Device for adjusting blades of air outlet and air outlet

Abstract

A device for adjusting blades of an air outlet, comprising: a motor having an output shaft for selectively adjusting a first blade portion and a second blade portion different therefrom; a motor crank driven by the output shaft and rotating about a main axis of rotation, including first and second actuating elements; a first adjustment crank rotating about a first axis of rotation and having a first engagement element in which the first actuating element is engaged or engaged for rotating the first adjustment crank; a second adjustment crank rotating about a second axis of rotation and having a second engagement element in which the second actuation element is engaged for rotating the second adjustment crank. The first adjusting crank adjusts the blade first portion, and the second adjusting crank adjusts the blade second portion so as to guide the air flow of the air outlet in a targeted manner. The device is provided for an air outlet, which is part of a ventilation system inside the vehicle.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the blades of an air outlet and an air outlet including such a device. The device is specifically configured for an air outlet that is part of a ventilation system inside a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Air outlets, specifically for the interior of a vehicle, typically include adjustable blades that can direct the air flow provided in the air outlet in a specific direction into the vehicle interior. The air flow direction is advantageously divided into two components, where a first part of the blade controls the air flow along one direction component and a second part of the blade controls the air flow along the other direction component. It may also be advantageous to selectively, i.e., at least partially independently of each other, control or adjust the two direction components and thus control or adjust the corresponding blades. For further improving ease of use, the blades can be adjusted by means of a motor, i.e., electro-mechanically, for example. Usually, two separate motors are used for this purpose, each motor adjusting the first part or the second part of the blade. However, for cost and maintenance reasons, it may be desirable to eliminate one of the two motors, even if this means that a more complex drive mechanism must be accepted in order to still be able to adjust both parts of the blade by means of a motor.

[0003] Corresponding devices for adjusting the blades by means of a single motor are known in the prior art, but typically include complex and thus in need of improvement drive mechanisms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative and / or improved device for adjusting the blades of an air outlet and a corresponding air outlet, where the improvement specifically lies in using a relatively small number of and / or simple components to provide the desired functionality.

[0005] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features of the independent claims and by an air outlet having the features of the independent claims. Possible embodiments and improvements can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] A device for adjusting vanes of an air outlet is proposed, the device comprising: a motor having an output shaft for selectively adjusting a first part of the vane and a second part of the vane different from the first part; a motor crank driven by the output shaft and capable of rotating about a main rotation axis, including a first actuating element and a second actuating element; a first adjusting crank capable of rotating about a first rotation axis and having a first engaging element, the first actuating element being engaged or capable of being engaged in the first engaging element for rotating the first adjusting crank; and a second adjusting crank capable of rotating about a second rotation axis and having a second engaging element, the second actuating element being engaged or capable of being engaged in the second engaging element for rotating the second adjusting crank. The first adjusting crank is configured to adjust the first part of the vane, and the second adjusting crank is configured to adjust the second part of the vane so as to direct the air flow of the air outlet in a target manner.

[0007] By the interaction of the motor crank, the first adjusting crank and the second adjusting crank claimed herein, a functional and at the same time relatively simple drive mechanism for adjusting the two components of the vane is provided by means of only one motor having one output shaft.

[0008] In this case, a crank should be understood as a rotatable mechanical transmission element, the power of which is transmitted to another transmission element via a rod action on one side (in this case, for example, by means of one of the actuating elements in the corresponding engaging element), and thus is specifically different from a rolling wheel or a rolling gear whose power is transmitted by rolling. Examples of crank mechanisms using cranks are crank rocker and Geneva mechanisms.

[0009] The main rotation axis, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis may be parallel to each other. The main rotation axis and the first rotation axis may be spaced apart from each other. The main rotation axis and the second rotation axis may be spaced apart or coaxial. The motor crank, the first adjusting crank and / or the second adjusting crank may be capable of rotating about the respective rotation axes about pivot joints fixed relative to the air outlet housing in which the vane is arranged and through which the air flow is directed. In other words, on the air outlet housing, the motor crank may be mounted in a pivot joint so as to be capable of rotating about the main rotation axis, the first adjusting crank may be mounted in a pivot joint so as to be capable of rotating about the first rotation axis, and / or the second adjusting crank may be mounted in a pivot joint so as to be capable of rotating about the second rotation axis.

[0010] The second actuating element can be engaged in the second engaging element only along a partial revolution of the motor crank about the main axis of rotation. A full revolution describes a central angle of 360°. Thus, the partial revolution is less than 360°. In other words, it can be stipulated that the motor crank is coupled or connected to the second adjusting crank only along a partial revolution of it about the main axis of rotation via the second actuating element and the second engaging element. The resulting central angle of the partial revolution can be between 180° and 45°, specifically between 140° and 60°.

[0011] The device may also include a transmission gear, which is arranged between the output shaft and the motor crank. The resulting transmission ratio can be less than 1, specifically 0.5. The angular velocity of the motor crank about the main axis of rotation can then be greater than the angular velocity of the output shaft. The transmission gear may include a plurality of rolling wheels, and the output shaft is coupled to the motor crank via the rolling wheels. In this case, the rolling wheels are understood as gear wheels or friction wheels, which can transfer torque to the engaging element via positive locking (gear wheel) or frictional connection (friction wheel).

[0012] The first engaging element can be designed as a rod extending radially away from the first axis of rotation. The rod can be a rod-shaped member. The first engaging element may include a groove guide, in which the first actuating element engages, and the first actuating element can move along the groove guide. Thus, it can be stipulated that the first actuating element is permanently engaged in the first engaging element, regardless of the rotational position of the motor crank. The groove guide can extend radially away from the first axis of rotation. The groove guide can be a straight groove guide. Specifically, the first engaging element can be designed as a rod having the groove guide extending along the rod, such that the motor crank and the first adjusting crank thus interact as an inverted slider crank.

[0013] The second adjusting crank can be designed as a rolling wheel, specifically as a partial rolling wheel. The central angle of the partial rolling wheel can be between 180° and 45°, specifically between 140° and 60°. The central angle can correspond to the central angle described above, and the second actuating element engages in the second engaging element at this central angle. The second engaging element can be designed as a protrusion, specifically as a protrusion on the partial rolling wheel. The protrusion can extend in the radial direction of the second rotation axis, such that depending on the rotation direction of the motor crank, the second actuating element can engage in the protrusion from two opposite sides. Thus, it can be stipulated that if the second actuating element engages with the protrusion from one side and then the rotation direction of the motor crank is reversed, the motor crank must first complete almost an entire revolution before the second actuating element engages in the protrusion again from the other side. The engagement of the second actuating element in the second engaging element thus depends on the rotational position of the motor crank and is thus, for example, only temporary and not permanent. In addition, two stop elements can be provided, and the second adjusting crank, specifically the second adjusting crank designed as a partial rolling wheel, can rotate between these two stop elements. The stop elements can be formed on the air outlet housing.

[0014] The motor crank can be designed as a rod, specifically as a rod-shaped member that extends away from the main rotation axis. Alternatively, the motor crank can be designed as a disk that can rotate about the main rotation axis, specifically as a circular disk. The first actuating element and the second actuating element can be arranged on different, specifically opposite, sides of the motor crank. For example, they can each be designed as pins that extend parallel to the main rotation axis. The first engaging element and the second engaging element can then be arranged on opposite sides of the motor crank.

[0015] Alternatively, the first actuating element and the second actuating element can each be designed as a rod, specifically as a rod-shaped rod, which extends radially away from the main axis of rotation. The angle formed between the first actuating element and the second actuating element can be between 180° and 90°, specifically between 120° and 100°. The first engaging element can also be designed as a rod, specifically as a rod-shaped rod extending away from the first axis of rotation, and the second engaging element can be designed as a rod, specifically as a rod-shaped rod extending away from the second axis of rotation. The first actuating element and the second actuating element, as well as the first engaging element and the second engaging element, are designed and arranged such that: if the first actuating element engages in the first engaging element, the second actuating element cannot engage in the second engaging element, and vice versa. The device can also include a first positioning crank, a second positioning crank, a third positioning crank, and a fourth positioning crank, each positioning crank having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first actuating element can engage in the first arm of the first positioning crank and the second positioning crank, and the second actuating element can engage in the first arm of the third positioning crank and the fourth positioning crank, and wherein in each case, the second arm of the first positioning crank and the second positioning crank can engage in the first engaging element, and the second arm of the third positioning crank and the fourth positioning crank can engage in the second engaging element. The first positioning crank, the second positioning crank, the third positioning crank, and the fourth positioning crank can be arranged such that the first positioning crank or the second positioning crank couples the rotation of the motor crank to the first adjusting crank in a predetermined region, or the third positioning crank or the fourth positioning crank couples the rotation of the motor crank to the second adjusting crank in a predetermined region. These four positioning cranks can be configured to align the first actuating element and the second actuating element, as well as the first engaging element and the second engaging element, relative to each other in a predetermined region. Thus, it can be stipulated that the engagement of the first actuating element in the first engaging element and the engagement of the second actuating element in the second engaging element depend on the rotational position of the motor crank, and thus, for example, are only temporary and not permanent in each case. These four positioning cranks can each be mounted on the air outlet housing with a pivot joint so as to be able to rotate about an axis of rotation. The axes of rotation can each be parallel to each other and specifically parallel to the main axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation, and / or the second axis of rotation, and / or spaced apart therefrom. The first arm and the second arm can each extend radially away from the corresponding axis of rotation. Each of these four positioning cranks can also include a third arm, which also extends radially away from the corresponding axis of rotation. The third arm can be arranged between two stop elements such that the positioning crank can only rotate in a predetermined region between these two stop elements.

[0016] The motor crank, the first adjusting crank, and the second adjusting crank can be jointly arranged on the first side surface of the air outlet housing, the blade is arranged in the air outlet housing and the air flow is guided through the air outlet housing, and the motor can also be arranged on the first side surface of the air outlet housing or alternatively arranged on a second side surface different from and specifically opposite to the first side surface. The transmission gear can be arranged on the same side surface corresponding to the motor.

[0017] The first part of the blade may be adjustable by the first adjusting crank, specifically the first driving element of the first adjusting crank, via a first output element that engages with or enables engagement with the first adjusting crank. The second part of the blade can be adjusted by the second adjusting crank, specifically the second driving element of the second adjusting crank, via a second output element that engages with or enables engagement with the second adjusting crank. In other words, the first output element can be connected to the first part of the blade to adjust their positions, specifically to adjust their positions jointly around the first inclined axis. The second output element can be connected to the second part of the blade to adjust their positions, specifically to adjust their positions jointly around the second inclined axis. The first output element, the second output element, the first driving element, and / or the second driving element can be designed as partial rolling wheels, specifically designed as partial friction wheels. The central angle of the corresponding partial rolling wheel can be between 180° and 45°, specifically between 140° and 60°.

[0018] The motor crank can be integrally formed with the first actuating element and the second actuating element. The first adjusting crank can be integrally formed with the first engaging element and / or the first driving element. The second adjusting crank can be integrally formed with the second engaging element and / or the second driving element. The said elements can be integrally formed as a whole.

[0019] The first part of the blade can be configured to rotate the air flow around a first inclined axis, and the second part of the blade can be configured to rotate the air flow around a second inclined axis orthogonal to the first inclined axis. For example, when observed relative to, for example, the interior of a vehicle, one part of the blade can be designed to adjust the air flow vertically, while another part of the blade can be designed to adjust the air flow horizontally. The first inclined axis or the second inclined axis can extend parallel to the main rotation axis, the first rotation axis, and / or the second rotation axis.

[0020] In addition, an air outlet having a device according to any one of the above examples is proposed. The air outlet can be an air outlet for the interior of a vehicle. The air outlet can be a ventilation system for the interior of a vehicle.

[0021] The specific design of the various elements described above and their interactions (e.g., the central angle of any part of the rolling wheel and / or the interactions of the various elements as an inverted slider crank and / or the temporary or permanent engagement of the corresponding actuating elements, engaging elements, and / or positioning cranks) can be provided in such a way that these two parts of the blade can be selectively adjusted in a predetermined manner. For example, this can also depend on the appropriate rotational degrees of freedom of each of these two parts of the blade.

[0022] In this case, several embodiments have been disclosed. Through the following detailed description, other embodiments and advantageous combinations of the various features will become clear to those skilled in the art. The detailed description discloses and describes four embodiments of the present invention by way of example. Therefore, the drawings and the detailed description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Features that appear repeatedly are provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0023] In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary air outlet having a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention,

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the air outlet,

[0026] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a detailed perspective view of the device,

[0027] Figure 4 is a plan view of an air outlet having a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention,

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a perspective view of the air outlet,

[0029] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a detailed exploded perspective view of the device,

[0030] Figure 7 is a plan view of an air outlet having a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention,

[0031] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a perspective view of the air outlet,

[0032] Figure 9 is Figure 7 a detailed exploded perspective view of the device,

[0033] Figure 10is a plan view of the air outlet of the fourth embodiment of the device according to the present invention,

[0034] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a perspective view of the air outlet of

[0035] Figure 12 is Figure 10 another perspective view of the air outlet of

[0036] Figure 13 is a detailed view of the basic functional principle of the device of Figure 1 according to five different positions, and

[0037] Figure 14 is a detailed view of the basic functional principle of the device of Figure 10 according to eight different positions. Detailed Description

[0038] Figures 1 to 12 Each separately shows four different exemplary embodiment example air outlets L of the devices 1, 2, 3, 4 having the device according to the present invention. Hereinafter, for all the drawings, some repeated features will be described once. Only refer to the specific drawings or embodiments as appropriate. In order to better illustrate the selected rotational movement or corresponding degrees of freedom, these rotational movements or corresponding degrees of freedom are shown by solid circles in some of the drawings.

[0039] The devices 1, 2, 3, 4 for adjusting the blades V1, V2 of the air outlet L include a motor 20 having an output shaft 21 for selectively adjusting a first part V1 of the blades V1, V2 and a second part V2 of the blades V1, V2 different from the first part; a motor crank 30 driven by the output shaft 21 and capable of rotating about a main rotation axis R0, and including a first actuating element 31 and a second actuating element 32; a first adjusting crank 40 capable of rotating about a first rotation axis R1 and having a first engaging element 41 in which or capable of engaging in which the first actuating element 31 engages for rotating the first adjusting crank 40; and a second adjusting crank 50 capable of rotating about a second rotation axis R2 and having a second engaging element 51 in which or capable of engaging in which the second actuating element 32 engages for rotating the second adjusting crank 50. The first adjusting crank 40 is configured to adjust the first part V1 of the blades V1, V2, and the second adjusting crank 50 is configured to adjust the second part V2 of the blades V1, V2 so as to direct the air flow of the air outlet L in a targeted manner.

[0040] Due to the interaction between the motor crank 30, the first adjustment crank 40 and the second adjustment crank 50, a particularly functional and at the same time relatively simple drive mechanism for adjusting the two parts V1, V2 of the blade is provided by means of only one motor 20 having an output shaft 21. The features mentioned below further contribute to this effect, specifically in the range in which they interact with each other, for example, mechanically. For example, the crank thus represents a power transmission of a structurally very simple and at the same time functionally versatile type, specifically in the range in which a selectively predefined transmission area is to be provided.

[0041] The air outlet L can be part of a ventilation system inside a vehicle. The first part V1 of the blades V1, V2 is configured to rotate the air flow around a first inclined axis K1, and the second part V2 of the blades V1, V2 is configured to rotate the air flow around a second inclined axis K2 orthogonal to the first inclined axis K1. Depending on the connection between the blades V1, V2 and the devices 1, 2, 3, 4, the first part V1 of the blade is configured to adjust the air flow vertically, for example, when viewed relative to the inside of the vehicle, while the second part V2 of the blades V1, V2 is configured to adjust the air flow horizontally, as is the case, for example, for Embodiment One, Embodiment Two, and Embodiment Four (see Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 11 ), or vice versa, as is the case, for example, for Embodiment Three (see Figure 8 ). Thus, the corresponding blades V1, V2 can be referred to as vertical blades or horizontal blades. Thus, according to all the illustrations, the air outlet L includes six vertical blades and one horizontal blade, and each of these blades extends through the air outlet housing 10 and is mounted therein around a fixed axis of rotation. In this case, the air outlet housing 10 has a first side 11 and an opposite second side 12, and two of these sides extend perpendicular to the vertical blades and the blades V1, V2 are arranged between these two sides. In this case, the first side 11 and the second side 12 of the air outlet housing are connected to each other by two opposite lateral sides, and two of these lateral sides extend perpendicular to the horizontal blade and the blades V1, V2 are arranged between these two lateral sides.

[0042] The main rotation axis R0, the first rotation axis R1, and the second rotation axis R2 are parallel to each other. According to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fourth embodiment, the first tilt axis K1 extends parallel to the main rotation axis R0, the first rotation axis R1, and the second rotation axis R2, and according to the third embodiment, the second tilt axis K2 extends parallel to the rotation axes. The main rotation axis R0 and the first rotation axis R1 are spaced apart from each other. The main rotation axis R0 and the second rotation axis R2 may be spaced apart from each other, as shown in the fourth embodiment, or may be coaxial, as shown in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment. The motor crank 30, the first adjustment crank 40, and the second adjustment crank 50 are capable of rotating about the respective rotation axes R0, R1, R2 around pivot joints that are fixed relative to the air outlet housing L, and the vanes V1, V2 are arranged in the air outlet housing L and the air flow is guided through the air outlet housing L. In other words, on the air outlet housing 10, the motor crank 30 is mounted in the pivot joint so as to be capable of rotating about the main rotation axis R0. The first adjustment crank 40 is mounted in the pivot joint so as to be capable of rotating about the first rotation axis R1; and the second adjustment crank 50 is mounted in the pivot joint so as to be capable of rotating about the second rotation axis R2.

[0043] The second actuating element 32 is only partially rotationally engaged in the second engaging element 51 along the part of the motor crank 30 around the main rotation axis R0. In other words, it is provided that the motor crank 30 is only partially rotationally coupled or connected to the second adjustment crank 51 via the second actuating element 32 and the second engaging element 51. Thus, depending on the relative positions of the motor crank 30 and the second adjustment crank 50, the vane V1 or V2 coupled to the second adjustment crank 50 can be adjustable or even actuatable. The resulting central angle of the partial rotation can be between 180° and 45°. In the embodiment shown here, this angle is between 140° and 60°, and in principle it can depend on the appropriate rotational freedom of the vane V1 or V2 coupled to the second adjustment crank 50.

[0044] The devices 1, 2, 3, 4 further include a transmission gear 25, which is arranged between the output shaft 21 and the motor crank 30, and the transmission gear 25 is only visible in Embodiments 2 and 3. The resulting transmission ratio can be less than 1, specifically 0.5. The angular velocity of the motor crank 30 about the main rotation axis R0 can then be greater than the angular velocity of the output shaft 21, which increases the sensitivity of the adjustment process. The transmission gear 25 includes a plurality of rolling wheels (in this case, three rolling wheels 26, 27, 28), and the output shaft 21 is coupled to the motor crank 30 via these rolling wheels. In this case, the rolling wheels 26, 27, 28 are designed as friction wheels. In addition, this also applies to all rolling wheel structures explained below. Alternatively, toothed elements such as gears or partial gears can also be used for these rolling wheel structures.

[0045] In this case, the first engagement element 41 is designed as a rod-shaped member that extends radially away from the first rotation axis R1. According to Figures 1 to 9 the embodiment in, the first engagement element 41 includes a groove guide, and the first actuating element 31 engages in the groove guide, and the first actuating element 31 can move along the groove guide. Therefore, it is stipulated that the first actuating element 31 permanently engages in the first engagement element 41, regardless of the rotational position of the motor crank 30. The groove guide extends radially away from the first rotation axis R1 along a straight line. Therefore, the first engagement element 41 is designed as a member having a groove guide extending along the member, such that the motor crank 30 and the first adjustment crank 40 thus interact as an inverted slider crank.

[0046] In addition, in Figures 1 to 9In the first three embodiments, the second adjusting crank 50 is designed as a rolling wheel and in this case is specifically designed as a partial rolling wheel. The central angle of the partial rolling wheel can be between 180° and 45°. In this case, the angle is between 140° and 60°. This central angle corresponds to the central angle described above, at which the second actuating element 32 engages in the second engaging element 51. The second engaging element 51 is designed as a protrusion on the partial rolling wheel, where the protrusion extends in the radial direction of the second rotation axis R2, such that depending on the rotation direction of the motor crank 30, the second actuating element 32 can engage in the protrusion from two opposite sides. Thus, it is provided that if the second actuating element 32 engages with the protrusion from one side and then the rotation direction of the motor crank 30 is reversed, the motor crank must first complete almost the entire revolution before the second actuating element 32 engages in the protrusion again from the other side. The engagement of the second actuating element 32 in the second engaging element 51 thus depends on the rotational position of the motor crank 30 and is thus, for example, only temporary and not permanent. Furthermore, at least in the second and third embodiments, there are provided two stop elements 16, 17 between which the second adjusting crank 50, designed as a partial rolling wheel, can rotate. The stop elements 16, 17 limit the rotational freedom of the partial rolling wheel. For example, loosening of the connection between the second adjusting crank 50 and the second output element 53 can be prevented.

[0047] In Figures 1 to 6 In the first two embodiments, the motor crank 30 is designed as a rod-shaped member extending away from the main rotation axis R0. Alternatively, in accordance with Figures 7 to 9 In the third embodiment, the motor crank 30 is designed as a disk that can rotate about the main rotation axis R0. In both cases, the first actuating element 31 and the second actuating element 32 are arranged on different sides of the motor crank 30 and in this case specifically on opposite sides. They are each designed as pins extending parallel to the main rotation axis R0. The first engaging element 41 and the second engaging element 51 are then arranged on opposite sides of the motor crank 30.

[0048] In accordance with Figures 10 to 12In a fourth embodiment, the first actuating element 31 and the second actuating element are each designed as a rod-shaped bar, where these rod-shaped bars extend radially away from the main axis of rotation R0. The angle formed between the first actuating element and the second actuating element can be between 180° and 90°. In this case, the angle is between 120° and 100°. Furthermore, the first engaging element 41 and the second engaging element 51 are designed as rod-shaped bars that extend away from the first axis of rotation R1 or the second axis of rotation R2, respectively. The first actuating element 31, the second actuating element 32, the first engaging element 41, and the second engaging element 51 are designed and arranged such that: if the first actuating element 31 engages in the first engaging element 41, the second actuating element 32 cannot engage in the second engaging element 51, and vice versa. This enables the first part V1 or the second part V2 of the adjustable vanes V1, V2. Furthermore, the device according to the fourth embodiment includes a first positioning crank 60, a second positioning crank 70, a third positioning crank 80, and a fourth positioning crank 90, each positioning crank having a first arm 61, 71, 81, 91 and a second arm 62, 72, 82, 92, where the first actuating element 31 can engage in the first arms 61, 71 of the first positioning crank 60 and the second positioning crank 70, and the second actuating element 32 can engage in the first arms 81, 91 of the third positioning crank 80 and the fourth positioning crank 90, and where the second arms 62, 72 of the first positioning crank 60 and the second positioning crank 70 can engage in the first engaging element 41, and the second arms 82, 92 of the third positioning crank 80 and the fourth positioning crank 90 can engage in the second engaging element 51. The first positioning crank 60, the second positioning crank 70, the third positioning crank 80, and the fourth positioning crank 90 are arranged such that the first positioning crank 60 or the second positioning crank 70 couples the rotation of the motor crank 30 to the first adjusting crank 40 in a predetermined region, or the third positioning crank 80 or the fourth positioning crank 90 couples the rotation of the motor crank 30 to the second adjusting crank 50 in a predetermined region. These four positioning cranks 60, 70, 80, 90 are configured to align the first actuating element 31, the second actuating element 32, the first engaging element 41, and the second engaging element 52 relative to each other in a predetermined region. Thus, in this case, the engagement of the first actuating element 31 in the first engaging element 41 and the engagement of the second actuating element 32 in the second engaging element 51 depend on the rotational position of the motor crank 30 and are thus only temporary in each case rather than permanent. Each of the four positioning cranks 60, 70, 80, 90 is mounted on the air outlet housing 10 with a pivot joint so as to be able to rotate about an axis of rotation. Each of the axes of rotation is parallel to each other and also parallel to and spaced apart from the main axis of rotation R0, the first axis of rotation R1, and the second axis of rotation R2.The first arms 61, 71, 81, 91 and the second arms 62, 72, 82, 92 extend radially away from the corresponding axis of rotation.

[0049] Each of the four positioning cranks 60, 70, 80, 90 further includes third arms 63, 73, 83, 93, which also extend radially away from the corresponding axis of rotation. The third arms 63, 73, 83, 93 can each time be arranged between two stop elements (not shown here), such that each positioning crank 60, 70, 80, 90 can only rotate within a predetermined area between the two stop elements.

[0050] The motor crank 30, the first adjusting crank 40 and the second adjusting crank 50 can be arranged together on the first side 11 of the air outlet housing 10, in which the vanes V1, V2 are arranged and through which the air flow is guided, and the motor 20 can also be arranged on the first side 11 of the air outlet housing 10 or alternatively on the opposite second side 12. The transmission gear 25 is arranged on the same side corresponding to the motor 20. This can in principle depend on the available installation space and the specific design of the elements driven by the motor 20 and interconnected with each other. For example, in the fourth embodiment, in this case it is advantageous that the motor 20 and accordingly the transmission gear 25 are arranged on the second side 12. This is also the case in the first embodiment. Conversely, in the second and third embodiments, the motor 20 and the transmission gear 25 are arranged together with the motor crank 30, the first adjusting crank 40 and the second adjusting crank 50 on the first side 11. In the latter variant, the corresponding air outlet L can generally be constructed more compactly.

[0051] The first part V1 or V2 of the blades V1, V2 (V1 in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 4, and V2 in Embodiment 3) can be adjusted by the first adjusting crank 40, specifically the first driving element 42 of the first adjusting crank 40, via the first output element 43 that engages with or enables engagement with the first adjusting crank 40. The second part V2 or V1 of the blades V1, V2 (correspondingly V2 in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 4, and V1 in Embodiment 3) can be adjusted by the second adjusting crank 50, specifically the second driving element 52 of the second adjusting crank 50, via the second output element 53 that engages with or enables engagement with the second adjusting crank 50. Thus, the first output element 43 is connected to the corresponding first part of the blades V1, V2 to jointly adjust their position about the first tilt axis K1. The second output element 53 is connected to the corresponding second part of the blades V1, V2 to jointly adjust their position about the second tilt axis. In each of the four embodiments shown here, the second output element 53 and the second driving element 52 are designed as partial friction wheels. In the fourth embodiment, the first driving element 42 is also designed as a partial friction wheel, and in the third embodiment, the first driving element 42 and the first output element 43 are also designed as partial friction wheels. The central angle of the corresponding partial friction wheel can be between 180° and 45°. In this case, the angle is between 140° and 60°. In the embodiments shown, the horizontal blades are connected via a shaft extending between the lateral sides of the air outlet housing 10 to the corresponding output element 53 (devices 1, 2, and 4) or 43 (device 3) mounted on one of the two lateral sides to rotate therewith. In this case, the other output element 43 (devices 1, 2, and 4) or 53 (device 3) mounted on the first side 11 is connected via a shaft extending between the first side 11 and the second side 12 of the air outlet housing 10 to one of the vertical blades to rotate therewith, and this vertical blade is then connected to the remaining vertical blades via a coupling shaft (not shown here).

[0052] The motor crank 30 is integrally formed with the first actuating element 31 and the second actuating element 32. The first adjusting crank 40 is integrally formed with the first engaging element 41 and the first driving element 42. The second adjusting crank 50 is integrally formed with the second engaging element 51 and the second driving element 52. In addition to the smaller manufacturing effort for the individual components, the one-piece design can also help reduce the complexity of each of the devices 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0053] The structures of four embodiments of apparatuses 1, 2, 3, and 4, specifically each drive mechanism in the drive mechanism and their characteristics, are briefly described in detail below. What all four embodiments have in common is that the output shaft 21 of the motor 20 drives the motor crank 30 via the transmission gear 25, and the motor crank rotates around the main rotation axis R0 according to the rotation direction of the output shaft 21, etc. In the drawings, the transmission gear 25 is only visible in the embodiments where the motor 20 and the transmission gear 25 are arranged on the first side 11 of the air outlet housing 10 (i.e., Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3).

[0054] In the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 3 ), the motor crank 30 is designed as a rod-shaped member having two actuating elements 31, 32 or pins arranged on opposite sides of the motor crank 30. The first actuating element 31 is permanently engaged in the groove guide of the first engaging element 41, i.e., regardless of the rotation position and rotation direction of the motor crank 30. The first engaging element 41 is designed as a member on the first adjusting crank 40. The first adjusting crank 40 is rotatable around the first rotation axis R1 in a pivot joint that is fixedly mounted on the first side 11 of the air outlet housing 10. The first rotation axis R1 is spaced apart from the main rotation axis R0 such that the motor crank 30 and the first adjusting crank 40 interact as an inverted slider crank. The first adjusting crank 40 includes a first driving element 42 in the region of its pivot joint, and the first driving element is connected to the first part V1 of the blades V1, V2 via a first output element 43 also arranged in the region of the pivot joint. The first driving element corresponds to the vertical blade here. As Figure 1 and 2As shown in the figure, the first drive element 42 is designed as a sleeve, and the first output element 43 is designed as a shaft that is received in and engages with the sleeve. In this case, due to the permanent engagement between the first actuating element 31 and the first engaging element 41, the position of the vertical blade is directly linked to the rotational position of the motor crank 30. This is not the case for the horizontal blades, i.e., in this case, it is the second part V2 of the blades V1, V2. Therefore, the second engaging element 51 is designed as a protrusion on the second adjusting crank 50, wherein the second actuating element 32 of the motor crank 30 is enabled to engage with the second engaging element 51 from the opposite side according to the rotational direction and position of the motor crank 30. Contrary to the first actuating element 31, the second actuating element 32 is thus configured to engage only temporarily in the second engaging element 51. The second adjusting crank 50 is also designed as a partial friction wheel, which is rotatably mounted together with the motor crank 30 in a common joint on the first side 11. The corresponding second rotational axis R2 of the second adjusting crank 50 and the main rotational axis R0 of the motor crank 30 are thus coaxially arranged. The second adjusting crank 50, which is designed as a partial friction wheel, simultaneously serves as the second drive element 52, which engages with the second output element 53 at least when the second adjusting crank 50 is correctly aligned. The second output element 53 is mounted on the lateral side of the air outlet housing 10 and is connected to the horizontal blade for common rotation. When the motor crank 30 rotates, as long as the second drive element 52 is in driving engagement with the second output element 53 and the second actuating element 32 is in driving engagement with the second engaging element 51, the position of the horizontal blade is directly linked to the rotation of the motor crank 30.

[0055] The second embodiment ( Figures 4 to 6 ) in principle has a design similar to that of the first embodiment. The significant difference with respect to the first embodiment is that the motor crank 30 is designed as a disk. The reason for this is that both the transmission gear 25 and the motor crank 30 are arranged on the first side 11. Thus, in this case, the motor crank 30 simultaneously serves as a friction wheel that engages with the transmission gear 25, and more precisely with the rolling wheel 28 of the transmission gear 25, which is also designed as a friction wheel. In addition, two stop elements 16, 17 are formed on the first side 11, which limit the rotation of the second adjusting crank to a predetermined area. This area corresponds to the area in which the second drive element 52 and the second output element 53 engage with each other.

[0056] In the third embodiment ( Figures 7 to 9) In this case, the functions of the first adjusting crank 40 and the second adjusting crank 50, and thus also the functions of the first part V1 and the second part V2 of the blades V1, V2, are interchanged with respect to the second embodiment. That is, when the first adjusting crank 40, which is permanently coupled to the motor crank 30, adjusts the horizontal blade, the vertical blade is adjusted by the second adjusting crank 50, which is only temporarily coupled to the motor crank 30. This has the effect that, although in the first and second embodiments, the adjustment of the horizontal blade also inevitably leads to the adjustment of the vertical blade initially, this is now reversed. This may be desirable, for example, if the horizontal blade is arranged behind the vertical blade and is more difficult or impossible to see when viewed from the space (e.g., the interior of a vehicle) to be ventilated by the air outlet L or being ventilated by the air outlet. The other substantial design differences between the third embodiment and the second embodiment are specifically the design and interaction of the drive element and / or the driven element. For example, in this case, the first adjusting crank 40 includes a partial friction wheel, which serves as the drive element 42 and engages or can engage with the first output element 43, which is arranged on one of the lateral sides of the air outlet housing 10 and is also designed as a partial friction wheel and is connected to the horizontal blade. On the other hand, the second output element 53 is mounted on the first side 11 of the air outlet housing 10 and is connected to the vertical blade.

[0057] In the fourth embodiment ( Figures 10 to 12 ), contrary to the first three embodiments, both the first adjusting crank 40 and the second adjusting crank 50 are only temporarily coupled to the motor crank 30. Therefore, the first part V1 of the blades V1, V2 (here again the vertical blades) can be adjusted without adjusting the second part V2 of the blades V1, V2 (correspondingly again the horizontal blades), and vice versa. The design of the motor crank 30, the first adjusting crank 40, the second adjusting crank 50, and the four positioning cranks 60, 70, 80, 90 shown here has been explained in detail above. Therefore, the first actuating element 31 or the second actuating element 32 of the motor crank 30 actuates only the corresponding first engaging element 41 or the second engaging element 51 of the first adjusting crank 40 or the second adjusting crank 50 from one side, and the switching between the two sides of the corresponding engaging elements 41, 51 is achieved by the corresponding first positioning crank 60 and the second positioning crank 70 or the third positioning crank 80 and the fourth positioning crank 90, which move the relevant actuating elements 31, 32 to the other side.

[0058] Finally, the basic functional principle of the claimed devices 1, 2, 3, 4 is explained in more detail below with the aid of Figure 13 and Figure 14 using the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment as examples. The selected rotational movements of the individual elements are indicated by circular arrows.

[0059] Figure 13 The five different positions of the motor crank 30, the first adjustment crank 40, and the second adjustment crank 50 of the device 1 according to Figures 1 to 3 are shown by way of example, and these five different positions are connected or connectable to the motor crank. Position I represents an example starting position in which the second actuating element 31 has not yet engaged with the second engaging element 51. Then, the second actuating element 32 is enabled to engage with the second engaging element 51 (in this case, by rotating the motor rod 30 counterclockwise), and the horizontal blade, which is connected to the second adjustment crank 50 in this case, is adjusted to the desired orientation; see Position II. Then, by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor crank 30 (i.e., clockwise in this case), the engagement of the second actuating element 32 in the second engaging element 51 is released, and the vertical blade, which is connected to the first adjustment crank 40 in this case, is adjusted to the desired orientation; see Position III, specifically regardless of the alignment of the horizontal blade that has been carried out, i.e., without adjusting it. This is possible because of the permanent engagement of the first actuating element 31 with the first engaging element 41, and the second actuating element 32 and the second engaging element 51 can only be temporarily engaged depending on the direction of rotation of the motor crank 30. If the motor crank 30 is now further rotated clockwise until the second actuating element 32 engages with the second engaging element 51 again from the other side; see Position IV, the horizontal blade can be adjusted to the desired orientation again; see Position V.

[0060] Figure 14 Now, the eight different positions of the motor crank 30, the first adjustment crank 40, and the second adjustment crank 50 of the device 4 according to Figures 10 to 12 are shown by way of example, and these eight different positions are connected or connectable to the motor crank. Position I represents an example starting position in which the motor crank 30 is not engaged with any other element. According to Position II, the motor crank 30 is rotated clockwise in this case, so that the second actuating element 32 engages with the fourth positioning crank 90, and the second engaging element 51 is also actuated clockwise, so that the second engaging element 51 is positioned so that it can engage with the second actuating element 32. After reversing the direction of rotation of the motor crank 30 (i.e., counterclockwise in this case), the second actuating element 32 is made to act according to Figure 14The illustration in [reference] engages with the second engaging element 51 from the upper side (see position III), such that in this case the horizontal blade coupled to the second adjusting crank 50 can be rotated further by the motor crank 30 to reach the desired orientation (see position IV), until the engagement between the second actuating element 32 and the second engaging element 51 is released (see position V). Similar to position II, further counterclockwise rotation of the motor crank 30 now causes the second actuating element 32 to engage with the third positioning crank 80, and the second engaging element 51 is now also actuated counterclockwise, such that the second engaging element 51 is positioned to enable it to return to engage with the second actuating element 32 (see position VI). Further similar to positions III and IV, after the rotation direction of the motor crank 30 is reversed (in this case back to clockwise), the second actuating element 32 engages with the second engaging element 51 from the current lower side (see position VII), enabling the horizontal blade to again reach the desired orientation by further rotating the motor crank 30 (see position VIII). Thus, in this case, as long as the second actuating element 32 actuates the second engaging element 51 indirectly (via one of the positioning cranks 90 or 80) or directly (by direct engagement), the horizontal blade coupled to the second adjusting crank 50 can be adjusted to the desired orientation. In this case, the vertical blade coupled to the first adjusting crank 40 remains unaffected, because the only temporary coupling of the motor crank 30, the first adjusting crank 40, and the second adjusting crank 50 and the current selection of the geometric arrangement of the elements involved allow the blades to be adjusted independently of each other. In this case, the vertical blade can be adjusted to the desired orientation in the same manner as positions II to VIII, but by rotating the motor crank 30 clockwise from the starting position (position I).

[0061] Specifically, considering the last two example adjustment sequences shown, it is clear that the specific design of the individual elements described above and their interaction (e.g., the central angle of any partial rolling wheel and / or the interaction of individual elements as an inverted slider crank and / or the temporary or permanent engagement of corresponding actuating elements, engaging elements, and / or positioning cranks) can be provided in such a way that these two parts of the blade can be selectively adjusted in a predetermined manner. For example, this may also depend on the appropriate rotational degrees of freedom of each of these two parts of the blade.

[0062] Additional embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1, 2, 3, 4) for adjusting vanes (V1, V2) of an air outlet (L), the apparatus comprising: a motor (20) having an output shaft (21) for selectively adjusting a first portion (V1) of the vanes (V1, V2) and a second portion (V2) of the vanes (V1, V2) different from the first portion, a motor crank (30) driven by the output shaft (21) and capable of rotating about a main rotation axis (R0), the motor crank including a first actuating element (31) and a second actuating element (32), a first adjusting crank (40) capable of rotating about a first rotation axis (R1) and having a first engaging element (41), the first actuating element (31) engaging or being capable of engaging in the first engaging element for rotating the first adjusting crank (40), a second adjusting crank (50) capable of rotating about a second rotation axis (R2) and having a second engaging element (51), the second actuating element (32) engaging or being capable of engaging in the second engaging element for rotating the second adjusting crank (50), wherein the first adjusting crank (40) is configured to adjust the first portion (V1) of the vanes (V1, V2), and the second adjusting crank (50) is configured to adjust the second portion (V2) of the vanes (V1, V2) so as to direct the air flow of the air outlet (L) in a targeted manner.

2. The apparatus (1, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1, wherein the main rotation axis (R0), the first rotation axis (R1) and the second rotation axis (R2) are parallel to each other and / or wherein the main rotation axis (R0) and the first rotation axis (R1) are spaced apart from each other and / or wherein the main rotation axis (R0) and the second rotation axis (R2) are spaced apart from or coaxial with each other.

3. The apparatus (1, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the motor crank (30), the first adjusting crank (40) and / or the second adjusting crank (50) are capable of rotating about respective rotation axes (R0, R1, R2) about pivot joints fixed relative to an air outlet housing (10), the vanes (V1, V2) being arranged in the air outlet housing and the air flow being directed through the air outlet housing.

4. The apparatus (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second actuating element (32) engages in the second engaging element (51) only during a partial revolution of the motor crank (30) about the main rotation axis (R0), the resulting central angle of the partial revolution optionally being between 180° and 45°, specifically between 140° and 60°.

5. The device (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device further comprising a transmission gear (25), the transmission gear being arranged between the output shaft (21) and the motor crank (30), wherein the resulting transmission ratio is less than 1, specifically 0.

5.

6. The device (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engaging element (41) is designed as a rod extending radially away from the first axis of rotation (R1).

7. The device (1, 2, 3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engaging element (41) comprises a groove guide, specifically a straight groove guide, the first actuating element (31) engaging in the groove guide and the first actuating element (31) being able to move along the groove guide, wherein the groove guide optionally extends radially away from the first axis of rotation (R1).

8. The device (1, 2, 3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second adjusting crank (50) is designed as a rolling wheel, specifically as a partial rolling wheel, and / or wherein the second engaging element (51) is designed as a protrusion, specifically as a protrusion on the partial rolling wheel, and optionally further comprises two stop elements (16, 17), the second adjusting crank (50) being able to rotate between the two stop elements.

9. The device (1, 2, 3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor crank (30) is designed as a rod extending away from the main axis of rotation (R0), or wherein the motor crank (30) is designed as a disk capable of rotating about the main axis of rotation (R0), specifically a disk.

10. The device (1, 2, 3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuating element (31) and the second actuating element (32) are arranged on different, specifically opposite sides of the motor crank (30) and / or are designed as pins.

11. The device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first actuating element (31) and the second actuating element (32) are each designed as a rod, each actuating element extending radially away from the main axis of rotation (R0), wherein optionally, the angle formed between the first actuating element (31) and the second actuating element (32) is between 180° and 90°, specifically between 120° and 100°.

12. The device (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a first positioning crank (60), a second positioning crank (70), a third positioning crank (80) and a fourth positioning crank (90), each positioning crank having a first arm (61, 71, 81, 91) and a second arm (62, 72, 82, 92), wherein the first actuating element (31) is capable of engaging in the first arms (61, 71) of the first positioning crank (60) and the second positioning crank (70), and the second actuating element (32) is capable of engaging in the first arms (81, 91) of the third positioning crank (80) and the fourth positioning crank (90), and wherein the second arms (62, 72) of the first positioning crank (60) and the second positioning crank (70) are capable of engaging in the first engaging element (41), and the second arms (82, 92) of the third positioning crank (80) and the fourth positioning crank (90) are capable of engaging in the second engaging element (51), wherein the first positioning crank (60), the second positioning crank (70), the third positioning crank (80) and the fourth positioning crank (90) are arranged such that the first positioning crank (60) or the second positioning crank (70) couples the rotation of the motor crank (30) to the first adjusting crank (40) in a predetermined region, or the third positioning crank (80) or the fourth positioning crank (90) couples the rotation of the motor crank (30) to the second adjusting crank (50) in a predetermined region.

13. The device (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor crank (30), the first adjusting crank (40) and the second adjusting crank (50) are jointly arranged on a first side surface (11) of the air outlet housing (10), the vanes (V1, V2) are arranged in the air outlet housing and the air flow is guided through the air outlet housing, and the motor (20) is also arranged on the first side surface (11) of the air outlet housing (10) or on a second side surface (12) different from and in particular opposite to the first side surface (11).

14. The device (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (V1) of the blade (V1, V2) can be adjusted by the first adjusting crank (40), specifically the first driving element (42) of the first adjusting crank (40), via a first output element (43) that engages with or enables engagement with the first adjusting crank (40), and the second part (V2) of the blade (V1, V2) can be adjusted by the second adjusting crank (50), specifically the second driving element (52) of the second adjusting crank (50), via a second output element (53) that engages with or enables engagement with the second adjusting crank (50), wherein optionally, the first output element (43), the second output element (53), the first driving element (41) and / or the second driving element (52) are designed as partial rolling wheels, specifically designed as partial friction wheels.

15. The device (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (V1) of the blade (V1, V2) is adapted to rotate the air flow around a first inclined axis (K1), and the second part (V2) of the blade (V1, V2) is designed to rotate the air flow around a second inclined axis (K2) extending orthogonally to the first inclined axis (K1), wherein optionally, the first inclined axis (K1) or the second inclined axis (K2) is parallel to the main rotation axis (R0), the first rotation axis (R1) and / or the second rotation axis (R2).

16. An air outlet (L) having a device (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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