A circular air outlet device with a single actuator

Abstract

This invention discloses a single-actuator circular air outlet device, comprising: a housing assembly with an air outlet channel; a nozzle and a guide vane assembly arranged sequentially along the air outlet channel, wherein the nozzle can rotate left and right around axis E, and the guide vane assembly can rotate up and down around axis F, with axis E and axis F being perpendicular to each other; and a drive assembly disposed on the housing assembly, comprising: a main rotating component driven to rotate by a single actuator, a first transmission assembly that drives the main rotating component, and a second transmission assembly, wherein the first transmission assembly is driven to drive the guide vane assembly, and the second transmission assembly is driven to drive the nozzle. When the main rotating component rotates, the first transmission assembly drives the guide vane assembly to swing up and down, and the second transmission assembly drives the nozzle to swing left and right. This invention significantly reduces the number of parts, significantly lowers the cost, simplifies the structure, and significantly reduces the space occupied, making it particularly suitable for vehicles with limited dashboard space. This invention relates to the field of automotive air conditioning vent technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive air conditioning vent technology, and more specifically to a circular air vent device with a single actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning vents are an important component of a car's air conditioning system, used to deliver conditioned air to the passenger compartment, directly affecting the thermal comfort of the occupants. With the continuous improvement of automotive intelligence and comfort, modern automotive air conditioning vents need to have multiple functions: vertical airflow adjustment, horizontal airflow adjustment, automatic air sweeping, and damper opening and closing adjustment, etc.

[0003] In the existing technology, the following solutions are mainly used to achieve the above functions: Independent motors are used to drive the sweeping mechanism and the damper mechanism respectively. One motor drives the guide vane assembly to achieve up and down sweeping, and the other motor drives the nozzle to achieve left and right sweeping. However, there are obvious drawbacks: the number of parts is large, the cost is high, and the space occupied is large; the two actuators require complex synchronization calibration, the control logic is cumbersome, and the wiring harness layout is complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies, a single-actuator circular air outlet device is provided, which significantly reduces the number of parts, lowers costs, simplifies the structure, and reduces space occupation, making it particularly suitable for vehicles with limited dashboard space.

[0005] A circular air outlet device with a single actuator, comprising: The housing assembly is equipped with an air outlet duct; The nozzles and guide vane assemblies, with a circular structure, are located inside the air outlet duct. The nozzle can rotate left and right around axis E, and the air guide vane assembly can rotate up and down around axis F. The axis E and the axis F are perpendicular to each other. A drive assembly, disposed on the housing assembly, includes: A main rotating component driven to rotate by a single actuator, a first transmission assembly that transmits power to the main rotating component, and a second transmission assembly. The first transmission component is connected to the guide vane assembly, and the second transmission component is connected to the nozzle. When the main rotating component rotates, the first transmission assembly drives the air guide vane assembly to swing up and down, and the second transmission assembly drives the nozzle to swing left and right.

[0006] With the above structure, the automotive air conditioning vent of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: This invention uses only a single actuator to drive the main rotating component. The main rotating component drives the guide vane assembly to rotate up and down via a first transmission assembly, adjusting the vertical air outlet angle. It also drives the nozzle to rotate left and right via a second transmission assembly, adjusting the horizontal air outlet angle. This allows a single actuator to regulate the output airflow in both directions. Compared to the dual-actuator solution, the number of parts is significantly reduced, the cost is significantly lower, the structure is simpler, and the space occupied is significantly reduced, making it particularly suitable for vehicles with limited dashboard space.

[0007] Meanwhile, the control logic is greatly simplified, the wiring harness layout is concise, and the system reliability is significantly improved.

[0008] As an improvement of the present invention, the first transmission assembly includes a first crank and a shift fork. The first crank extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis E. The shift fork is hinged to the tail end of the air guide vane assembly, and the shift fork is provided with a transmission groove through which the first crank passes. When the first crank rotates, it contacts the wall of the transmission groove, causing the shift fork to swing, which in turn drives the air guide vane assembly to swing up and down.

[0009] As an improvement of the present invention, the first crank is coaxially and fixedly connected to the main rotating component.

[0010] As an improvement of the present invention, the air guide blade assembly is disposed in the cavity inside the nozzle, and each air guide blade of the air guide blade assembly is rotatably connected to the nozzle via a rotating pair.

[0011] As an improvement of the present invention, the main rotating component is a driving gear. The second transmission assembly includes a track component and a second crank. The trajectory component is connected to the drive gear, and the rotation axis of the trajectory component is arranged parallel to the axis E. The trajectory component is provided with a trajectory section around the rotation axis, and the trajectory section includes a first trajectory segment and a second trajectory segment with opposite radius change trends. The nozzle's rotating shaft is equipped with a second crank, and the output end of the second crank is equipped with a sliding pin, which travels along the track section. When the track component rotates, the change in the radius of the track section drives the second crank to rotate, which in turn drives the nozzle to swing back and forth.

[0012] As an improvement of the present invention, the trajectory component is provided with a first driven gear, and a first intermediate gear meshes between the driving gear and the first driven gear.

[0013] As an improvement of the present invention, a plurality of parallel damper blades are provided in the air outlet channel, each damper blade is connected to the housing assembly via a rotating shaft, and the damper blades are connected to the drive gear via a third transmission assembly. The rotation of the drive gear drives several damper blades to rotate relative to each other via the third transmission assembly, thereby adjusting the opening of the air outlet channel.

[0014] As an improvement of the present invention, the third transmission assembly includes a second driven gear disposed on the rotating shaft of each of the damper blades, a half gear coaxial with the driving gear, and a second intermediate gear meshing between the half gear and one of the second driven gears.

[0015] As an improvement of the present invention, the driving gear is driven by the single actuator to rotate within the range of 0° to 270°, and is configured as follows: a) 0°~180° range: This drives the first crank and the track component to rotate. The first crank, through the shift fork, causes the guide vane assembly to oscillate back and forth between the first and second limit angles. The rotation of the trajectory component causes the sliding pin to alternately travel along the first trajectory segment and the second trajectory segment. The second crank drives the nozzle to swing left and right reciprocally, causing the airflow to present a sinusoidal sweeping trajectory. The half gear disengages from the second intermediate gear, and the damper blade remains at its maximum opening. b) 180°~270° stage: The first crank drives the guide vane assembly to gradually return to the center, and the half gear meshes with the second intermediate gear to drive the damper blades to gradually close until the air outlet channel is completely closed at 270°.

[0016] As an improvement of the present invention, the trajectory section further includes a third trajectory segment disposed at the end, corresponding to the 180° to 270° phase. The sliding pin travels along the third trajectory segment, and the second crank returns the nozzle to its centered position. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after the housing components are hidden.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission mechanism of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the trajectory component structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow trajectory structure of the present invention.

[0023] The figure shows: 1. Housing assembly; 1.1. Air outlet duct; 2. Nozzle; 2.1. Air outlet; 3. Guide vane assembly; 4. Actuator; 5. Main rotating component; 6. First transmission assembly; 6.1. First crank; 6.2. Shift fork; 6.21. Transmission groove; 6.3. Shift fork seat; 7. Second transmission assembly; 7.1. Track component; 7.11. First track segment; 7.12. Second track segment; 7.13. Third track segment; 7.14. First driven gear; 7.2. Second crank; 7.21. Sliding pin; 8. First intermediate gear; 9. Damper blade; 10. Third transmission assembly; 10.1. Second driven gear; 10.2. Half gear; 10.3. Second intermediate gear; Detailed Implementation The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Please see Figure 1-5 As shown, This embodiment provides a single-actuator circular air outlet device, mainly including a housing assembly 1, a circular nozzle 2, a guide vane assembly 3, a drive assembly, and a damper blade 9. The housing assembly 1 has an air outlet duct 1.1 extending along the centerline D inside. The front end of the air outlet duct 1.1 is connected to the air box of the air conditioning system and has a spherical groove. A motor mounting bracket is provided on the outside of housing assembly 1.

[0025] The nozzle 2 is designed to fit a spherical groove and is placed inside the spherical groove. The nozzle 2 has an air outlet 2.1 with a circular cross-section. The air outlet 2.1 is used to receive the airflow in the air outlet channel 1.1 and output it. The nozzle 2 is equipped with a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is connected to the housing assembly 1, so that the nozzle 2 can rotate around the axis E to change the left and right air outlet angle of the air outlet 2.1; The center line D is perpendicular to the axis E.

[0026] The air guide vane assembly 3 is installed in the air outlet channel 1.1. The air guide vane assembly 3 is connected to the housing assembly 1 via the second rotating shaft, so that it can rotate around the axis F and change the upper and lower air outlet angle of the air outlet 2.1.

[0027] The drive assembly is mounted on the motor mounting base of the housing assembly 1 and includes: a single actuator 4, a main rotating component 5 driven to rotate by the single actuator 4, a first transmission assembly 6 that transmits power to the main rotating component 5, and a second transmission assembly 7.

[0028] The first transmission component 6 is connected to the air guide vane group 3, and the second transmission component 7 is connected to the nozzle 2.

[0029] When the main rotating component 5 rotates, the first transmission assembly 6 drives the guide vane assembly 3 to swing up and down, adjusting the up and down air outlet angle. The second transmission assembly 7 drives the nozzle 2 to swing left and right, adjusting the left and right air outlet angle. This allows a single actuator 4 to adjust the output airflow in two directions. Compared to the dual actuator 4-way solution, the number of parts is significantly reduced, the cost is significantly lower, the structure is simpler, and the space occupied is significantly reduced, making it particularly suitable for models with limited dashboard space.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first transmission assembly 6 includes a first crank 6.1 and a shift fork 6.2. The first crank 6.1 extends in a direction perpendicular to axis E.

[0031] The shift fork 6.2 is hinged to the middle of the tail end of the air guide vane assembly 3, and an elongated transmission groove 6.21 is provided in the middle for the first crank 6.1 to pass through.

[0032] When the first crank 6.1 rotates, it contacts the upper and lower walls of the transmission groove 6.21, driving the shift fork 6.2 to swing up and down, which in turn drives the guide vane assembly 3 to swing up and down around the axis F.

[0033] The first crank 6.1 and the transmission groove 6.21 of the shift fork 6.2 cooperate to form a crank sliding mechanism, which has high transmission efficiency and smooth movement.

[0034] In some embodiments, a fork 6.2 is hinged to the tail end of the guide vane, and the fork 6.2 is parallel to axis F with respect to the hinge axis of the guide vane. The shift fork 6.2 is hinged to the shift fork 6.2 seat, and the hinge axis between the shift fork 6.2 and the shift fork 6.2 seat is parallel to axis E. At any rotation angle, the first crank 6.1 is always within the transmission groove 6.21, ensuring stable and reliable transmission between the nozzle 2 and the guide vane assembly 3.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first crank 6.1 is directly coaxially fixedly connected to the main rotating component 5, making the structure simpler and more compact.

[0036] In some embodiments, the air guide vane assembly 3 is disposed in the cavity inside the nozzle 2, and each air guide vane of the air guide vane assembly 3 is rotatably connected to the nozzle 2 via a second rotating shaft. The air guide vane assembly 3 is placed in the inner cavity of the nozzle 2. The structure is compact and the appearance is neat. It can significantly reduce the overall axial length. The air guide vane guides the airflow inside the nozzle 2. The distance between the air guide vane and the air outlet 2.1 is short. There is no convergence or impact between the two airflows in different directions. This can achieve a better airflow guiding effect and avoid the convergence and interference of the two airflows in different directions, which would reduce the air outlet effect.

[0037] In some embodiments, the main rotating component 5 is a driving gear. The second transmission assembly 7 includes a track component 7.1 and a second crank 7.2. The trajectory component 7.1 is connected to the drive gear transmission, and the rotation axis of the trajectory component 7.1 is set parallel to axis E. The trajectory component 7.1 has a trajectory section arranged around the rotation axis. The trajectory section has an annular groove structure and includes a first trajectory segment 7.11 and a second trajectory segment 7.12 with opposite radius change trends. Specifically, along the counterclockwise rotation direction of the track disk, the radius of the first track segment 7.11 gradually increases from R1 to R2 linearly or curvilinearly, while the radius of the second track segment 7.12 gradually decreases from R2 to R1 linearly or curvilinearly.

[0038] The first rotating shaft of nozzle 2 is equipped with a second crank 7.2, and the output end of the second crank 7.2 is equipped with a sliding pin 7.21, which travels along the track section. When the track component 7.1 rotates, the sliding pin 7.21 is constrained by the wall of the track section, and drives the second crank 7.2 to swing as the radius of the track section changes, thereby driving the nozzle 2 to swing back and forth around the axis E.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the track component 7.1 is provided with a first driven gear 7.14, and a first intermediate gear 8 meshes between the driving gear and the first driven gear 7.14. The gear transmission makes the transmission stable and reliable, and is also conducive to production and assembly.

[0040] Please see Figure 2-3 As shown in Figure 6, The air outlet duct 1.1 is equipped with several parallel damper blades 9. Each damper blade 9 is connected to the housing assembly 1 via a rotating shaft, and the damper blades 9 are connected to the drive gear via a third transmission assembly 10. The rotation of the drive gear drives several damper blades 9 to rotate relative to each other through the third transmission component 10, thereby adjusting the opening of the air outlet channel 1.1, increasing the air volume regulation function, and further enhancing the functionality of the device.

[0041] In some embodiments, The third transmission assembly 10 includes a second driven gear 10.1 disposed on the rotating shaft of each damper blade 9, a half gear 10.2 coaxial with the driving gear, and a second intermediate gear 10.3 meshing between the half gear 10.2 and one of the second driven gears 10.1. The second driven gears 10.1 are meshed with each other, and the half gear 10.2 has a toothless portion in the range of 0° to 270° and a toothed portion in the range of 180° to 270°.

[0042] Please see Figure 2-3 As shown in Figure 6, in some embodiments, the drive gear is driven by a single actuator 4 to rotate within a range of 0° to 270°, and is configured as follows: a) 0°~180° stage (corresponding appendix) Figure 6 (Airflow trajectory from A to BC): This drives the first crank 6.1 and trajectory component 7.1 to rotate. The first crank 6.1 drives the guide vane assembly 3 to oscillate back and forth between the first limit angle and the second limit angle via the shift fork 6.2. The rotation of the track component 7.1 causes the sliding pin 7.21 to alternately travel along the first track segment 7.11 and the second track segment 7.12. The second crank 7.2 drives the nozzle 2 to swing back and forth, making the airflow present a sinusoidal sweeping trajectory. This creates a wave-shaped airflow trajectory that can cover a larger area in both vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, the airflow does not blow directly at the user but sweeps towards the user, resulting in small airflow fluctuations, good human comfort, reduced direct impact on the human body, and improved user experience.

[0043] During the 0° to 180° range: the half gear 10.2 disengages from the second intermediate gear 10.3, and the damper blade 9 maintains its maximum opening to ensure maximum airflow. b) 180°~270° stage (corresponding to stage CB in the attached figure): The first crank 6.1 drives the guide vane group 3 to gradually return to the center, the half gear 10.2 meshes with the second intermediate gear 10.3 to drive the damper blade 9 to gradually close, until the air outlet channel 1.1 is completely closed at 270°.

[0044] Please see Figure 5 As shown, the trajectory section also includes a third trajectory segment 7.13 located at the end, corresponding to the 180° to 270° range. The sliding pin 7.21 travels along the third track segment 7.13, and the second crank 7.2 returns the nozzle 2 to its centered position, preparing it for the next cycle.

[0045] This invention has three operating modes: Mode 1: Adjust the left and right air outlet directions The actuator 4 drives the drive gear to stay at a specific angle within the range of 0° to 180°, which can make the nozzle 2 stay at the left limit position, the center position or the right limit position, so as to adjust the left and right air outlet direction.

[0046] Mode 2: Adjust the direction of the air outlet (up and down). Operation method: Control actuator 4 to drive the drive gear to stay at a specific angle within the range of 0° to 180°. The first crank 6.1 rotates with the drive gear, and through the shift fork 6.2, it drives the air guide vane group 3 to stay at a specific angle, thereby adjusting the up and down air outlet direction.

[0047] Mode 3: Sine wave airflow mode The control actuator 4 drives the drive gear to operate in the cyclical range of 0° to 180° and 180° to 0°, thereby maintaining the airflow in a sinusoidal sweeping mode. Mode 4: Adjustment of damper opening and closing The actuator 4 drives the drive gear to rotate within the range of 180° to 270°, and the first crank 6.1 drives the guide vane assembly 3 to gradually return to the center; the sliding pin 7.21 enters the third track segment 7.13 of the track section, and the nozzle 2 remains in the center position; The teeth of the half gear 10.2 mesh with the second intermediate gear 10.3, driving the damper blades 9 to rotate relative to each other, gradually closing the air outlet passage 1.1; at the 270° position, the damper is completely closed, and the drive gear reaches the mechanical limit.

[0048] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: 1. Using only one motor, the three functions of up-and-down sweeping, left-and-right sweeping, and damper closing can be completed through 270° rotation, reducing the total number of parts and lowering costs.

[0049] 2. The left-right oscillation of nozzle 2, combined with the up-down oscillation of guide vane group 3, forms a sinusoidal sweep trajectory, resulting in small wind speed fluctuations and a gentle and natural airflow.

[0050] 3. Through the timing meshing design of the half gear 10.2, it automatically disengages during the sweeping stage and automatically engages during the closing stage, eliminating the need for a one-way damper or electromagnetic clutch.

[0051] 4. The structure has a small axial dimension, making it particularly suitable for ultra-thin instrument panel layouts. It can be widely used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, new energy vehicles, etc.

[0052] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly (1) is provided with an air outlet duct (1.1). The circular nozzle (2) and the guide vane assembly (3) are installed inside the air outlet duct (1.1). The nozzle (2) can rotate left and right around axis E, and the guide vane assembly (3) can rotate up and down around axis F. The axis E and the axis F are perpendicular to each other. A drive assembly, disposed on the housing assembly (1), includes: A main rotating component (5) driven to rotate by a single actuator (4), a first transmission assembly (6) that is in transmission with the main rotating component (5), and a second transmission assembly (7). The first transmission component (6) is connected to the guide vane assembly (3), and the second transmission component (7) is connected to the nozzle (2). When the main rotating component (5) rotates, the first transmission component (6) drives the air guide blade group (3) to swing up and down, and the second transmission component (7) drives the nozzle (2) to swing left and right.

2. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission assembly (6) includes a first crank (6.1) and a shift fork (6.2). The first crank (6.1) extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis E. The fork (6.2) is hinged to the tail end of the air guide vane assembly (3), and the fork (6.2) is provided with a transmission groove (6.21) through which the first crank (6.1) passes. When the first crank (6.1) rotates, it contacts the wall of the transmission groove (6.21), causing the shift fork (6.2) to swing, which in turn drives the air guide blade assembly (3) to swing up and down.

3. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first crank (6.1) is coaxially fixedly connected to the main rotating component (5).

4. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air guide blade assembly (3) is disposed in the cavity inside the nozzle (2), and each air guide blade of the air guide blade assembly (3) is rotatably connected to the nozzle (2) via a rotating pair.

5. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main rotating component (5) is a driving gear. The second transmission assembly (7) includes a track component (7.1) and a second crank (7.2). The trajectory component (7.1) is connected to the drive gear transmission, and the rotation axis of the trajectory component (7.1) is arranged parallel to the axis E. The trajectory component (7.1) is provided with a trajectory section around the rotation axis, and the trajectory section includes a first trajectory segment (7.11) and a second trajectory segment (7.12) with opposite radius change trends. The nozzle (2) has a second crank (7.2) on its shaft, and a sliding pin (7.21) is provided at the output end of the second crank (7.2). The sliding pin (7.21) travels along the track section. When the track component (7.1) rotates, the change in the radius of the track component drives the second crank (7.2) to rotate, thereby causing the nozzle (2) to swing back and forth.

6. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The track component (7.1) is provided with a first driven gear (7.14), and a first intermediate gear (8) meshes between the driving gear and the first driven gear (7.14).

7. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The air outlet channel (1.1) is provided with a number of parallel damper blades (9), each damper blade (9) is connected to the housing assembly (1) via a rotating shaft, and the damper blades (9) are connected to the drive gear via a third transmission assembly (10). The rotation of the drive gear drives several damper blades (9) to rotate relative to each other via the third transmission assembly (10) to adjust the opening of the air outlet channel (1.1).

8. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third transmission assembly (10) includes a second driven gear (10.1) disposed on the rotating shaft of each of the damper blades (9), a half gear (10.2) coaxial with the driving gear, and a second intermediate gear (10.3) meshing between the half gear (10.2) and one of the second driven gears (10.1).

9. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive gear is driven by the single actuator (4) to rotate within the range of 0° to 270°, and is configured as follows: a) 0°~180° stage: Drives the first crank (6.1) and the track component (7.1) to rotate. The first crank (6.1) drives the guide vane assembly (3) to swing back and forth between the first limit angle and the second limit angle through the shift fork (6.2). The rotation of the track component (7.1) causes the sliding pin (7.21) to alternately travel along the first track segment (7.11) and the second track segment (7.12), which in turn drives the nozzle (2) to swing back and forth through the second crank (7.2), so that the airflow presents a sinusoidal sweeping trajectory. The half gear (10.2) disengages from the second intermediate gear (10.3), and the damper blade (9) remains at its maximum opening. b) 180°~270° stage: The first crank (6.1) drives the air guide blade group (3) to gradually return to the center, and the half gear (10.2) meshes with the second intermediate gear (10.3) to drive the damper blade (9) to gradually close until the air outlet channel (1.1) is completely closed at 270°.

10. A circular air outlet device with a single actuator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The trajectory section also includes a third trajectory segment (7.13) at the end, corresponding to the 180° to 270° phase. The sliding pin (7.21) travels along the third trajectory segment (7.13), and the nozzle (2) returns to and remains in the center position via the second crank (7.2).

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