Figure 13B and Figure 13C Top view and bottom view of the blade string, the switching module, and the driving unit of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the blade string is in the first arrangement mode, respectively;

[0065] Figure 14A Top view of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the blade string is in the second arrangement mode;

[0066] Figure 14B and Figure 14C Top view and bottom view of the blade string, the switching module, and the driving unit of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the blade string is in the second arrangement mode, respectively;

[0067] Figure 15 Three-dimensional view of the air outlet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 16 Exploded view of the air outlet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 17A and Figure 17B are perspective views of a drive disk of a drive unit of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, observed from different angles;

[0070] Figure 18 is a side view of a drive disk of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 19A and Figure 19B are cross-sectional views of a drive disk of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, cut along different planes;

[0072] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of the drive relationship between a drive disk of an air outlet device and a first air damper, a second air damper, and a switching module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figures 21A to 21C respectively show views of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention at different perspectives when the drive disk is in the Figure 20 0° circumferential position in;

[0074] Figures 22A to 22C respectively show views of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention at different perspectives when the drive disk rotates clockwise from the Figure 20 0° circumferential position in to the Figure 20 -90° circumferential position in;

[0075] Figures 23A to 23C respectively show views of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention at different perspectives when the drive disk rotates clockwise from the Figure 20 -90° circumferential position in to the Figure 20 -135° circumferential position in;

[0076] Figures 24A to 24C respectively show views of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention at different perspectives when the drive disk rotates counterclockwise from the Figure 20 -135° circumferential position in to the Figure 20 -45° circumferential position in;

[0077] Figures 25A to 25C respectively show views of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention at different perspectives when the drive disk rotates counterclockwise from the Figure 20 -45° circumferential position in to the Figure 20 0° circumferential position in;

[0078] Figures 26A to 26C respectively show views of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention at different perspectives when the drive disk rotates counterclockwise from the Figure 20 0° circumferential position in toFigure 20 Views from different perspectives at the 50° circumferential position in

[0079] Figures 27A to 27C Schematic diagrams showing the air outlet directions of the air outlet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the first air damper and the second air damper are in different pivot positions;

[0080] Figure 28 Is a perspective view of the drive disk of the drive unit of the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 29A and Figure 29B Are exploded views of the drive disk of the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention observed from different perspectives;

[0082] Figure 30 Shows a side view of the drive disk of the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 31 Shows a schematic diagram of the drive relationship between the drive disk of the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the first air damper, the second air damper, and the switching module;

[0084] Figures 32A to 32C Respectively show the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the drive disk is in Figure 31 Views from different perspectives at the 0° circumferential position in

[0085] Figures 33A to 33C Respectively show the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the drive disk rotates clockwise from the Figure 31 0° circumferential position in Figure 31 to the -45° circumferential position in

[0086] Figures 34A to 34C Respectively show the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the drive disk rotates clockwise from the Figure 31 -45° circumferential position in Figure 31 to the -83° circumferential position in

[0087] Figures 35A to 35C Respectively show the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the drive disk rotates clockwise from the Figure 31 -83° circumferential position in Figure 31 to the -121° circumferential position in

[0088] Figures 36A to 36C Respectively show the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the drive disk rotates counterclockwise from the Figure 31 0° circumferential position toFigure 31 Views from different perspectives at the 38° circumferential position in

[0089] Figures 37A to 37C respectively show views of the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the drive disk rotates counterclockwise from the Figure 31 38° circumferential position in Figure 31 to the 76° circumferential position in

[0090] Figure 38A and Figure 38B respectively show a perspective view and a sectional view of the blade string, switching module and first bracket of the air outlet device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention assembled together;

[0091] Figure 39 shows a partial exploded view of the air outlet device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which shows the blade string, switching module and first bracket;

[0092] Figure 40 shows a side view of the blade string of the air outlet device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0093] Figure 41A shows a perspective view of the transmission shaft of the blade string of the air outlet device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0094] Figure 41B shows an exploded view of the transmission shaft of the blade string of the air outlet device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0095] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are only exemplary illustrations of specific ways of implementing and using the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The descriptions of the structural positions of the various components, such as the upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. When the components are arranged as shown in the figures, these orientation descriptions are appropriate, but when the positions of the components in the figures change, these orientation descriptions also change accordingly.

[0096] In the present application, the axial direction of a rod-shaped or ring-shaped component refers to the direction of the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of the rod-shaped or ring-shaped component refers to the direction along the perimeter of the component, and the radial direction of the rod-shaped or ring-shaped component refers to the direction passing through the central axis of the component and perpendicular to the axial direction of the component.

[0097] In this application, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Unless otherwise clearly specified, terms such as "installed", "connected", "joined", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0098] As Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown, a plurality of air outlet devices 10 can be provided in the vehicle V. The vehicle V is also provided with an air conditioning system (not shown). The air outlet device 10 is connected to the air conditioning system and adjusts the air outlet effect of the air conditioning system to improve the riding comfort of passengers. The air outlet device 10 can be provided at multiple positions inside the vehicle, such as on the instrument panel IP, the center console C, the pillar P, the ceiling R, etc.

[0099] First Embodiment

[0100] Figures 2A to 14C Shows the air outlet device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention with its components and working principle.

[0101] Referring to Figures 2A to 4B , the air outlet device 10 can include a housing 100, a blade string 200, a switching module 400, and a driving unit 500. The blade string 200 is disposed inside the housing 100 and includes a plurality of blade units 202, and the plurality of blade units 202 are connected in series in a relatively rotatable manner. The switching module 400 is configured to operate both when the blade string 200 is driven and when the blade string 200 is not driven to cause at least one of the plurality of blade units 202 to rotate relative to other blade units to perform blade unit arrangement mode switching. The driving unit 500 is configured to drive the switching module 400 to operate. In this application, the blade string being driven means that the blade string is driven to rotate integrally at a predetermined speed so that the air outlet device performs cyclic air direction sweeping; when the blade string is not driven, the air outlet device does not blow air or the air outlet direction is fixed.

[0102] The switching module 400 of the above air outlet device 10 can operate both when the blade string 200 is driven to rotate and when the blade string 200 is not driven to perform blade unit arrangement mode switching, so that the air outlet device 10 can change the blade unit arrangement mode while the blade string 200 rotates integrally to perform sweeping / air outlet to switch different air outlet modes, overcoming the problem of interruption of sweeping / air outlet when changing the blade unit arrangement mode in the prior art and improving the user experience.

[0103] Referring toFigures 2A to 4B and Figure 9A and Figure 9B Further, the air outlet device 10 may further include a driving module 300. The driving module 300 may include a first motor 302. The first motor 302 is configured to drive the blade string 200 to rotate at a predetermined speed so that the air outlet device 10 performs air sweeping. The switching module 400 is arranged to be operable both when the first motor 302 is in an operating state and a non-operating state to cause at least one of the plurality of blade units 202 to rotate relative to the other blade units to perform a switching of the blade unit arrangement pattern.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade string 200 may include a transmission shaft 204. The plurality of blade units 202 may be sleeved outside the transmission shaft 204 and include a proximal blade unit 202A and a distal blade unit 202B located at both ends of the blade string 200. The driving module 300 may drive the proximal blade unit 202A and the transmission shaft 204 to rotate synchronously. The switching module 400 may include a first switching element 402. The first switching element 402 and the transmission shaft 204 may be coaxially arranged and non-rotatably connected to each other, so that the first switching element 402 and the transmission shaft 204 and the proximal blade unit 202A are always circumferentially synchronized (both not rotating or rotating synchronously). The first switching element 402 and the blade string 200 may be configured such that when the first switching element 402 moves axially relative to the transmission shaft 204, it drives the distal blade unit 202B to rotate relative to the first switching element 402, thereby causing the distal blade unit 202B to rotate relative to the proximal blade unit 202A to perform a switching of the blade unit arrangement pattern.

[0105] In the present application, the "proximal blade unit" is the blade unit closest to the driving module 300, and the "distal blade unit" is the blade unit farthest from the driving module 300. In the present application, when describing the relative positional relationship between the blade units 202 of the blade string 200, the term "upstream" refers to the direction towards the driving module 300; the term "downstream" refers to the direction opposite to the term "upstream". In the present application, unless otherwise specified, the term "axial direction" refers to the direction of the central axis / rotation axis of the transmission shaft 204 or a direction parallel to the central axis / rotation axis of the transmission shaft 204.

[0106] The configuration of the first switching element 402 and the blade string 200 described above enables: regardless of whether the first motor 302 is in an operating state or a non-operating state (in other words, regardless of whether the proximal blade unit 202A and the transmission shaft 204 are driven to rotate by the first motor 302), as long as the distal blade unit 202B rotates relative to the first switching element 402 by axially moving the first switching element 402 relative to the transmission shaft 204, the distal blade unit 202B can rotate relative to the proximal blade unit 202A, thereby changing the arrangement pattern of the blade units 202.

[0107] Referring to Figures 2A to 4B , Figure 7C and Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the housing 100 may include an upper housing 102 and a lower housing 104. The upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 may jointly define an air inlet 106 for gas to flow into the air outlet device 10 and an air outlet 108 for air flow to flow out of the air outlet device 10. The blade string 200 may be arranged along the extending direction of the air outlet 108.

[0108] The drive module 300 may further include a first transmission gear 304. The first motor 302 may drive the first transmission gear 304 and further drive the entire blade string 200 to rotate by means of the first transmission gear 304. Optionally, the first motor 302 is an electric motor.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade string 200 may further include at least one intermediate blade unit 202C located between the proximal blade unit 202A and the distal blade unit 202B in addition to the proximal blade unit 202A and the distal blade unit 202B. Each blade unit 202 of the blade string 200 may include a rotating shaft 206 sleeved on the transmission shaft 204 and blades 208 arranged at an angle to the rotating shaft 206 and provided on the rotating shaft 206. The rotating shafts 206 of these blade units 202 are axially connected in series in sequence so that a plurality of blade units 202 form the blade string 200.

[0110] The blade string 200 may include at least one limiting portion 210, 212 to limit / prevent the axial movement of a plurality of blade units 202 relative to the transmission shaft 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission shaft 204 may include a rod-shaped transmission shaft body 214 and a shoulder 210 provided at one axial end of the transmission shaft body 214. The transmission shaft body 214 is provided with an annular groove 218 near the other axial end of the transmission shaft body 214. The blade string 200 may further include a snap ring 212, and the snap ring 212 may be snap-fitted with the annular groove 218 on the transmission shaft 204. The shoulder 210 and the snap ring 212 are formed as the limiting portions of the blade string 200 to limit the axial movement of a plurality of blade units 202 relative to the transmission shaft 204. In the illustrated embodiment, a part of the proximal blade unit 202A, all intermediate blade units 202C, and the distal blade unit 202B are axially restricted between the shoulder 210 and the snap ring 212.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, as Figure 3 , Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown, two adjacent blade units among the plurality of blade units 202 are rotatably connected relative to each other through a key 220 and a keyway 222. One end of the rotating shaft 206 of the proximal blade unit 202A is provided with a key 220, and both ends of the rotating shaft 206 of the intermediate blade unit 202C are respectively provided with a keyway 222 and a key 220, and one end of the rotating shaft 206 of the distal blade unit 202B is provided with a keyway 222. The key 220 and the keyway 222 of each intermediate blade unit 202C are respectively engaged with the keyway 222 and the key 220 of the adjacent blade unit, so that a plurality of blade units 202 are connected in series to form a blade string 200. It can be conceived that in some other embodiments not shown, one end of the rotating shaft of the proximal blade unit is provided with a keyway, both ends of the rotating shaft of the intermediate blade unit are respectively provided with a key and a keyway, and one end of the rotating shaft of the distal blade unit is provided with a key.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, each keyway 222 is configured to allow the corresponding key 220 to circumferentially move between a first circumferential position (as Figure 9A shown) and a second circumferential position (as Figure 9B shown) therein, thereby allowing two adjacent blade units 202 to rotate relative to each other to change the positional relationship (angle relationship) between two adjacent blades 208, and further changing the air outlet feeling of the air outlet device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each keyway 222 may include a first side 224 and a second side 226 opposite to each other. When the key 220 abuts against the first side 224 of the corresponding keyway 222, it is in the first circumferential position, as Figure 9A shown, and when the key 220 abuts against the second side 226 of the corresponding keyway 222, it is in the second circumferential position, as Figure 9A shown. In the illustrated embodiment, takingFigure 9A For example, when observing from the right side to the left side of Figure 9A , the first side 224 is downstream of the second side 226 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the axial end face 228 of the rotating shaft 206 of each blade unit 202 that is adjacent to the adjacent blade unit 202 is a flat surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 206. The axial end face 228 of the rotating shaft 206 of each of the proximal blade unit 202A and the distal blade unit 202B that is adjacent to the adjacent intermediate blade unit 202C is a flat surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 206, and the two axial end faces 228 of the rotating shaft 206 of each intermediate blade unit 202C that are respectively adjacent to the adjacent two blade units 202 are both flat surfaces perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 206, so that the plurality of blade units 202 of the blade string 200 can rotate relative to each other smoothly.

[0114] Referring to Figures 2A to 4B, in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal blade unit 202A may be fixedly connected to the drive shaft 204 in the circumferential direction. The proximal blade unit 202A may include a proximal blade unit body 230 and a hollow transmission portion 232 that are coaxially arranged and connected to each other. The proximal blade unit body 230 may be sleeved outside the hollow transmission portion 232. The proximal blade unit body 230 may include a rotating shaft 206 and blades 208 that are inclined relative to the rotating shaft 206. The hollow transmission portion 232 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 100 at the annular channel 234 on its outer side and axially positioned relative to the housing 100. The hollow transmission portion 232 may include a second transmission gear 236 and an axial rib 238 provided on its outer side and an engagement keyway 240 provided inside it. The second transmission gear 236 may be engaged with the first transmission gear 304, so that the first motor 302 of the drive module 300 can drive the first transmission gear 304, and then drive the proximal blade unit 202A, the plurality of intermediate blade units 202C, and the distal blade unit 202B to rotate integrally. The axial rib 238 of the hollow transmission portion 232 may be engaged with the axial channel 242 inside the rotating shaft 206, so that the hollow transmission portion 232 is non-rotatably connected to the proximal blade unit body 230. The engagement keyway 240 of the hollow transmission portion 232 may cooperate with the engagement key 241 at the end of the drive shaft 204, so that the hollow transmission portion 232 is non-rotatably connected to the drive shaft 204. In this way, the drive shaft 204 is non-rotatably connected to the proximal blade unit 202A, and the first motor 302 of the drive module 300 can drive the proximal blade unit 202A and the drive shaft 204 to rotate synchronously by means of the first transmission gear 304. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the proximal blade unit body and the hollow transmission portion may be formed as an integral part. In some other embodiments not shown, the proximal blade unit may also not be connected to the drive shaft, but both may be directly driven by the drive module to rotate synchronously.

[0115] Referring to Figures 3 to 5C and Figures 7A to 8B , in the illustrated embodiment, the distal blade unit 202B may include a distal blade unit body 244 and a first hollow shaft 246 that are axially adjacent and detachably connected to each other. The distal blade unit body 244 may include a rotating shaft 206 and blades 208 provided on the rotating shaft 206 and inclined relative to the rotating shaft 206. The first hollow shaft 246 may include one or more claws 248. Correspondingly, one or more card interfaces 250 are provided on the rotating shaft 206 of the distal blade unit body 244, and each claw 248 can be clamped with the corresponding card interface 250 to connect the first hollow shaft 246 and the distal blade unit body 244 to each other.

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment, the first hollow shaft 246 of the distal vane unit 202B includes a first helical track 252. The first helical track 252 may be in the form of a helical groove. The first switching element 402 may be in the form of an annular member and is sleeved outside the first hollow shaft 246. The first switching element 402 defines a receiving hole 403 for the first hollow shaft 246 to pass through. The first switching element 402 may include a mating portion 405. The mating portion 405 may be in the form of a pin. The mating portion 405 is adapted to cooperate with or engage in the first helical track 252 and is capable of moving along the first helical track 252. Thus, when the first switching element 402 moves axially relative to the drive shaft 204 and thus axially relative to the distal vane unit 202B, the mating portion 405 can move along the first helical track 252 and drive the distal vane unit 202B to rotate relative to the first switching element 402, and thus relative to the proximal vane unit 202A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first switching element 402 may include two relatively arranged mating portions 405 to make the relative movement between the first switching element 402 and the distal vane unit 202B smoother.

[0117] It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the mating portion may be provided on the first hollow shaft, and the first helical track may be provided on the first switching element. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the first helical track may be in the form of a helical surface. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the first switching element may be in other suitable forms such as a tubular member. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the first hollow shaft may be sleeved outside the first switching element. It is also conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the first switching element and the distal vane unit may not achieve the conversion of axial movement to circumferential movement (rotational movement) through the cooperation of a helical groove and a pin, but may utilize other structures such as a ball screw to achieve the conversion of axial movement to circumferential movement (rotational movement).

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 may further include a first bracket 110. The first bracket 110 may be fixed, for example, by snap - fitting, to the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104. The distal vane unit 202B is rotatably mounted to the first bracket 110 and axially positioned relative to the first bracket 110. One of the distal vane unit 202B and the first bracket 110 may include a mating groove 256, and the other may include a mating protrusion 112. At least one of the mating groove 256 and the mating protrusion 112 extends circumferentially. The mating groove 256 and the mating protrusion 112 engage to limit the relative axial movement between the distal vane unit 202B and the first bracket 110 and allow the relative rotation between the distal vane unit 202B and the first bracket 110.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, the first bracket 110 defines a through hole 114, and the distal blade unit 202B is adapted to be mounted in the through hole 114. The mating protrusion 112 is disposed on the inner circumference of the through hole 114 and extends circumferentially in the form of an annular protrusion. A mating groove 256 is defined between the distal blade unit body 244 and the first hollow shaft 246. The mating groove 256 extends circumferentially in the form of an annular groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of both the mating protrusion 112 and the mating groove 256 is one. The detachable structure of the distal blade unit 202B facilitates the mounting of the distal blade unit 202B to the first bracket 110 through the mating protrusion 112 and the mating groove 256.

[0120] It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the positions of the mating protrusion and the mating groove can be interchanged; in some other embodiments not shown, the mating protrusion and the mating groove can have other suitable configurations. For example, the mating protrusion can be in the form of a pin post or an arc-shaped rib and the mating groove is in the form of an annular groove; in some other embodiments not shown, the mating protrusion and the mating groove can also have other suitable numbers; in some other embodiments not shown, the distal blade unit can also be formed as a single piece, such as in the case where the mating protrusion is provided on the distal blade unit; in some other embodiments not shown, the distal blade unit can also be not mounted on the first bracket, but directly mounted on the upper housing and / or the lower housing.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the first switching element 402 can be non-rotatably sleeved outside the transmission shaft 204 and can axially move relative to the transmission shaft 204. One of the first switching element 402 and the transmission shaft 204 can include a mating recess 404, and the other can include a mating protrusion 258. At least one of the mating recess 404 and the mating protrusion 258 extends axially. The mating recess 404 is adapted to engage with the mating protrusion 258 to prevent / restrict the relative rotation between the first switching element 402 and the transmission shaft 204 and guide the relative axial movement between the first switching element 402 and the transmission shaft 204.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the first switching element 402 and the proximal blade unit 202A are respectively disposed at two opposite longitudinal ends of the transmission shaft 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging protrusion 258 axially extends from the shoulder 210 of the transmission shaft 204 into an arm-like structure and is located outside the first hollow shaft 246 of the distal blade unit 202B. The engaging recess 404 is provided on the inner periphery of the first switching element 402 and axially extends. In the illustrated embodiment, both the engaging protrusion 258 and the engaging recess 404 are two in number to guide the smooth movement of the first switching element 402 relative to the transmission shaft 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first switching element 402 includes a first annular element 406 and a second annular element 408 detachably connected to the first annular element 406. The engaging portion 405 for cooperating with the first spiral track 252 and the engaging recess 404 for cooperating with the engaging protrusion 258 are provided on the inner periphery of the first annular element 406.

[0123] It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the positions of the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess can be interchanged; in some other embodiments not shown, the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess can have other suitable configurations. For example, the engaging protrusion can be in the form of a pin post and the engaging recess can be in the form of an axial recess; in some other embodiments not shown, the first switching element can also be formed as an integral piece; in some other embodiments not shown, the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess can also have other suitable numbers.

[0124] Referring to Figure 3 and Figures 4A to 7B , in the illustrated embodiment, the switching module 400 further includes a second switching element 410. The second switching element 410 is sleeved outside the first switching element 402 and axially positioned relative to the first switching element 402. The first switching element 402 is rotatable relative to the second switching element 410, and the second switching element 410 can be driven by the driving unit 500 to axially move relative to the transmission shaft 204.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the second switching element 410 is in the form of an annular member. One of the first switching element 402 and the second switching element 410 includes a mating recess 412, and the other includes a mating protrusion 414. At least one of the mating recess 412 and the mating protrusion 414 extends circumferentially. The mating recess 412 and the mating protrusion 414 are engaged / cooperated with each other to limit the relative axial movement of the first switching element 402 and the second switching element 410, so that the second switching element 410 can drive the first switching element 402 to move axially synchronously, and allow the first switching element 402 to rotate relative to the second switching element 410, thereby allowing the first switching element 402 to rotate within the second switching element 410 along with the blade string 200.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating recess 412 is provided on the outer periphery of the first switching element 402 and extends circumferentially in the form of an annular recess. The mating protrusion 414 is provided on the inner periphery of the second switching element 410 and extends circumferentially in the form of an annular protrusion. The number of the mating protrusion 414 and the mating recess 412 is one each. The mating recess 412 is defined between the first annular element 406 and the second annular element 408 of the first switching element 402. The detachable structure of the first switching element 402 facilitates assembling the first switching element 402 with the second switching element 410 through the mating protrusion 414 and the mating recess 412. The mating protrusion 414 and the mating recess 412 are similar in function to the above-mentioned mating protrusion 112 and mating groove 256, and thus can also have many variations like the mating protrusion 112 and mating groove 256, which will not be elaborated here.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the second switching element 410 is axially movably mounted to the first bracket 110. One of the second switching element 410 and the first bracket 110 includes an engaging groove 416, and the other includes an engaging protrusion 116. At least one of the engaging groove 416 and the engaging protrusion 116 extends axially. The engaging groove 416 is adapted to engage with the engaging protrusion 116 to prevent / restrict the relative rotation between the second switching element 410 and the first bracket 110 and guide the relative axial movement between the second switching element 410 and the first bracket 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging protrusion 116 is provided on the first bracket 110 and extends axially in an arm-like structure, and the engaging groove 416 is provided on the second switching element 410 and extends axially. Both the engaging protrusion 116 and the engaging groove 416 are two. The engaging protrusion 116 and the engaging groove 416 are similar in function to the above-mentioned engaging protrusion 258 and engaging recess 404, and thus can also have many variations like the engaging protrusion 258 and engaging recess 404, which will not be elaborated here. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the second switching element may not be mounted on the first bracket, but directly mounted on the upper housing and / or the lower housing.

[0128] Referring to Figure 3 and Figures 8A to 9B , when switching the arrangement pattern of the blade units, the second switching element 410 can be axially moved relative to the first bracket 110 to drive the first switching element 402 to axially move relative to the transmission shaft 204, thereby driving the distal blade unit 202B to rotate relative to the first switching element 402 and the proximal blade unit 202A. In the illustrated embodiment, the switching module 400 (more specifically, the first switching element 402 and the second switching element 410) can be relative to the transmission shaft 204 in Figure 9A the first axial position shown and Figure 9Baxially move between the second axial positions shown, so that the distal vane unit 202B rotates relative to the proximal vane unit 202A, and accordingly the vane string 200 is Figure 9A the first arrangement pattern shown and Figure 9B switch between the second arrangement patterns shown.

[0129] When the switching module 400 is in Figure 9A the first axial position shown, each of all the keys 220 of the vane string 200 is in a first circumferential position abutting against the first side 224 of the corresponding keyway 222, so that the vane string 200 / multiple vane units 202 are in the first arrangement pattern. At this time, the vanes 208 of the multiple vane units 202 are parallel to each other, so that the wind blown out between the adjacent vanes 208 of the air outlet device 10 is substantially parallel to each other to provide parallel wind.

[0130] When the switching module 400 remains in the first axial position, the distal vane unit 202B, the first switching element 402, the transmission shaft 204 and the proximal vane unit 202A remain circumferentially synchronized and can only rotate synchronously, and each key 220 abuts against the first side 224 of the corresponding keyway 222. Therefore, all the vane units 202 of the vane string 200 can only rotate synchronously, so that when the first motor 302 drives the proximal vane unit 202A, the vane string 200 of the air outlet device 10 can rotate synchronously as a whole to stably provide parallel wind.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the first axial position is closer to the vane 208 than the second axial position. The helix direction of the first helical track 252 is set such that: when the switching module 400 moves from the first axial position to the second axial position, the distal vane unit 202B rotates counterclockwise relative to the first switching element 402 (counterclockwise when viewed from the right side to the left side of Figure 9B ), to allow relative circumferential movement between the keyway 222 of the distal vane unit 202B and the key 220 of the adjacent intermediate vane unit 202C, and accordingly allow the distal vane unit 202B to rotate relative to the adjacent intermediate vane unit 202C.

[0132] Specifically, when the switching module 400 moves from Figure 9A the first axial position in Figure 9BWhen moving to the second axial position, the distal blade unit 202B rotates counterclockwise relative to the adjacent intermediate blade unit 202C until the second side 226 of the keyway 222 of the distal blade unit 202B abuts against the key 220 of the adjacent intermediate blade unit 202C. After that, the distal blade unit 202B will drive the intermediate blade unit 202C to rotate counterclockwise synchronously, so that the intermediate blade unit 202C will also rotate counterclockwise relative to its adjacent intermediate blade unit 202C upstream. When the second side 226 of the keyway 222 of the intermediate blade unit 202C abuts against the key 220 of its adjacent intermediate blade unit 202C upstream, the intermediate blade unit 202C will rotate synchronously with its adjacent intermediate blade unit 202C upstream, and so on. When the switching module 400 moves to Figure 9B the second axial position shown, the second sides 226 of all the keyways 222 are in abutment with the corresponding keys 220. In other words, each key 220 is in the second circumferential position, so that the blade string 200 / multiple blade units 202 are in the second arrangement mode. At this time, the blades 208 of the multiple blade units 202 are not parallel to each other, so that the wind directions of the wind blown out between the adjacent blades 208 of the air outlet device 10 are different, so as to provide natural wind.

[0133] It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the first arrangement mode and the second arrangement mode may also be other blade unit arrangement modes, as long as the first arrangement mode and the second arrangement mode are different.

[0134] When the switching module 400 remains in the second axial position, the distal blade unit 202B, the first switching element 402, the transmission shaft 204 and the proximal blade unit 202A remain circumferentially synchronized and can only rotate synchronously. Moreover, each key 220 abuts against the second side 226 of the adjacent keyway 222. Therefore, all the blade units 202 of the blade string 200 can also only rotate synchronously, so that when the first motor 302 drives the proximal blade unit 202A, the blade string 200 of the air outlet device 10 can rotate synchronously as a whole to stably provide natural wind.

[0135] In this way, by changing the axial position of the switching module 400, the blade unit arrangement mode can be directly changed to obtain different wind sensations. This switching method requires a short switching time and can be synchronized under the working state of the first motor 302, which can provide a better user experience.

[0136] In the illustrated embodiment, the switching module 400 includes a first switching element 402 and a second switching element 410. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments, the switching module may also include a first switching element capable of axial movement and rotation, and does not include a second switching element.

[0137] Referring toFigures 2A to 3 and Figures 10A to 14C , the drive unit 500 of the air outlet device 10 is used to drive the switching module 400 to axially move relative to the transmission shaft 204 between a first axial position (as shown in Figures 13A to 13C ) and a second axial position (as shown in Figures 14A to 14C ). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 500 is used to directly drive the second switching element 410 to axially move, and further drive the first switching element 402 to axially move. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, for example, in the case where the switching module includes the first switching element but does not include the second switching element, the drive unit can be used to directly drive the first switching element to axially move.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 500 may include a first shape memory alloy component 502 and a second shape memory alloy component 504. The drive unit 500 drives the switching module 400 to axially move to the first axial position when the size of the first shape memory alloy component 502 changes due to temperature change, and drives the switching module 400 to axially move to the second axial position when the size of the second shape memory alloy component 504 changes due to temperature change. Optionally, the first shape memory alloy component 502 and the second shape memory alloy component 504 can be configured to become smaller in size when heated. Optionally, the first shape memory alloy component 502 and the second shape memory alloy component 504 can be made of alloys with shape memory effects such as copper-aluminum-nickel alloy or nickel-titanium alloy. The drive unit 500 may further include a heating circuit (not shown) for energizing the first shape memory alloy component 502 and the second shape memory alloy component 504 to heat them. In the illustrated embodiment, the first shape memory alloy component 502 and the second shape memory alloy component 504 can both be in the form of shape memory alloy wires and extend substantially axially. The aforementioned shape memory alloy wires can be configured to shorten when heated, and can maintain their length unchanged when cooled and not subjected to external forces. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the first shape memory alloy component and the second shape memory alloy component can also have other shapes, for example, they can be in the form of strips.

[0139] The drive unit 500 may further include a sliding member 506. The sliding member 506 is axially slidably mounted to the housing 100 and coupled to the switching module 400. Wherein, the first shape memory alloy component 502 and the second shape memory alloy component 504 are both connected to the sliding member 506, and are adapted to respectively pull the sliding member 506 in different directions when the size changes due to temperature change, so as to respectively axially slide the sliding member 506 in opposite directions and drive the switching module 400 to axially move in opposite directions.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding member 506 is in the form of a slide bar. As shown in Figure 11CAs shown, the sliding member 506 may include a first fastening hole 508 (left side) and a second fastening hole 510 (right side) at its bottom. The first fastening hole 508 and the second fastening hole 510 are respectively located on opposite sides / left and right sides of the sliding member 506. As Figure 12A and Figure 12B shown, the upper housing 102 may include an axially extending chute 118. The upper housing 102 may be provided with a third fastening hole 120 (left side) and a fourth fastening hole 122 (right side) on its opposite sides / left and right sides.

[0141] The right end of the first shape memory alloy member 502 may be installed in the fourth fastening hole 122 on the right side of the upper housing 102, and the left end may be installed in the first fastening hole 508 on the left side of the sliding member 506, so that after the first shape memory alloy member 502 is energized and heated to shorten its length, it will pull the sliding member 506 to the right, causing the sliding member 506 to move axially to the right. The left end of the second shape memory alloy member 504 may be installed in the third fastening hole 120 on the left side of the upper housing 102, and the right end may be installed in the second fastening hole 510 on the right side of the sliding member 506, so that after the second shape memory alloy member 504 is energized and heated to shorten its length, it will pull the sliding member 506 to the left, causing the sliding member 506 to move axially to the left. The heating circuit may energize the first shape memory alloy member 502 and de-energize the second shape memory alloy member 504 to cause the sliding member 506 to move axially to the right, and may energize the second shape memory alloy member 504 and de-energize the first shape memory alloy member 502 to cause the sliding member 506 to move axially to the left.

[0142] It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the drive unit may not include a sliding member, but instead the first shape memory alloy member and the second shape memory alloy member may be directly connected to the switching module to directly drive the switching module to move axially.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 500 may further include a stroke amplification mechanism 512 connecting the sliding member 506 and the switching module 400. The stroke amplification mechanism 512 is configured such that the axial stroke of the switching module 400 is greater than the axial stroke of the sliding member 506. This is more advantageous in cases where the axial stroke of the sliding member 506 caused by the deformation of the first shape memory alloy member 502 and the second shape memory alloy member 504 is not sufficient to meet the axial stroke requirements of the switching module 400. It is conceivable that if the axial stroke of the sliding member caused by the deformation of the first shape memory alloy member and the second shape memory alloy member can meet the axial stroke requirements of the switching module, the stroke amplification mechanism may not be provided either.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment, the stroke amplification mechanism 512 includes a swing arm 514. The swing arm 514 includes a first connecting portion 516, a second connecting portion 518, and a third connecting portion 520. The swing arm 514 is pivotally connected to the housing 100 at the first connecting portion 516 and is connected to the sliding member 506 and the second switching element 410 of the switching module 400 at the second connecting portion 518 and the third connecting portion 520, respectively. The swing arm 514 and the second connecting portion 518 and the third connecting portion 520 on the swing arm 514 can pivot about the pivot axis of the first connecting portion 516 / the swing arm 514. The sliding member 506 can drive the swing arm 514 to swing and thereby drive the switching module 400 to move axially through the swing arm 514.

[0145] In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting portion 516 is in the form of a pin shaft and is adapted to rotatably cooperate with the shaft hole 124 on the upper housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the swing arm 514 includes two first connecting portions 516 provided on opposite sides thereof.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the swing arm 514 includes two second connecting portions 518 that are aligned with each other and are both in the form of orifices. Correspondingly, the sliding member 506 may include a fourth connecting portion 524 in the form of an orifice. The stroke amplification mechanism 512 may further include a connecting shaft 526 parallel to the pivot axis of the swing arm 514. The connecting shaft 526 can pass through the two second connecting portions 518 and the fourth connecting portion 524 to connect the sliding member 506 to the swing arm 514, so that the sliding member 506 can drive the swing arm 514 to swing when moving axially. The connecting shaft 526 can slidably cooperate with the fourth connecting portion 524 to slide within the fourth connecting portion 524 during the swinging of the swing arm 514, thereby preventing the swing arm 514 from jamming.

[0147] In the illustrated embodiment, the third connecting portion 520 may be in the form of an oblong orifice. Correspondingly, the second switching element 410 may include an actuating portion 418 in the form of a convex post. The actuating portion 418 can slidably engage with the third connecting portion 520 to limit the axial movement of the actuating portion 418 relative to the third connecting portion 520, so that the swing arm 514 can drive the second switching element 410 to move axially when swinging, and allow the actuating portion 418 to slide within the third connecting portion 520 during the swinging of the swing arm 514, thereby preventing the swing arm 514 from jamming. The swing arm 514 may include two third connecting portions 520 that are aligned with each other. Correspondingly, the second switching element 410 may include two actuating portions 418.

[0148] It is conceivable that the structures of the above-mentioned first connecting portion, second connecting portion, third connecting portion and fourth connecting portion are merely examples rather than limitations. In some other embodiments not shown, these connecting portions may also have other suitable configurations. For example, in some other embodiments not shown, the first connecting portion may be a shaft hole and is adapted to rotatably cooperate with a pin shaft on the upper housing; in some other embodiments not shown, the third connecting portion may be in the form of a convex post, and the second switching element may include an actuating portion in the form of an orifice.

[0149] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot radius of the third connecting portion 520 pivoting about the first connecting portion 516 is greater than the pivot radius of the second connecting portion 518 pivoting about the first connecting portion 516, so that the stroke can be amplified by the swing of the swing arm 514. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connecting portion 518 and the third connecting portion 520 are located on the same side of the first connecting portion 516, so that the sliding member 506 can drive the second switching element 410 to move axially in the same direction. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion may also be located on opposite sides of the first connecting portion, so that the sliding member can drive the second switching element to move axially in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the sliding member through the swing arm. The above-mentioned stroke amplification mechanism including the swing arm has a simple structure and occupies less space. It is also conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the stroke amplification mechanism may also have other suitable configurations, such as a multi-link stroke amplification mechanism, a rack and pinion stroke amplification mechanism, etc.

[0150] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 500 may further include a first travel switch 528 and a second travel switch 530. The second travel switch 530 (left side) and the first travel switch 528 (right side) are respectively disposed on opposite sides / left and right sides of the upper housing 102 to control the sliding stroke of the sliding member 506. The sliding member 506 may include a first trigger protrusion 532 and a second trigger protrusion 534 at its top. The second trigger protrusion 534 (left side) and the first trigger protrusion 532 (right side) are respectively located on opposite sides / left and right sides of the sliding member 506.

[0151] As Figures 13A to 13CAs shown, when the first shape memory alloy component 502 is energized to heat up and shorten, pulling the sliding component 506 to the right until the sliding component 506 moves to the right in place, the first trigger protrusion 532 on the right side of the sliding component 506 can abut against and trigger the first travel switch 528 on the right side of the upper housing 102, so that the heating circuit stops energizing the first shape memory alloy component 502. In other words, the first shape memory alloy component 502 stops shortening and stops pulling the sliding component 506 to the right, so that the sliding component 506 is held at the right extreme position. At the same time, the switching module 400 also moves to the right in place and is held at the right extreme position / the first axial position. Correspondingly, the blade string 200 is in the first arrangement mode.

[0152] As Figures 14A to 14C shown, when the second shape memory alloy component 504 is energized to heat up and shorten, pulling the sliding component 506 to the left until the sliding component 506 moves to the left in place, the second trigger protrusion 534 on the left side of the sliding component 506 can abut against and trigger the second travel switch 530 on the left side of the upper housing 102, so that the heating circuit stops energizing the second shape memory alloy component 504. In other words, the second shape memory alloy component 504 stops shortening and stops pulling the sliding component 506 to the left, so that the sliding component 506 is held at the left extreme position. At the same time, the switching module 400 also moves to the left in place and is held at the left extreme position / the second axial position. Correspondingly, the blade string 200 is in the second arrangement mode.

[0153] Second Embodiment

[0154] Figures 15 to 27C The air outlet device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown with its components and working principle.

[0155] The air outlet device according to the second embodiment is similar to the air outlet device according to the first embodiment. The blade string 200, the drive module 300, and the switching module 400 of the air outlet device 10 according to the second embodiment have the same structure as the blade string, the drive module, and the switching module of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment. The drive unit 500 of the air outlet device 10 according to the second embodiment has a different structure from the drive unit of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment. In addition, the air outlet device 10 according to the second embodiment further includes one or more air dampers 602, 604, and the drive unit 500 can drive the switching module 400 and one or more air dampers 602, 604. The differences between the two embodiments will be mainly described below, and the same parts will not be elaborated.

[0156] Referring to Figures 15 to 17B and Figures 21A to 27C, the air outlet device 10 may include one or more air dampers 602, 604. The one or more air dampers 602, 604 are capable of pivoting to change the air outlet direction of the air outlet device 10. The driving unit 500 includes a rotatable driving disk 536. The driving disk 536 may be in contact with the one or more air dampers 602, 604 and the switching module 400, and drives the one or more air dampers 602, 604 to pivot and drives the switching module 400 to move axially by rotation. In this way, the driving of the air dampers 602, 604 and the switching module 400 can be achieved through the driving unit 500, so as to adjust the air feeling, air outlet direction and air outlet volume of the air outlet device 10 to provide more air outlet modes, and also make the driving structure of the air outlet device 10 compact and simplified.

[0157] In the illustrated embodiment, the driving disk 536 may include a guiding structure 538. The second switching element 410 of the switching module 400 may include an actuating portion 418 on its outer periphery. The actuating portion 418 is adapted to move along the guiding structure 538 when the driving disk 536 rotates so that the first switching element 402 and the second switching element 410 of the switching module 400 move axially intermittently together. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating portion 418 is in the form of a pin; in some other embodiments not shown, the actuating portion may also be in other suitable shapes such as spherical.

[0158] In the illustrated embodiment, the driving disk 536 may further include a track groove 540. Each of the one or more air dampers 602, 604 is pivotally mounted to the housing 100 such that its pivot axis is parallel to the rotation axis A of the transmission shaft 204. Each of the air dampers 602, 604 includes driving portions 610, 616, and the driving portions 610, 616 may move along the track groove 540 when the driving disk 536 rotates to pivot the air dampers 602, 604 intermittently. In the illustrated embodiment, the driving portions 610, 616 of each of the air dampers 602, 604 are in the form of pins and extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the transmission shaft 204. Each of the air dampers 602, 604 further includes pivot shafts 608, 614 that are parallel to and offset from each other with respect to its driving portions 610, 616. Each of the air dampers 602, 604 is pivotally mounted to the housing 100 via the pivot shafts 608, 614.

[0159] The drive disk 536 can be configured to: drive one or more dampers 602, 604 to pivot and drive the switching module 400 to move axially during rotation within a predetermined circumferential position range, and at any moment during rotation within the predetermined circumferential position range, at most implement one of the pivoting of one or more dampers 602, 604 and the axial movement of the switching module 400. In this application, the circumferential position of the drive disk corresponds to the orientation of the drive disk, and the circumferential position of the drive disk changes when the drive disk rotates. Thus, the drive disk 536 only drives the damper to pivot, only drives the switching module to move axially, or neither drives the damper to pivot nor drives the switching module to move axially at any moment during rotation within the predetermined circumferential position range, thereby reducing the required driving force and the risk of accidental jamming of the drive disk. Preferably, the drive disk 536 can be configured to implement one of the pivoting of one or more dampers 602, 604 and the axial movement of the switching module 400 at any moment during rotation within the predetermined circumferential position range.

[0160] The drive disk 536 can drive the switching module 400 to move axially between a first axial position (see Figure 21B , 22B , 25B, 26B) and a second axial position (see Figure 23B , 24B ), wherein when the switching module 400 is in the first axial position and the second axial position, the blade string 200 is in a first arrangement mode (see Figure 21C , 22C , 25C, 26C) and a second arrangement mode (see Figure 23C , 24C ). The drive disk 536 is configured such that when the switching module 400 is respectively in / held at the first axial position and the second axial position, it can drive at least one of one or more dampers 602, 604 to pivot. Thus, when the blade string 200 is in the first arrangement mode and the second arrangement mode, the air outlet direction in the vertical direction can be changed by pivoting the dampers 602, 604, so that more air outlet modes can be provided through the combination of different blade unit arrangement modes (different air outlet air feelings and horizontal air directions) and different vertical air directions, improving the user experience.

[0161] Refer to Figures 16 to 19B, in the illustrated embodiment, the drive disk 536 may include a cylindrical body 542, a splined shaft 544, and a flange 546. The splined shaft 544 and the flange 546 may be disposed at opposite axial ends of the cylindrical body 542. The flange 546 is closer to the blade 208 of the blade string 200 than the splined shaft 544. The cylindrical body 542 defines a receiving channel 548 for receiving the switching module 400. The guiding structure 538 may be disposed along the inner circumference of the receiving channel 548. The flange 546 extends laterally from the cylindrical body 542 and, together with the cylindrical body 542, defines an axial end face 550 of the drive disk 536. The track groove 540 may be provided at the axial end face 550 of the drive disk 536. The splined shaft 544 may extend axially from the cylindrical body 542 and be coaxially disposed with the transmission shaft 204.

[0162] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 may include a second bracket 126. The second bracket 126 includes a receiving cavity 128 and an opening 130 that communicate with each other. The second bracket 126 is fixed to the upper housing 102 and / or the lower housing 104. The drive unit 500 further includes a second motor 552. The second motor 552 is mounted to the second bracket 126 and may be an electric motor. The cylindrical body 542 and the flange 546 of the drive disk 536 may be received in the receiving cavity 128. The splined shaft 544 of the drive disk 536 may pass through the opening 130 to engage with the keyway 554 of the second motor 552, and thus be driven to rotate by the second motor 552, such that the drive disk 536 may rotate about the rotation axis A of the transmission shaft 204.

[0163] Continuing to refer to Figures 17A to 19B , in the illustrated embodiment, the drive disk 536 may include two guiding structures 538. Correspondingly, the second switching element 410 of the switching module 400 may include two actuating portions 418. Each actuating portion 418 is adapted to move along the corresponding guiding structure 538, which helps to smoothly drive the second switching element 410 to move axially.

[0164] In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding structure 538 is in the form of a guiding surface. The guiding structure 538 may include a first movement section 556A (k - h section) and a second movement section 556B (i - j section). The first movement section 556A and the second movement section 556B are circumferentially opposite to each other and extend obliquely to the rotation axis A of the transmission shaft 204. The first movement section 556A and the second movement section 556B are configured to respectively guide the actuating portion 418 to move axially in opposite directions, and thus guide the switching module 400 to move axially in opposite directions. The switching module 400 moves axially between a first axial position and a second axial position when the actuating portion 418 moves along each of the first movement section 556A and the second movement section 556B.

[0165] In the illustrated embodiment, the switching module 400 (more specifically, the second switching element 410) moves axially within the receiving channel 548 of the drive disk 536. Referring to Figure 19A , since the actuating portion 418 of the second switching element 410 is pushed / driven by the driving force applied by the drive disk 536, during the rotation of the drive disk 536, the first motion section 556A can only push the actuating portion 418 to move from point k to point h. Therefore, the switching module 400 moves from the second axial position to the first axial position when the actuating portion 418 moves along the first motion section 556A, that is, towards the blade 208; the second motion section 556B can only push the actuating portion 418 to move from point i to point j. In other words, the switching module 400 moves from the first axial position to the second axial position when the actuating portion 418 moves along the second motion section 556B, that is, moves away from the blade 208.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding structure 538 further includes a dwelling section 558 (h-m section), and the dwelling section 558 extends circumferentially around the rotation axis A of the transmission shaft 204. The dwelling section 558 can extend perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the transmission shaft 204. The dwelling section 558 is adjacent to one end of the first motion section 556A close to the blade 208. The switching module 400 remains in the first axial position when the actuating portion 418 moves along the dwelling section 558.

[0167] Referring to Figure 18 and Figures 21A to 27C , in the illustrated embodiment, the track groove 540 may include a first arc groove 560 (c-e section), a second arc groove 562 (b-f section), and two transition arc grooves 564 (c-b section and e-f section) connecting the first arc groove 560 and the second arc groove 562. The first arc groove 560 and the second arc groove 562 are arranged opposite to each other. The radius of the first arc groove 560 is different from the radius of the second arc groove 562. Each air door 602, 604 remains in a different pivoting position when its driving portions 610, 616 move along the first arc groove 560 and the second arc groove 562. Each air door 602, 604 pivots when its driving portions 610, 616 move along the transition arc groove 564. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of the first arc groove 560 is greater than the radius of the second arc groove 562.

[0168] In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet device 10 defines a first air duct 702 and a second air duct 704 inside thereof, as Figures 27A to 27CAs shown. The first air duct 702 and the second air duct 704 extend from the air inlet 106 to the air outlet 108 and direct air in different directions. One or more air dampers 602, 604 are arranged at the air inlet 106 and are pivoted to control the opening and closing of the first air duct 702 and the second air duct 704, thereby changing the air outlet direction and air volume of the air outlet device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet device 10 further includes a wind guiding block 800, and the wind guiding block 800 is arranged inside the housing 100 and is located at the air outlet 108. The first air duct 702 and the second air duct 704 can be jointly defined by the housing 100, the blade string 200, and the wind guiding block 800.

[0169] In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet device 10 includes a first air damper 602 and a second air damper 604.

[0170] The first air damper 602 may include a sheet-shaped first air damper body 606, a first pivot shaft 608 connected to the first air damper body 606, and a first driving portion 610. The first pivot shaft 608 and the first driving portion 610 are parallel to each other and offset from each other. The plane defined by the first pivot shaft 608 and the first driving portion 610 may be substantially perpendicular to the plane where the first air damper body 606 is located. The first air damper 602 is pivotally connected to the housing 100 via the first pivot shaft 608. The distance d1 between the rotation axis A of the first pivot shaft 608 and the transmission shaft 204 may be greater than the radius of the second arc groove 562 and less than the radius of the first arc groove 560.

[0171] The first air damper 602 can be in a first extreme position (upper extreme position, such as Figure 27A and Figure 27C shown) for closing the first air duct 702 and opening the second air duct 704 and a second extreme position (lower extreme position, such as Figure 27B shown) for closing the second air duct 704 and opening the first air duct 702. The first air damper 602 is respectively held in the first extreme position and the second extreme position when the first driving portion 610 moves along the second arc groove 562 and the first arc groove 560. The first air damper 602 pivots between the first extreme position and the second extreme position when the first driving portion 610 moves along the transition arc groove 564.

[0172] The second air damper 604 may include a sheet-like second air damper body 612, a second pivot shaft 614 connected to the second air damper body 612, and a second driving portion 616. The second pivot shaft 614 and the second driving portion 616 are parallel to each other and offset from each other. The plane defined by the second pivot shaft 614 and the second driving portion 616 may be substantially parallel to the plane where the second air damper body 612 is located. The second air damper 604 is pivotally connected to the housing 100 via the second pivot shaft 614. The distance d2 between the second pivot shaft 614 and the rotation axis A of the transmission shaft 204 may be greater than the radius of the second arc groove 562 and less than the radius of the first arc groove 560. The first pivot shaft 608 of the first air damper 602 and the second pivot shaft 614 of the second air damper 604 are offset from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the second air damper 604 has a split structure such that the second pivot shaft 614 is formed by a first shaft portion 613 and a second shaft portion 615 sleeved with each other. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the second air damper may have an integral structure; in some other embodiments not shown, the first air damper may have a split structure.

[0173] The second air damper 604 can be in a third limit position (upper limit position, as Figure 27C shown) for closing the second air duct 704 and a fourth limit position (lower limit position, as Figure 27A and Figure 27B shown) for opening the second air duct 704 and pivot therebetween. The second air damper 604 is held in the third limit position and the fourth limit position respectively when the second driving portion 616 moves along the first arc groove 560 and the second arc groove 562. The second air damper 604 pivots between the third limit position and the fourth limit position when the second driving portion 616 moves along the transition arc groove 564.

[0174] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening and closing of the first air duct 702 is independently controlled by the first damper 602, and the opening and closing of the second air duct 704 is jointly controlled by the first damper 602 and the second damper 604. When the first damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, the first air duct 702 is closed and the second air duct 704 is opened to guide the air entering from the air inlet 106 to blow obliquely upward from the air outlet 108 via the second air duct 704. When the first damper 602 is in the second extreme position and the second damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, the first air duct 702 is opened and the second air duct 704 is closed to guide the air entering from the air inlet 106 to blow obliquely downward from the air outlet 108 via the first air duct 702. When the first damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second damper 604 is in the third extreme position, the first air duct 702 is closed and the second air duct 704 is closed, and air cannot enter the air inlet 106, so the air outlet device 10 does not blow air. When the second damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, by pivoting the first damper 602 between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the air outlet direction and air outlet volume of the air outlet device can be adjusted. In other words, the pivoting of the first damper 602 is mainly used to change the air outlet direction and air outlet volume, and the pivoting of the second damper 604 is mainly used to control whether the air outlet device 10 blows air by controlling whether air enters the air inlet 106.

[0175] It can be conceived that in some other embodiments not shown, the first pivot axis of the first damper and the second pivot axis of the second damper can be coaxially arranged; in some other embodiments not shown, the second damper can be not provided, and only the first damper is provided, and by pivoting the first damper between the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the air outlet direction and air outlet volume are changed.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, the track groove 540 and the guiding structure 538 are configured such that when the driving disk 536 rotates within the first circumferential position range, the second circumferential position range, and the third circumferential position range, it can respectively drive the switching module 400 to move axially, the first damper 602 to pivot, and the second damper 604 to pivot. The first circumferential position range, the second circumferential position range, and the third circumferential position range have no intersection with each other or only have common endpoints / end values, so that the pivoting of the first damper 602, the pivoting of the second damper 604, and the axial movement of the switching module 400 are alternately performed during the rotation of the driving disk 536.

[0177] Refer to Figures 20 to 27C , Figures 21A to 21C which respectively show views of the air outlet device 10 from different perspectives when the driving disk 536 is in the Figure 20 0° circumferential position. At this time, as shown in Figure 20 , Figure 21B and Figure 21CAs shown, the actuator 418 of the switching module 400 abuts against the h point where the dwell section 558 meets the first movement section 556A, such that the switching module 400 is in the first axial position and the vane string 200 is in the first arrangement mode. Meanwhile, as Figure 21A and Figure 27A shown, the first drive part 610 of the first air damper 602 and the second drive part 616 of the second air damper 604 are both located in the second arc groove 562, such that the first air damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, and the air outlet 108 blows air obliquely upward.

[0178] Figures 22A to 22C Views from different perspectives of the air outlet device 10 are respectively shown when the drive disk 536 rotates clockwise from the 0° circumferential position in Figure 20 to the -90° circumferential position in Figure 20 . At this time, as Figure 20 , Figure 22B and Figure 22C shown, the actuator 418 of the switching module 400 moves from the h point where the dwell section 558 meets the first movement section 556A towards the i point of the second movement section 556B. During this period, the actuator 418 is not pushed / driven by the drive disk 536, such that the switching module 400 remains in the first axial position and the vane string 200 is in the first arrangement mode. Meanwhile, as Figure 22A and Figure 27B shown, the first drive part 610 of the first air damper 602 and the second drive part 616 of the second air damper 604 are respectively located in the first arc groove 560 (specifically, the c point of the first arc groove 560) and the second arc groove 562, such that the first air damper 602 is in the second extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, and the air outlet 108 blows air obliquely downward.

[0179] Figures 23A to 23C Views from different perspectives of the air outlet device 10 are respectively shown when the drive disk 536 rotates clockwise from the -90° circumferential position in Figure 20 to the -135° circumferential position in Figure 20 . At this time, as Figure 20 , Figure 23B and Figure 23C shown, the actuator 418 of the switching module 400 is pushed / driven by the drive disk 536 and moves along the second movement section 556B from the i point to the j point, such that the switching module 400 moves from the first axial position to the second axial position and the vane string 200 switches to the second arrangement mode. Meanwhile, as Figure 23A and Figure 27BAs shown, the first drive unit 610 of the first air damper 602 and the second drive unit 616 of the second air damper 604 are still located in the first arc groove 560 and the second arc groove 562 respectively, such that the first air damper 602 is in the second extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, and the air outlet 108 blows air obliquely downward.

[0180] Figures 24A to 24C Views of different perspectives of the air outlet device 10 are respectively shown when the drive disk 536 rotates counterclockwise from Figure 20 the circumferential position of -135° in Figure 20 to the circumferential position of -45° in Figure 20 、 Figure 24B and Figure 24C At this time, as shown in Figure 24A and Figure 27A the actuating part 418 of the switching module 400 moves from point j of the second movement section 556B to point k of the first movement section 556A. During this period, the actuating part 418 is not pushed / driven by the drive disk 536, such that the switching module 400 remains in the second axial position and the blade string 200 is in the second arrangement mode. At the same time, as shown in

[0181] Figures 25A to 25C Views of different perspectives of the air outlet device 10 are respectively shown when the drive disk 536 rotates counterclockwise from Figure 20 the circumferential position of -45° in Figure 20 to the circumferential position of 0° in Figure 20 、 Figure 25B and Figure 25C At this time, as shown in Figure 25A and Figure 27A the actuating part 418 of the switching module 400 is pushed / driven by the drive disk 536 to move from point k of the first movement section 556A to point h at the connection of the first movement section 556A and the dwell section 558, such that the switching module 400 moves from the second axial position to the first axial position and the blade string 200 switches to the first arrangement mode. At the same time, as shown in

[0182] Figures 26A to 26C Views of different perspectives of the air outlet device 10 are respectively shown when the drive disk 536 rotates counterclockwise from Figure 20 the circumferential position of 0° inFigure 20 Views from different perspectives at the 50° circumferential position in Figure 20 . At this time, as Figure 26B and Figure 26C show, the switching module 400 moves from point h where the first motion section 556A meets the dwell section 558 to point m of the dwell section 558. During this period, the actuating part 418 is not pushed / driven by the drive disk 536, so that the switching module 400 remains in the first axial position and the vane string 200 is in the first arrangement mode. At the same time, as Figure 26A and Figure 27C show, the first driving part 610 of the first air damper 602 is located in the second arc groove 562, and the second driving part 616 of the second air damper 604 is located in the first arc groove 560, so that the first air damper 602 is in the first limit position and the second air damper 604 is in the third limit position, and the air inlet 106 is closed, so that no air flows out of the air outlet 108.

[0183] In the illustrated second embodiment, when the drive disk 536 rotates within the first circumferential position range of -45° to 0° and -135° to -90°, it can drive the switching module 400 to move axially. When the drive disk 536 rotates within the second circumferential position range of -90° to -45°, it can drive the first air damper 602 to pivot. When the drive disk 536 rotates within the third circumferential position range of 0° to 50°, it can drive the second air damper 604 to pivot. The above-mentioned first circumferential position range, second circumferential position range, and third circumferential position range have no intersection with each other or only have common endpoints / end values. Therefore, time-sharing control of the axial movement of the switching module 400, the pivoting of the first air damper 602, and the pivoting of the second air damper 604 can be achieved by rotating the drive disk 536.

[0184] In the illustrated second embodiment, the first circumferential position range includes a first range and a second range, where the first range is -135° to -90°, and the second range is -45° to 0°. The first range (-135° to -90°), the second circumferential position range (-90° to -45°), the second range (-45° to 0°), and the third circumferential position range (0° to 50°) are arranged in sequence.

[0185] As Figures 20 to 26CAs shown, by setting the second circumferential position range corresponding to the pivot of the first air damper 602 between the first range and the second range corresponding to the axial movement of the switching module 400, it is possible to change the air outlet direction (diagonal upward air outlet and diagonal downward air outlet) and the air outlet volume when the blade string 200 is in the first arrangement mode (providing parallel air) and the second arrangement mode (providing natural air), so as to provide more air outlet modes. By setting the third circumferential position range corresponding to the pivot of the second air damper 604 on one side / end of the entire predetermined circumferential position range of the rotation of the drive disk 536 (in the illustrated embodiment, the first circumferential position range and the second circumferential position range are respectively located on both sides of the initial 0° circumferential position of the drive disk 536), it is possible to avoid the drive disk 536 passing through the third circumferential position range when rotating within the first circumferential position range and the second circumferential position range to change the air outlet direction and the air outlet volume and switch the blade unit arrangement mode, which may cause the second air damper 604 to pivot and thus cause the air inlet 106 to close and the air outlet device 10 to suddenly stop blowing air, improving the user experience.

[0186] The above description of the time-sharing control of the drive disk 536 is based on Figure 21A the position of the drive disk 536 in the initial position in. It can be understood that in actual use, other circumferential positions of the drive disk 536 can also be selected as the initial position.

[0187] Third Embodiment

[0188] Figures 28 to 37C The components and working principle of the air outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention are shown. The air outlet device according to the third embodiment is similar to the air outlet device according to the second embodiment, and the main difference between the two lies in the structure of the drive disk. The following will mainly describe the differences between the two embodiments, and the same parts will be simplified or omitted.

[0189] Referring to Figures 28 to 37C , the drive unit 500 of the air outlet device 10 includes a rotatable drive disk 536. The drive disk 536 can contact the first air damper 602, the second air damper 604, and the switching module 400, and drive the first air damper 602 and the second air damper 604 to pivot and drive the switching module 400 to move axially by rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive disk 536 includes two halves 566 connected to each other.

[0190] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive disk 536 includes a guiding structure 538. The second switching element 410 of the switching module 400 includes an actuating portion 418 on its outer periphery. The actuating portion 418 is adapted to move along the guiding structure 538 when the drive disk 536 rotates so as to axially move the switching module 400 intermittently. In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding structure 538 of the drive disk 536 can drive the switching module 400 (specifically, the second switching element 410 of the switching module 400) to axially move between a first axial position (see Figure 32B , Figure 36B , Figure 37B ) and a second axial position ( Figure 33B , Figure 34B , Figure 35B ). When the switching module 400 is in the first axial position and the second axial position, the blade string 200 is in a first arrangement pattern (see Figure 32C , Figure 36C , Figure 37C ) and a second arrangement pattern ( Figure 33C , Figure 34C , Figure 35C ), respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive disk 536 can include two guiding structures 538. Correspondingly, the second switching element 410 of the switching module 400 can include two actuating portions 418. Each actuating portion 418 is adapted to move along the corresponding guiding structure 538, contributing to smoothly driving the second switching element 410 to axially move.

[0191] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide structure 538 is in the form of a guide groove. The guide structure 538 may include a first dwell section 558A (n-m section), a movement section 556 (p-n section), and a second dwell section 558B (p-q section). The first dwell section 558A and the second dwell section 558B extend circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 204 and are located at different axial positions. The two side walls of the first dwell section 558A that contact the actuator 418 and the two side walls of the second dwell section 558B that contact the actuator 418 may extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 204. The first dwell section 558A is closer to the blade 208 of the blade row 200 than the second dwell section 558B. The switching module 400 is held in the first axial position and the second axial position respectively when the actuator 418 moves along the first dwell section 558A and the second dwell section 558B. The movement section 556 extends obliquely to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 204 and connects the first dwell section 558A and the second dwell section 558B. The switching module 400 moves axially between the first axial position and the second axial position when the actuator 418 moves along the movement section 556. During the rotation of the drive disk 536, the movement section 556 can push the actuator 418 to move from point p to point n, so that the switching module 400 moves from the second axial position to the first axial position, that is, towards the blade 208; the movement section 556 can also push the actuator 418 to move from point n to point p, so that the switching module 400 moves from the first axial position to the second axial position, that is, moves away from the blade 208.

[0192] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive disk 536 may further include a track groove 540. The first damper 602 includes a first pivot shaft 608 and a first drive portion 610 that are arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 204 and are offset from each other. The first damper 602 is pivotally mounted to the housing 100 via the first pivot shaft 608. The first drive portion 610 is adapted to move along the track groove 540 when the drive disk 536 rotates so as to intermittently pivot the first damper 602 about the first pivot shaft 608. The second damper 604 includes a second pivot shaft 614 and a second drive portion 616 that are arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 204 and are offset from each other. The second damper 604 is pivotally mounted to the housing 100 via the second pivot shaft 614, and the second drive portion 616 is adapted to move along the track groove 540 when the drive disk 536 rotates so as to intermittently pivot the second damper 604 about the second pivot shaft 614.

[0193] Referring to Figures 27A to 27C and Figures 30 to 36C, in the illustrated embodiment, the track groove 540 may include two first arc grooves 560 (c-d section, g-l section), two second arc grooves 562 (b-h section, e-f section), and three transitional arc grooves 564 (b-c section, d-e section, and g-h section) connecting the first arc grooves 560 and the second arc grooves 562. The radius of the first arc groove 560 is greater than the radius of the second arc groove 562.

[0194] Similar to the second embodiment, the first air door 602 of the third embodiment can pivot between a first extreme position (upper extreme position, see Figure 34A , Figure 35A , Figure 36A and Figure 37A ) for closing the first air duct 702 and opening the second air duct 704 and a second extreme position (lower extreme position, see Figure 32A and Figure 33A ) for closing the second air duct 704 and opening the first air duct 702. The first air door 602 remains at the first extreme position and the second extreme position respectively when the first driving part 610 moves along the second arc groove 562 and the first arc groove 560. The first air door 602 pivots between the first extreme position and the second extreme position when the first driving part 610 moves along the transitional arc groove 564.

[0195] Similar to the second embodiment, the second air door 604 of the third embodiment can pivot between a third extreme position (upper extreme position, see Figure 35A and Figure 37A ) for closing the second air duct 704 and a fourth extreme position (lower extreme position, see Figure 32A , Figure 33A , Figure 34A and Figure 36A ) for opening the second air duct 704. The second air door 604 remains at the third extreme position and the fourth extreme position respectively when the second driving part 616 moves along the first arc groove 560 and the second arc groove 562. The second air door 604 pivots between the third extreme position and the fourth extreme position when the second driving part 616 moves along the transitional arc groove 564.

[0196] When the first air damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, the first air duct 702 is closed and the second air duct 704 is opened to guide the air entering from the air inlet 106 to blow obliquely upward from the air outlet 108 via the second air duct 704. When the first air damper 602 is in the second extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, the first air duct 702 is opened and the second air duct 704 is closed to guide the air entering from the air inlet 106 to blow obliquely downward from the air outlet 108 via the first air duct 702. When the first air damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the third extreme position, the first air duct 702 is closed and the second air duct 704 is closed, and air cannot enter the air inlet 106, so no air blows out from the air outlet 108.

[0197] Figures 32A to 32C Respectively show the air outlet device 10 when the drive disk 536 is in Figure 31 the 0° circumferential position in. At this time, as Figure 31 , Figure 32B and Figure 32C shown, the actuating portion 418 of the switching module 400 abuts against the n point where the moving section 556 meets the first dwelling section 558A, so that the switching module 400 is in the first axial position and the vane string 200 is in the first arrangement mode. At the same time, as Figure 32A shown, the first driving portion 610 of the first air damper 602 is located in the first circular arc groove 560 (c-d section), and the second driving portion 616 of the second air damper 604 is located in the second circular arc groove 562 (b-h section), so that the first air damper 602 is in the second extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, and the air outlet 108 blows air obliquely downward.

[0198] Figures 33A to 33C Respectively show the air outlet device 10 when the drive disk 536 rotates clockwise from Figure 31 the 0° circumferential position in to Figure 31 the -45° circumferential position in. At this time, as Figure 31 , Figure 33B and Figure 33C shown, the actuating portion 418 of the switching module 400 moves from the n point where the moving section 556 meets the first dwelling section 558A along the moving section 556 to the p point where the moving section 556 meets the second dwelling section 558B, so that the switching module 400 moves from the first axial position to the second axial position and the vane string 200 switches to the second arrangement mode. At the same time, as Figure 33AAs shown, the first drive part 610 of the first air damper 602 is still located in the first circular arc groove 560 (section c-d), and the second drive part 616 of the second air damper 604 is still located in the second circular arc groove 562 (section b-h), so that the first air damper 602 is in the second extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, and the air outlet 108 blows air obliquely downward.

[0199] Figures 34A to 34C Respectively show the air outlet device 10 when the drive disk 536 rotates clockwise from Figure 31 the -45° circumferential position in Figure 31 to the -83° circumferential position in Figure 31 , Figure 34B and Figure 34C views from different perspectives. At this time, as shown in Figure 34A , the first drive part 610 of the first air damper 602 is located in a second circular arc groove 562 (section e-f), and the second drive part 616 of the second air damper 604 is located in another second circular arc groove 562 (section b-h), so that the first air damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, and the air outlet 108 blows air obliquely upward.

[0200] Figures 35A to 35C Respectively show the air outlet device 10 when the drive disk 536 rotates clockwise from Figure 31 the -83° circumferential position in Figure 31 to the -121° circumferential position in Figure 31 , Figure 35B and Figure 35C views from different perspectives. At this time, as shown in Figure 35A , the first drive part 610 of the first air damper 602 is located in the second circular arc groove 562 (section e-f), and the second drive part 616 of the second air damper 604 is located in the first circular arc groove 560 (section c-d), so that the first air damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the third extreme position, and the air inlet 106 is closed, so that the air outlet 108 does not blow air.

[0201] Figures 36A to 36C Respectively show the air outlet device 10 when the drive disk 536 rotates counterclockwise from Figure 31 the 0° circumferential position inFigure 31 Views from different perspectives at the 38° circumferential position in Figure 31 , Figure 36B and Figure 36C As shown, the actuating part 418 of the switching module 400 moves along the first dwell section 558A from point n where the motion section 556 is connected to the first dwell section 558A. During this period, the actuating part 418 is not pushed / driven by the drive disk 536, so that the switching module 400 remains in the first axial position and the blade string 200 is in the first arrangement mode. At the same time, as Figure 36A shown, the first driving part 610 of the first air damper 602 and the second driving part 616 of the second air damper 604 are located in the same second circular arc groove 562 (b - h section), so that the first air damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the fourth extreme position, and the air outlet 108 blows air obliquely upward.

[0202] Figures 37A to 37C Respectively show views of the air outlet device 10 at different perspectives when the drive disk 536 rotates counterclockwise from the Figure 31 38° circumferential position in Figure 31 to the Figure 31 , Figure 37B and Figure 37C 76° circumferential position in Figure 37A As shown, the first driving part 610 of the first air damper 602 is located in the second circular arc groove 562 (b - h section), and the second driving part 616 of the second air damper 604 is located in the first circular arc groove 560 (g - l section), so that the first air damper 602 is in the first extreme position and the second air damper 604 is in the third extreme position, and the air inlet 106 is closed, so that the air outlet 108 does not blow air.

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive disk 536 can drive the axial movement of the switching module 400 when rotating within the first circumferential position range of - 45° to 0°. The drive disk 536 can drive the pivoting of the first air damper 602 when rotating within the second circumferential position ranges of - 83° to - 45° and 0° to 38°. The drive disk 536 can drive the pivoting of the second air damper 604 when rotating within the third circumferential position ranges of - 121° to - 83° and 38° to 76°. The above - mentioned first circumferential position range, second circumferential position range and third circumferential position range have no intersection with each other or only have common endpoints / end values. Therefore, the time - sharing control of the axial movement of the switching module 400, the pivoting of the first air damper 602 and the pivoting of the second air damper 604 can be realized by the rotation of the drive disk 536.

[0204] In the illustrated third embodiment, the second circumferential position range includes a third range and a fourth range, wherein the third range is from -83° to -45°, and the fourth range is from 0° to 38°. The third circumferential position range includes a fifth range and a sixth range, wherein the fifth range is from -121° to -83°, and the sixth range is from 38° to 76°. The fifth range (-121° to -83°), the third range (-83° to -45°), the first circumferential position range (-45° to 0°), the fourth range (0° to 38°), and the sixth range (38° to 76°) are arranged in sequence.

[0205] As Figures 31 to 37C shown, by setting the first circumferential position range corresponding to the axial movement of the switching module 400 between the third range and the fourth range corresponding to the pivot of the first air door 602, it is possible to change the air outlet direction (diagonal upward air outlet and diagonal downward air outlet) and the air outlet volume when the blade string 200 is in the first arrangement mode (providing parallel air) and the second arrangement mode (providing natural air), so as to provide more air outlet modes. By respectively setting the fifth range and the sixth range corresponding to the pivot of the second air door 604 on both sides / ends of the entire predetermined circumferential position range of the rotation of the drive disk 536, it is possible to avoid the drive disk 536 passing through the fifth range and the sixth range when rotating in the first circumferential position range and the second circumferential position range to change the air outlet direction and the air outlet volume and switch the blade unit arrangement mode, thereby causing the second air door 604 to pivot and resulting in the sudden shutdown of the air inlet 106 and the sudden stop of the air outlet of the air outlet device 10, improving the user experience.

[0206] For the second and third embodiments, it can be imagined that the structure of the driving disk shown in the figure is only an example and not a limitation. The range and relative position relationship of each section / segment of the guide structure of the driving disk and the trajectory groove can be changed as needed to adjust the above-mentioned first circumferential position range, second circumferential position range and third circumferential position range. For example, in other embodiments not shown, the guide structure and the trajectory groove of the driving disk can be configured so that the first circumferential position range, the second circumferential position range and the third circumferential position range have no intersection at all. For another example, in other embodiments not shown, when the air outlet device includes only one damper or two dampers arranged coaxially, the structure of the trajectory groove can be changed accordingly. For another example, the drive disc in the third embodiment can rotate within two circumferential position ranges (-121° to -83° and 38° to 76°) to close the air inlet. In other embodiments not shown that are modified from the third embodiment, the drive disc can be set to rotate within only one circumferential position range to close the air inlet. For example, the track groove may not be provided with the ef section, so that the drive disc cannot rotate within the circumferential position range of -121° to -83° to close the air inlet. It is also conceivable that in some embodiments not shown, the drive disc can be configured to only drive the switching module to move axially without driving the damper to pivot, so that the track groove may not be provided.

[0207] It is also conceivable that the structure of the drive unit is not limited to the embodiment shown, but may have other suitable structures. For example, in other embodiments not shown, the drive unit may include a linear motor, a rotary actuator plus a gear rack, a rotary actuator plus a swing arm, or an axially movable slider, etc., to directly drive the switching module to move axially; in other embodiments not shown, the drive unit may not be provided, but a lever or a knob may be provided on the switching module so that the user can directly drive the switching module to move axially by manually turning it.

[0208] Fourth Embodiment

[0209] Figures 38A to 41B The diagram shows a blade string, a switching module and a first bracket of an air outlet device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0210] The difference between the air outlet device according to the fourth embodiment and the air outlet device according to the first embodiment mainly lies in the structure of the blade string and the switching module and the matching relationship thereof, so only the blade string 200, the switching module 400 and the first bracket 110 of the air outlet device according to the fourth embodiment are shown, and other structures of the air outlet device are omitted. The differences between the two embodiments are mainly described below.

[0211] Reference Figures 38A to 41B, the first switching element 402 and the blade string 200 of the switching module 400 of the fourth embodiment are configured such that when the first switching element 402 moves axially relative to the transmission shaft 204, the first switching element 402 simultaneously drives the distal blade unit 202B and the transmission shaft 204 to rotate relative to the first switching element 402, and the distal blade unit 202B and the transmission shaft 204 rotate in opposite directions, so that the distal blade unit 202B rotates relative to the proximal blade unit 202A to switch the blade unit arrangement mode.

[0212] In the illustrated embodiment, the first switching element 402 of the switching module 400 includes a mating portion 405. The first hollow shaft 246 of the distal blade unit 202B includes a first helical track 252. The mating portion 405 can cooperate with the first helical track 252 and can move along the first helical track 252, so that when the first switching element 402 moves axially relative to the transmission shaft 204 and thus axially relative to the distal blade unit 202B, the first switching element 402 drives the distal blade unit 202B to rotate relative to the first switching element 402. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the mating portion can be provided on the distal blade unit, and the first helical track can be provided on the first switching element.

[0213] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission shaft 204 of the blade string 200 includes a second helical track 254. The mating portion 405 of the first switching element 402 can also cooperate with the second helical track 254 and can move along the second helical track 254, so that when the first switching element 402 moves axially relative to the transmission shaft 204, the first switching element 402 drives the transmission shaft 204 to rotate relative to the first switching element 402. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the mating portion can be provided on the transmission shaft and the second helical track can be provided on the first switching element.

[0214] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 405 can be in the form of a pin, and the first helical track 252 and the second helical track 254 can be in the form of helical grooves. It is conceivable that in some other embodiments not shown, the first helical track and the second helical track can be in the form of helical surfaces.

[0215] The first helical trajectory 252 of the distal blade unit 202B and the second helical trajectory 254 of the transmission shaft 204 are arranged in opposite directions. One of the first helical trajectory 252 and the second helical trajectory 254 may be a left-handed helical trajectory, and the other may be a right-handed helical trajectory. In this way, when the first switching element 402 moves axially relative to the transmission shaft 204, it will drive the distal blade unit 202B and the transmission shaft 204 to rotate in opposite directions relative to the first switching element 402. Moreover, the transmission shaft 204 and the proximal blade unit 202A are always circumferentially synchronized (both do not rotate or rotate synchronously). Therefore, when the first switching element 402 moves axially relative to the transmission shaft 204, the distal blade unit 202B rotates relative to the proximal blade unit 202A, regardless of whether the proximal blade unit 202A and the transmission shaft 204 themselves are driven to rotate.

[0216] Therefore, the air outlet device of the fourth embodiment can also change the blade unit arrangement mode to switch different air outlet modes while the blade string 200 is driven to rotate for sweeping air / outletting air. In addition, compared with the first embodiment, the transmission shaft 204 and the distal blade unit 202B of the fourth embodiment can rotate in opposite directions simultaneously when switching the blade unit arrangement mode, so the switching speed can be increased.

[0217] It can be conceived that in some other embodiments not shown, a helical trajectory may be provided only on the transmission shaft, and the distal blade unit may be configured to be always circumferentially synchronized with the first switching element (both do not rotate or rotate synchronously), so that when the first switching element moves axially relative to the transmission shaft, it drives the transmission shaft to rotate relative to the first switching element, thereby causing the proximal blade unit to rotate relative to the distal blade unit to switch the blade unit arrangement mode.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission shaft 204 of the blade string 200 includes a transmission shaft body 214 and a second hollow shaft 247 connected to the transmission shaft body 214. The second hollow shaft 247 may include a through hole 217 to allow the transmission shaft body 214 to extend therethrough. The shoulder 210 of the transmission shaft body 214 may include a mating key 260, and the second hollow shaft 247 may include a mating key groove 262. The mating key 260 cooperates with the mating key groove 262 to enable the transmission shaft body 214 and the second hollow shaft 247 to rotate synchronously. The second helical trajectory 254 is provided on the second hollow shaft 247. The first hollow shaft 246 of the distal blade unit 202B may be inserted between the second hollow shaft 247 and the transmission shaft body 214. The first switching element 402 may be sleeved outside the second hollow shaft 247, so that the mating portion 405 of the first switching element 402 can be inserted into the first helical trajectory 252 of the first hollow shaft 246 and the second helical trajectory 254 of the second hollow shaft 247.

[0219] The other structures of the blade string 200 and the switching module 400 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and will not be described herein again. It is conceivable that in some embodiments, the blade string of the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the air outlet devices of the second and third embodiments.

[0220] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein can be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubbers, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials well known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to Figure 41B The embodiments shown only illustrate the shapes, numbers, sizes, and arrangements of the various optional components of the air outlet device according to the present invention. However, they are for illustration only and not for limitation. Other shapes, sizes, and arrangements can also be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0221] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it can be understood that under the creative concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations, and equivalents of these embodiments based on the disclosed content. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations, and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary rather than restrictive, and the protection scope of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An air outlet device, characterized in that, The air outlet device (10) includes: a housing (100); a blade string (200), the blade string (200) being disposed within the housing (100) and including a plurality of blade units (202), the plurality of blade units (202) being serially connected in a relatively rotatable manner; a switching module (400), the switching module (400) being configured to operate both when the blade string (200) is driven and when the blade string (200) is not driven to cause at least one of the plurality of blade units (202) to rotate relative to the other blade units for switching the blade unit arrangement mode; and a driving unit (500), the driving unit (500) being configured to drive the switching module (400) to operate.

2. The air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet device includes a driving module (300), the driving module (300) including a first motor (302) to drive the blade string (200) to rotate.

3. The air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade string (200) includes a transmission shaft (204), the plurality of blade units (202) being sleeved outside the transmission shaft (204) and including a proximal blade unit (202A) and a distal blade unit (202B) located at both ends of the blade string (200); wherein, the proximal blade unit (202A) and the transmission shaft (204) are configured to rotate synchronously; wherein, the switching module (400) includes a first switching element (402), the first switching element (402) being coaxially arranged with the transmission shaft (204); wherein, the first switching element (402) and the blade string (200) are configured such that when the first switching element (402) moves axially relative to the transmission shaft (204), it drives at least one of the distal blade unit (202B) and the transmission shaft (204) to rotate relative to the first switching element (402), so that the distal blade unit (202B) rotates relative to the proximal blade unit (202A) for switching the blade unit arrangement mode.

4. The air outlet device according to claim 3, wherein The first switching element (402) and the blade string (200) are configured such that when the first switching element (402) moves axially relative to the transmission shaft (204), it simultaneously drives the distal blade unit (202B) and the transmission shaft (204) to rotate relative to the first switching element (402), and the rotation directions of the distal blade unit (202B) and the transmission shaft (204) are opposite, thereby causing the distal blade unit (202B) to rotate relative to the proximal blade unit (202A) for switching the blade unit arrangement mode.

5. The air outlet device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The distal blade unit (202B) and / or the transmission shaft (204) includes one of a helical track (252, 254) and a mating portion (405), and the first switching element (402) includes the other of the helical track (252, 254) and the mating portion (405), wherein the mating portion (405) is adapted to cooperate with the helical track (252, 254) and is capable of moving along the helical track (252, 254).

6. The air outlet device according to claim 5, characterized in that Both the distal blade unit (202B) and the transmission shaft (204) include helical tracks (252, 254), the first switching element (402) includes a mating portion (405), and the helical tracks (252, 254) of the distal blade unit (202B) and the transmission shaft (204) are arranged in opposite directions, so that when the first switching element (402) moves axially relative to the transmission shaft (204), the distal blade unit (202B) and the transmission shaft (204) are simultaneously driven to rotate in opposite directions relative to the first switching element (402).

7. The air outlet device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The distal blade unit (202B) includes a first hollow shaft (246) sleeved outside the transmission shaft (204), and the first hollow shaft (246) includes a first helical track. Wherein, the first switching element (402) is sleeved outside the first hollow shaft (246). And / or, the transmission shaft (204) includes a second hollow shaft (247), and the second hollow shaft (247) includes a second helical track. Wherein, the first switching element (402) is sleeved outside the second hollow shaft (247).

8. The air outlet device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The blade string (200) includes at least one limiting portion (210, 212) to limit the axial movement of the plurality of blade units (202) relative to the transmission shaft (204), and / or the first switching element (402) is axially movably mounted to the transmission shaft (204).

9. The air outlet device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The proximal blade unit (202A) is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft (204) in the circumferential direction.

10. The air outlet device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The proximal blade unit (202A) is key-connected to the transmission shaft (204).

11. The air outlet device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The switching module (400) further includes a second switching element (410). The second switching element (410) is sleeved outside the first switching element (402) and is axially positioned relative to the first switching element (402). The first switching element (402) is capable of rotating relative to the second switching element (410), and the second switching element (410) can be driven by the driving unit (500) to move axially relative to the transmission shaft (204).

12. The air outlet device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The housing (100) includes a first bracket (110). Wherein, the second switching element (410) is axially movably mounted to the first bracket (110), and the distal blade unit (202B) is rotatably mounted to the first bracket (110) and is axially positioned relative to the first bracket (110).

13. The air outlet device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The switching module (400) is capable of axially moving between a first axial position and a second axial position relative to the transmission shaft (204) to correspondingly switch the blade string (200) between a first arrangement mode and a second arrangement mode; wherein, adjacent two blade units among the plurality of blade units (202) are connected by a key (220) and a keyway (222), wherein each keyway (222) is configured to allow the corresponding key (220) to circumferentially move between a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position therein, and wherein the blade string (200) is in the first arrangement mode when each key (220) is in the first circumferential position, and is in the second arrangement mode when each key (220) is in the second circumferential position.

14. The air outlet device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, Each blade unit (202) includes a rotating shaft (206) sleeved on the transmission shaft (204) and a blade (208) disposed on the rotating shaft (206) and arranged at an angle to the rotating shaft (206), and the rotating shafts (206) of the plurality of blade units (202) are axially connected in series in sequence.

15. The air outlet device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The driving unit (500) is arranged to drive the switching module (400) to axially move between a first axial position and a second axial position relative to the transmission shaft (204), wherein the blade string (200) is in the first arrangement mode and the second arrangement mode respectively when the switching module (400) is in the first axial position and the second axial position.

16. The air outlet device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The driving unit (500) includes a first shape memory alloy component (502) and a second shape memory alloy component (504), wherein the driving unit (500) can drive the switching module (400) to axially move to the first axial position when the size changes due to the temperature change of the first shape memory alloy component (502), and can drive the switching module (400) to axially move to the second axial position when the size changes due to the temperature change of the second shape memory alloy component (504).

17. The air outlet device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The driving unit (500) further includes a sliding component (506), and the sliding component (506) is axially slidably mounted to the housing (100) and connected to the switching module (400), wherein, One ends of the first shape memory alloy component (502) and the second shape memory alloy component (504) are both connected to the sliding component (506), the other ends of the first shape memory alloy component (502) and the second shape memory alloy component (504) are respectively connected to two sides of the housing (100), and the first shape memory alloy component (502) and the second shape memory alloy component (504) are adapted to respectively pull the sliding component (506) in different directions when the size changes due to the temperature change so that the sliding component (506) axially slides in opposite directions and drives the switching module (400) to axially move in opposite directions.

18. The air outlet device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The drive unit (500) further includes a stroke amplification mechanism (512), and the sliding member (506) is connected to the switching module (400) via the stroke amplification mechanism (512), wherein the stroke amplification mechanism (512) is configured such that the axial stroke of the switching module (400) is greater than the axial stroke of the sliding member (506).

19. The air outlet device according to claim 18, wherein, The stroke amplification mechanism (512) includes a swing arm (514), wherein the swing arm (514) includes a first connecting portion (516), a second connecting portion (518), and a third connecting portion (520), wherein the swing arm (514) is pivotally connected to the housing (100) at the first connecting portion (516) and is connected to the sliding member (506) and the switching module (400) at the second connecting portion (518) and the third connecting portion (520) respectively, wherein the sliding member (506) drives the switching module (400) to move axially via the swing arm (514), and wherein the pivot radius (R1) of the third connecting portion (520) is greater than the pivot radius (R2) of the second connecting portion (518).

20. The air outlet device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The drive unit (500) includes a rotatable drive disk (536), wherein the drive disk (536) contacts the switching module (400) and drives the switching module (400) to move axially relative to the transmission shaft (204) by rotation.

21. The air outlet device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The air outlet device (10) includes one or more air doors (602, 604), and the one or more air doors (602, 604) can pivot to change the air outlet direction and air outlet volume of the air outlet device (10). The drive disk (536) contacts the one or more air doors (602, 604) and the switching module (400), and drives the one or more air doors (602, 604) to pivot and drives the switching module (400) to move axially relative to the transmission shaft (204) by rotation.

22. The air outlet device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The drive disk (536) is configured to: be able to drive the one or more air doors (602, 604) to pivot and drive the switching module (400) to move axially during rotation within a predetermined circumferential position range, and at any moment during rotation within the predetermined circumferential position range, at most one of the pivoting of the one or more air doors (602, 604) and the axial movement of the switching module (400) can be achieved.

23. The air outlet device according to claim 21, wherein, The drive disk (536) is configured to be able to drive at least one of the one or more air doors (602, 604) to pivot when the switching module (400) is respectively in the first axial position and the second axial position.

24. The air outlet device according to claim 21, wherein The drive disk (536) rotates about the rotational axis (A) of the drive shaft (204) and includes a guiding structure (538), wherein the switching module (400) includes an actuating part (418), and wherein the actuating part (418) moves along the guiding structure (538) when the drive disk (536) rotates to axially move the switching module (400).

25. The air outlet device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The drive disk (536) further includes a track groove (540), wherein each of the air dampers (602, 604) is pivotally mounted to the housing (100) such that its pivot axis is parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the drive shaft (204), and wherein each of the air dampers (602, 604) includes a driving part (610, 616), and the driving part (610, 616) moves along the track groove (540) when the drive disk (536) rotates to pivot the air damper (602, 604), and the drive disk (536) pivots at most one of the one or more air dampers (602, 604) at any moment during rotation within the predetermined circumferential position range.

26. The air outlet device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The one or more air dampers include a first air damper (602) and a second air damper (604), wherein the guiding structure (538) and the track groove (540) are configured such that: when the drive disk (536) rotates within a first circumferential position range, a second circumferential position range, and a third circumferential position range, it can respectively drive the switching module (400) to move axially, pivot the first air damper (602), and pivot the second air damper (604), and wherein the first circumferential position range, the second circumferential position range, and the third circumferential position range do not intersect with each other or only have common endpoints.

27. The air outlet device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first circumferential position range includes a first range and a second range, and the first range, the second circumferential position range, the second range, and the third circumferential position range are arranged in sequence; Or, the second circumferential position range includes a third range and a fourth range, the third circumferential position range includes a fifth range and a sixth range, and the fifth range, the third range, the first circumferential position range, the fourth range, and the sixth range are arranged in sequence.

28. The air outlet device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The guiding structure (538) includes a movement section (556; 556A, 556B), and the movement section (556; 556A, 556B) extends obliquely to the rotational axis (A), and wherein the switching module (400) moves axially when the actuating part (418) moves along the movement section (556; 556A, 556B).

29. The air outlet device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The guiding structure (538) includes a dwelling section (558; 558A, 558B), and the dwelling section (558; 558A, 558B) extends circumferentially to the rotational axis (A), and wherein the switching module (400) maintains its axial position when the actuating part (418) moves along the dwelling section (558; 558A, 558B).

30. The air outlet device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The guiding structure (538) is in the form of a guiding surface or a guiding groove, and / or the actuating part (418) is in the form of a convex post.

31. The air outlet device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The driving disk (536) includes a receiving channel (548) for receiving the switching module (400), and the guiding structure (538) is disposed along the inner circumference of the receiving channel (548).

32. The air outlet device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The track groove (540) includes a first arc groove (560), a second arc groove (562), and a transition arc groove (564) connecting the first arc groove (560) and the second arc groove (562), wherein the diameter of the first arc groove (560) is different from the diameter of the second arc groove (562), and each of the air dampers (602, 604) is held at a different pivoting position when its driving part (610, 616) moves along the first arc groove (560) and the second arc groove (562), and each of the air dampers (602, 604) pivots when its driving part (610, 616) moves along the transition arc groove (564).

33. The air outlet device according to claim 25, wherein The track groove (540) is disposed at the axial end face (550) of the driving disk (536), and / or the driving part (610, 616) is in the form of a pin post.

34. The air outlet device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The driving unit (500) further includes a second motor (552), and the driving disk (536) is driven to rotate by the second motor (552).

35. The air outlet device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The air outlet device (10) includes an air inlet (106) and an air outlet (108), and a first air duct (702) and a second air duct (704) extending from the air inlet (106) to the air outlet (108) and guiding air in different directions, wherein the one or more air dampers (602, 604) are disposed at the air inlet (106) and control the opening and closing of the first air duct (702) and the second air duct (704) by pivoting, thereby changing the air outlet direction and the air volume at the air outlet (108).

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