Ventilation for a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle ventilation (300), featuring: a primary wing system (302) that is pivotable about a horizontal axis (614) to direct an airflow from a vehicle ventilation outlet (300) in an upward / downward direction (C); a secondary wing system (304) which is pivotable about a vertical axis (710) to direct an airflow from an outlet of the vehicle ventilation (300) in a lateral direction (D), wherein a primary wing (600) of the primary wing system (302) is arranged along an airflow path through the vehicle ventilation (300) together with a secondary wing (700) of the secondary wing system (304); a control system (306) for an airflow volume, which is suitable for adjusting the volume of an airflow through the vehicle ventilation (300); a joystick controller (308) capable of independently actuating the primary wing system (302), the secondary wing system (304) and the control system (306) for an airflow volume, wherein the joystick controller (308) comprises a joystick knob (316), a joystick body (322) with a joystick shaft (318) extending from a spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322), the joystick shaft (318) engaging with the joystick knob (316), a joystick ball housing (324) comprising a left-side ball housing (326) and a right-side ball housing (328) enclosing the spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322), and a primary wing pivot pin (330A, 330B) extending from the spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322) along a primary axis (332); a U-shaped hinge part (606) extending from the primary wing pivot pin (330B); a primary wing fork (608) with a pair of tines (610A, 610B) extending rearward from a pivot joint (612); and a primary control arm (616) extending from the primary wing (600), the primary control arm (616) comprising a primary control arm shaft (618) aligned about an offset axis (620) which is offset from a primary wing axis (614) about which the primary wing (600) is rotatable.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ventilation system for a vehicle. INTRODUCTION

[0002] This introduction sets out the general context of the disclosure. The work of the inventors currently named, insofar as it is described in this introduction, as well as aspects of the description that are not otherwise considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art with respect to this disclosure.

[0003] Modern passenger cars are equipped with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that allows occupants to regulate the temperature and adjust other interior settings. For example, a motorized fan or blower circulates conditioned air through air vents into the passenger compartment. Some vehicles feature heated and / or cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and other functions that enhance the overall driving experience. HVAC systems may include front and rear window defrosters to improve visibility through the windshield and rear window, respectively. Occupants select their desired HVAC settings using dials, knobs, push buttons, and / or touchscreens.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2013 101 887 A1 discloses a single-button control for an air outlet. German patent application DE 102 26 441 B3 describes a ventilation device. German patent application EP 1 712 384 A2 discloses an air distribution opening for vehicle dashboards. German patent application DE 10 2016 121 937 A1 describes an air outlet.

[0005] It is therefore a purpose of the present disclosure to provide improved ventilation for a vehicle. SUMMARY

[0006] This task is accomplished by a vehicle ventilation system comprising a primary vane system pivotable about a horizontal axis to direct an airflow from a vehicle ventilation outlet in an upward / downward direction, and a secondary vane system pivotable about a vertical axis to direct an airflow from a vehicle ventilation outlet in a lateral direction. A primary vane of the primary vane system, together with a secondary vane of the secondary vane system, is arranged along an airflow path through the vehicle ventilation system. The vehicle ventilation system further includes an airflow volume control system suitable for adjusting the volume of airflow through the vehicle ventilation system, and a joystick controller suitable for independently operating the primary vane system, the secondary vane system, and the airflow volume control system.

[0007] According to the invention, the joystick controller comprises a joystick knob, a joystick body with a joystick shaft extending from a spherical part of the joystick body, wherein the joystick shaft engages with the joystick knob, a joystick ball housing comprising a left-side ball housing and a right-side ball housing enclosing the spherical part of the joystick body, and a primary wing pivot pin extending from the spherical part of the joystick body along a primary axis.

[0008] According to the invention, the vehicle ventilation further comprises a U-shaped hinge part extending from the primary wing pivot pin, a primary wing fork with a pair of prongs extending rearward from a pivot pin connection with the hinge part extending from the primary wing pivot pin, and a primary control arm extending from the primary wing, wherein the primary control arm comprises a primary control arm shaft aligned about an offset axis which is offset from a primary wing axis about which the primary wing is rotatable.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect, the secondary wing contains a secondary wing pivot shaft that extends vertically through the primary wing, and the secondary wing is pivotable about the secondary wing pivot shaft with respect to the primary wing.

[0010] In another exemplary aspect, the vehicle ventilation system further includes a secondary wing arm extending from the secondary wing's pivot shaft and engaging with a secondary wing control arm at a position offset from the secondary wing's pivot shaft. The secondary wing control arm is connected to the joystick controller such that a lateral movement of the joystick controller pivots the secondary wing around the secondary wing's pivot shaft to direct an airflow from the vehicle ventilation outlet in a lateral direction.

[0011] In another exemplary aspect, the primary wing has an upper primary wing part that is attached to a lower primary wing part.

[0012] In another exemplary aspect, the secondary wing has an upper secondary wing with an upper secondary wing pivot shaft extending vertically downward through the upper primary wing part, and a lower secondary wing with a lower secondary wing pivot shaft extending vertically upward through the lower primary wing part, wherein the upper secondary wing pivot shaft and the lower secondary wing pivot shaft are rigidly connected to each other and freely rotatable about a vertical axis extending through the primary wing, and wherein either the lower secondary wing or the upper secondary wing has a wing arm extending rearward from a respective corresponding wing pivot shaft and having a vertical secondary wing projection at a distal end of the secondary wing arm.

[0013] In another exemplary aspect, the vehicle ventilation further comprises a secondary wing control arm pivotably connected to the vertical secondary wing projection, the secondary wing control arm extending substantially completely through the primary wing between the upper primary wing portion and the secondary primary wing portion, a rearward-extending arm extending rearward from the secondary wing control arm, an arc-shaped arm with a vertically oriented slot, the rearward-extending arm extending into the vertically oriented slot, a first gear attached to a lower portion of the arc-shaped arm, a second gear with a second tooth engaging with a first tooth on the first gear, and a second gear key engaging with a slot in a lower portion of the spherical part of the joystick body.wherein the slot in the lower part of the spherical part is oriented in a forward / backward direction.

[0014] In another exemplary aspect, the airflow volume control system comprises a butterfly flap with an upper flap and a lower flap, each pivotable about a flap pivot axis, wherein the upper flap comprises an upper flap gear and the lower flap a lower flap gear, a pinion pivotally mounted on a pinion pivot fixed with respect to a vehicle ventilation housing, wherein both the upper flap gear and the lower flap gear are coaxial with the flap pivot axis and each engage with opposite sides of the pinion, a lower flap extension extending from the lower flap, an intermediate control arm connected to the lower flap extension via a first universal joint, and a joystick flap control arm.which is connected to the intermediate control arm via a second cardan joint and to an inner joystick body, wherein the inner joystick body has a cylindrical part which is arranged within the spherical part of the joystick body in such a way as to allow the inner joystick body to rotate along a joystick axis relative to the joystick body, wherein the inner joystick body further has a projecting shaft on which the joystick knob is mounted, and wherein the joystick flap control arm also has a joystick key which is arranged in an inner slot in the cylindrical part of the inner joystick body.

[0015] Further applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It is understood that the detailed description and specific examples serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0016] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as further features and advantages of the present invention, are readily apparent from the detailed description including the claims and exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present disclosure is more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, whereby: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a vehicle with an exemplary ventilation opening according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a vehicle interior with a center console containing an exemplary ventilation system as described in the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle ventilation 300 according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view in top view of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300; Fig. 5 offers a close-up view from a different perspective of a joystick controller 308 of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300; Fig. 6 illustrates a primary wing system 302 and a primary wing controller 310 of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300 of the present disclosure; Fig. 7A illustrates a secondary wing system 304 of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300 of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7B provides a perspective close-up view of the secondary wing system 304; Fig. 7C offers another perspective close-up view of the secondary wing system 304; Fig. 8 provides a cross-sectional view in plan view of the secondary wing system 304; Fig. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of a primary wing 600 of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300 of the present disclosure; Fig. 10 provides a further cross-sectional view of the secondary wing system 304; Fig. 11A illustrates a control system 306 for an airflow volume of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300 of the present disclosure in a substantially open arrangement; Fig. 11B provides a close-up cross-sectional view of the control system 306 for an airflow volume in the substantially open arrangement; Fig. Figure 12A illustrates the control system 306 for an airflow volume in a substantially closed arrangement; Fig. Figure 12B provides a close-up cross-sectional view of the control system 306 for an airflow volume in the substantially closed arrangement; Fig. 13 provides a perspective view of part of the control system 306 for an airflow volume; Fig. 14 provides another perspective view of part of the control system 306 for an airflow volume; Fig. 15A provides a perspective cross-sectional view in close-up of another part of the control system 306 for an airflow volume with the joystick in an upward-facing arrangement; Fig. Figure 15B provides a perspective cross-sectional view in close-up of the control system 306 for an airflow volume with the joystick in an essentially straight arrangement; Fig. 15C provides a perspective cross-sectional view in close-up of the control system 306 for an airflow volume with the joystick in a downward-facing arrangement; Fig. Figures 16A - 16C illustrate another perspective cross-sectional view in close-up of the control system 306 for an airflow volume with the joystick rotated into different positions; Fig. 17 a perspective view of part of an inner joystick body 826 of the control system 306 for an airflow volume; Fig. 18 a perspective view of a joystick button 316 of the vehicle ventilation 300 is; and Fig. Figure 19 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the joystick button 316 mounted on the inner joystick body 826. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Several examples from the revelation, illustrated in accompanying drawings, will now be discussed in detail. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers will be used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or similar parts or steps. The drawings are simplified and not to scale. For convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as above, below, left, right, on, over, above, below, behind, and in front may be used in relation to the drawings. These and similar directional terms are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the revelation in any way.

[0019] Referring to the drawings, in which identical reference numerals correspond to identical or similar components in the various figures, Fig. 1 A schematic top view of a vehicle 100 with an exemplary ventilation system according to the present disclosure. In Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary vehicle 100, such as a motor vehicle, which has a ventilation system 102 as described below. The vehicle 100 comprises a body 104 arranged relative to a set of wheels 106, the body 104 defining an interior 108, i.e., a passenger compartment or cabin. The interior 108 provides first and second rows of seats 110A and 110B, respectively. The first row of seats 110A can, as shown, include corresponding seats on the driver's side and the passenger's side. Other seating arrangements are conceivable, including an embodiment of the interior with only the first row of seats 110A or an embodiment of the interior with an additional row of seats, neither of which are shown. An example of an embodiment of the ventilation system 102 is shown in the figures.It is understood that terms such as "above", "below", "upwards", "downwards", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "vertical" and "horizontal" etc. are used descriptively for the figures and do not represent any limitations on the scope of the revelation.

[0020] One possible configuration and placement of the ventilation unit 102 is shown in Fig. 2 shown. The ventilation 102 of Fig. 1 can be located in a center console 112 of the interior 108 next to an instrument panel 114. A center console 112 is a control console located between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat in the first row of seats 110A and extending from the instrument panel 114 to a floor 116 of the interior 108. Alternatively, as non-limiting examples, the ventilation 102 can be located elsewhere, including along the instrument panel 114, within a space (not shown) in the vehicle roof, within one or more roof pillars, e.g., an A-pillar 118, a B-pillar (not shown) between the front row of seats 110A and the rear row of seats 110B, and adjacent to the rear row of seats 110B.For example, the rear row of seats 110B may be divided into separate seating areas by an armrest (not shown) or other structure, with the ventilation 102 being located inside or next to such a structure.

[0021] The ventilation unit 102 is in fluid communication with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 120, which has an air circulation device 122, e.g., a motor-driven fan or blower, and a controller 124. The HVAC system 120 receives the setting signal (arrow 126) from the controller 124 in response to user-selected HVAC settings (arrow 128) from controllers 124, such as buttons 124A, knobs 124B, and the like. In response to the received setting signal (arrow 126) from the HVAC controller, the HVAC system 120 directs an ambient, heated, or cooled airflow (arrows A) e.g., through a duct 130 and the ventilation unit 102 into the interior space 108.In embodiments where the ventilation 102 is used near the rear row of seats 110B, the duct 130 can be extended beyond the front row of seats 110A so that the duct 130 directs the airflow, as indicated by arrows A, to the ventilation 102, wherever the ventilation 102 is located in the interior 108. The airflow is directed from the ventilation 102 into the vehicle interior 108 in a desired direction, as indicated by arrow B.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a configuration of the interior 108 with the depicted ventilation 102, which is located within the center console 112 and is visible to the vehicle occupants. The ventilation 102 can have an outlet opening 132 with a generally rectangular profile, comprising a pair of opposing first sides 134 extending over a length L and a pair of opposing second sides 136 extending over a height H, where the aspect ratio is the ratio of the length L to the height H. A high aspect ratio indicates that the length L is significantly greater than the height H. In a non-restrictive example, an aspect ratio could be 5:1. However, it should be understood that a ventilation with a smaller aspect ratio, including but not limited to an aspect ratio of 1:1, can also be used.The first and second pages 134, 136 together define the outlet opening 132 through which the air exits the vent 102. The vent 102 can be arranged within the vehicle 100 such that it has a very elongated, narrow profile without impairing its ability to direct the airflow (arrow B) with a small pressure drop in a desired direction within the interior 108 of the vehicle 100. From the ordinary, forward-facing driving perspective of a driver of the vehicle 100, the vent 102 is located between a windshield 138 and a main display screen 140, i.e., next to or along an upper edge 142 of a main display screen 140. However, as noted above, the vent 102 can also be located elsewhere in the interior 108. For example, the ventilation 102 can be located at position 144, which is in front of the passenger seat 110A, as shown.The arrangement of the ventilation 102 can be located, regardless of the embodiment, in sufficient proximity to an occupant, be it a driver or a passenger on a front / rear seat of the vehicle 100. Fig. 1, so that the occupant can comfortably reach the ventilation 102 from a seated position.

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle ventilation system 300 according to the present disclosure. The vehicle ventilation system 300 comprises a primary vane system 302 and a secondary vane system 304, which together are located along an airflow path through the vehicle ventilation system 300. In this way, the space requirement for the vehicle ventilation system in the forward / reverse direction can be significantly reduced compared to conventional vehicle ventilation systems. The vehicle ventilation system 300 further includes a control system 306 for an airflow volume that is in Fig. 3 is not visible, but is shown and described below. The vehicle ventilation 300 also includes a joystick controller 308, which enables independent control of the operation of the primary fan system 302, the secondary fan system 304, and the control system 306 for a given airflow volume. In the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300, the primary fan system 302 controls the airflow from the vehicle ventilation 300 in an upward / downward direction C, the secondary fan system 304 controls the airflow from the vehicle ventilation 300 in a lateral direction D, and the control system 306 controls the volume of air flowing through the vehicle ventilation 300 for a given airflow volume.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view in plan view of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300 along line II of Fig. 3, and Fig. Figure 5 shows a close-up view of the joystick controller 308 of the vehicle ventilation 300 from a different perspective. The joystick controller 308 contains a primary vane controller 310, a (in Fig. 4-5 non-visible) secondary wing controllers 312 and a controller 314 for an airflow volume, each with reference to Fig. 6 - 19 will be described in more detail.

[0025] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the primary vane system 302 and the primary vane controller 310 of the exemplary vehicle ventilation 300 of the present disclosure. The primary vane system 302 comprises a primary vane 600 that determines the direction of the airflow from the vehicle ventilation 300 in the up / down direction. As shown in Fig. Figure 9, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the primary wing 600, shows that the primary wing 600 comprises an upper primary wing part 602 and a lower primary wing part 604. The joystick controller 308 includes a joystick knob 316, which engages with a joystick shaft 318 extending from a spherical part 320 of a joystick body 322. The spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 is held in position in the vehicle ventilation 300 by a joystick ball housing 324 (see Figure 9). Fig. 4-5). The joystick ball housing 324 can comprise a left-hand ball housing 326 and a right-hand ball housing 328, which, when brought together, enclose the spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 in a manner that allows rotation in all directions but does not permit translation or displacement of the joystick body 322. The spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 contains the primary wing pivots 330A and 330B, which extend from the spherical part 320 along a primary axis 332. Pivoting or rotating the joystick body 322 about the primary axis 332, defined by the primary wing pivots 330A and 330B, determines the rotation of the primary wing 600.

[0026] The primary wing pivot pin 330B includes a hinge part 606 extending from the primary wing pivot pin 330B. The hinge part 606 is essentially U-shaped and configured to pivotally engage with the primary wing fork 608. The primary wing fork 608 includes a pair of prongs 610A and 610B extending rearward from the pivot pin connection 612 to the hinge part 606. The pivot pin connection 612 between the hinge part 606 and the primary wing fork 608 allows the primary wing fork 608 to pivot freely in a lateral direction. The primary wing 600 includes the pivot arms 612A and 612B, which are pivotally received by the hinges of the primary wing (not shown), allowing the primary wing 600 to pivot about the primary wing axis 614. A primary control arm 616 originates from one end of the primary wing 600.The primary control arm 616 comprises a primary control arm shaft 618, which is aligned about an offset axis 620 that is offset relative to the primary wing axis 614. The primary control arm shaft 618 is located between the tines 610A and 610B of the primary wing fork 608. In this configuration, an up / down movement of the joystick knob 316 causes the joystick body 322 to rotate about the primary wing pivot pins 330A and 330B. The rotation of the primary wing pivot pin 330B causes the hinge part 606 to rotate, which in turn causes the primary wing fork 608 to rotate about the primary axis 332. In response, the tines 610A and 610B move up or down, causing the primary control arm shaft 618 of the primary control arm 616 to rotate about the primary wing axis 614. The rotation of the primary control arm 616 causes the primary wing 600 to rotate about the primary wing axis 614.In this way, moving the joystick knob 316 upwards or downwards causes a corresponding rotation of the primary wing 600, thereby redirecting the airflow through the vehicle ventilation 300 upwards or downwards.

[0027] With reference to Fig. Sections 7-10 now describe the configuration and operation of the secondary wing system 304. The secondary wing system 304 comprises a plurality of secondary wings 700, each of which includes an upper secondary wing 702 and a lower secondary wing 704. Each of the upper secondary wings 702 includes an upper secondary wing pivot shaft 706, which extends vertically downward through the upper primary wing part 602. Each of the lower secondary wings 704 includes a lower secondary wing pivot shaft 708, which extends vertically upward through the lower primary wing part 604. The upper secondary wing pivot shaft 706 and the lower secondary wing pivot shaft 708 are rigidly connected to each other and are freely rotatable about a vertical axis 710 that extends through the primary wing 600.Each of the lower secondary wings 704 further comprises a secondary wing arm 712 extending rearward from the lower secondary wing pivot shaft 708 and having a vertical secondary wing projection 714 at the distal end of the secondary wing arm 712. Alternatively, the secondary wing arm 712 can extend from the upper secondary wing pivot shaft 706. Each of the vertical secondary wing projections 714 of the plurality of secondary wings 700 is pivotally connected to a secondary wing control arm 716, which extends substantially completely through the primary wing 600 between the upper primary wing part 602 and the lower primary wing part 604. The secondary wing control arm 716 includes a rearward-extending arm 718 that engages with a vertically oriented slot 720 in an arcuate arm 722. A lower portion of the arcuate arm 722 is attached to a first gear 724.The first gear 724 is pivotable about a first gear axis 726. The first gear 724 contains the first tooth 728, which engages with a second tooth 730 of a second gear 732. The second gear 732 is rotatable about a second gear axis 734. The second gear 732 further contains a second gear key 736, which engages with a slot 738 in a lower part of the spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322. The slot 738 in the lower part of the spherical part 320 is forward / backward oriented and engages with the second gear key 736 in a manner that allows the spherical part 320 to rotate about the primary axis 332 without moving the second gear key 736, but causes the second gear 732 to rotate about the second gear axis 734 when the spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 rotates about the second gear axis 734.

[0028] The operation of the secondary wing system 304 will now be carried out with reference to Fig. 7A - 10 explained. A sideways movement of the joystick knob 316 causes the spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 to rotate about the second gear axis 734. Briefly on Fig. Referring back to 5, the spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 contains horizontal slots 740A and 740B along opposite sides of the spherical part 320, which allows the joystick knob 326 to move sideways without affecting the operation of the primary wing system 302. In response to a sideways movement of the joystick knob 316, the engagement of the second gear 736 in the slot 738 of the spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 causes the second gear 732 to rotate about the second gear axis 734. The engagement between the second gear 730 and the first gear 728 then causes the first gear 724 to rotate about the first gear axis 726.The arc-shaped arm 722 also pivots about the first gear axis 726, causing the secondary wing control arm 716 to move in a sideways motion F due to the engagement of the rearward-extending arm 718 of the secondary wing control arm 716 with the vertically oriented slot 720 of the arc-shaped arm 722. The vertically oriented slot 720 of the arc-shaped arm 722 allows the secondary wing control arm 716 to rotate freely about the primary wing axis 614 when the primary wing system 302 is operated, without affecting the sideways movement of the secondary wing control arm 716. The lateral movement of the secondary wing control arm 716 causes the plurality of secondary wings 700 to pivot about the vertical axis 710 with the secondary wing control arm 716 due to the pivoting engagement of the vertical secondary wing projection 714.In this way, a lateral movement of the joystick controller 308 causes the plurality of secondary wings 700 to swivel laterally, resulting in a corresponding lateral deflection of the air flowing through the vehicle ventilation 300 by the plurality of secondary wings 700.

[0029] With reference to Fig. Sections 11-19 now describe the configuration and operation of the control system 306 for a given airflow volume. The control system 306 for a given airflow volume controls the volume of air flowing through the vehicle ventilation system 300. The control system 306 for a given airflow volume comprises a butterfly flap 800 with an upper flap 802 and a lower flap 804, each pivotable about a flap pivot axis 806. The upper flap 802 includes an upper flap gear 808, and the lower flap 804 includes a lower flap gear 810. Both the upper flap gear 808 and the lower flap gear 810 are coaxial with the flap pivot axis 806 and each engages with opposite sides of a pinion 812. The pinion 812 is pivotally mounted on a pinion pivot pin 814, which is fixed relative to the housing 334 of the vehicle ventilation 300. In this way, the pinion 812 is freely pivotable on a pinion shaft 815.Both the upper flap 802 and the lower flap 804 are supported by a shaft (not shown) that extends through both the upper flap 802 and the lower flap 804 along the flap pivot axis 806 and is supported at opposite ends by flap bearings 814A and 814B. The lower flap 804 further includes a lower flap extension 816, which engages with an intermediate flap control arm 818 via a first universal joint 820. The intermediate control arm 818 is also connected at an opposite end via a second universal joint 824 to a joystick flap control arm 822. The joystick flap control arm 822 is connected to an inner joystick body 826.The inner joystick body 826 comprises a cylindrical part 828, which is positioned within the spherical part 320 of the joystick body 322 in such a way that the inner joystick body 826 is allowed to rotate along the joystick axis 830 with respect to the joystick body 322. The inner joystick body 826 further includes a projecting shaft 832 on which the joystick knob 316 can be mounted, as shown in [reference]. Fig. Figures 17-19 show the joystick flap control arm 822 also includes a joystick key 834, which is positioned in an inner slot 836 in the cylindrical part 828 of the inner joystick body 826.

[0030] The operation of the control system 306 for an airflow volume will now be explained. To adjust the airflow volume flowing through the vehicle ventilation 300, a vehicle occupant can turn the joystick knob 316 on the joystick axis 830. A turn of the joystick knob 316 on the joystick axis 830 causes the inner cylindrical body 826 to also rotate along the joystick axis 830, which in turn causes the joystick flap control arm 822 to also rotate about its axis. Rotation between the inner cylindrical body 826 and the joystick flap control arm 822 is caused by the positioning of the joystick key 834 in the inner slot 836 of the inner cylindrical body 826. It is understood that this connection enables the transmission of this rotational movement without affecting or being affected by the operation of either the primary wing system 302 or the secondary wing system 304.The rotation of the joystick flap control arm 822 is then transmitted via a rotation of the second cardan joint 824, the intermediate flap control arm 818, or the first cardan joint 820 to the lower flap extension 816 of the lower flap 804. The rotation of the lower flap 804 about the flap pivot axis 806 leads to a rotation of the lower flap gear 810, which causes a rotation of the pinion 812 on the pinion shaft 815. A rotation of the pinion 812 on the pinion shaft 815 causes a rotation of the upper flap gear 808 and the upper flap 802, to which the upper flap gear 808 is attached. In this way, a rotation of the joystick knob 316 leads to the opening and / or closing of the butterfly flap 800 of the control system 306 for an airflow volume.

Claims

[1] Vehicle ventilation (300), comprising: a primary wing system (302) that is pivotable about a horizontal axis (614) to direct an airflow from a vehicle ventilation outlet (300) in an upward / downward direction (C); a secondary wing system (304) which is pivotable about a vertical axis (710) to direct an airflow from an outlet of the vehicle ventilation (300) in a lateral direction (D), wherein a primary wing (600) of the primary wing system (302) is arranged along an airflow path through the vehicle ventilation (300) together with a secondary wing (700) of the secondary wing system (304); a control system (306) for an airflow volume, which is suitable for adjusting the volume of an airflow through the vehicle ventilation (300); a joystick controller (308) capable of independently actuating the primary wing system (302), the secondary wing system (304) and the control system (306) for an airflow volume, wherein the joystick controller (308) comprises a joystick knob (316), a joystick body (322) with a joystick shaft (318) extending from a spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322), the joystick shaft (318) engaging with the joystick knob (316), a joystick ball housing (324) comprising a left-side ball housing (326) and a right-side ball housing (328) enclosing the spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322), and a primary wing pivot pin (330A, 330B) extending from the spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322) along a primary axis (332); a U-shaped hinge part (606) extending from the primary wing pivot pin (330B); a primary wing fork (608) with a pair of tines (610A, 610B) extending rearward from a pivot joint (612); and a primary control arm (616) extending from the primary wing (600), the primary control arm (616) comprising a primary control arm shaft (618) aligned about an offset axis (620) which is offset from a primary wing axis (614) about which the primary wing (600) is rotatable. [2] Ventilation (300) according to claim 1, wherein the secondary wing (700) has a secondary wing pivot shaft (706, 708) which extends vertically through the primary wing (600), wherein the secondary wing (700) is pivotable about the secondary wing pivot shaft (706, 708) with respect to the primary wing (600). [3] Ventilation (300) according to claim 2, further comprising a secondary wing arm (712) extending from the secondary wing pivot shaft (706, 708) and engaging with a secondary wing control arm (716) at a position offset from the secondary wing pivot shaft (706, 708), wherein the secondary wing control arm (716) is connected to the joystick controller (308) such that a lateral movement of the joystick controller (308) pivots the secondary wing (700) about the secondary wing pivot shaft (706, 708) to direct an airflow from the outlet of the vehicle ventilation (300) in the lateral direction (D). [4] Ventilation (300) according to claim 1, wherein the primary wing (600) comprises an upper primary wing part (602) which is attached to a lower primary wing part (604). [5] Ventilation (300) according to claim 4, wherein the secondary wing (700) comprises: an upper secondary wing (702) which includes an upper secondary wing pivot shaft (706) extending vertically downwards through the upper primary wing part (602); and a lower secondary wing (704) which includes a lower secondary wing pivot shaft (708) which extends vertically upwards through the lower primary wing part (604), wherein the upper secondary wing pivot shaft (706) and the lower secondary wing pivot shaft (708) are rigidly connected to each other and are freely rotatable about the vertical axis (710), which also extends through the primary wing (600), and wherein either the lower secondary wing (704) or the upper secondary wing (702) comprises a secondary wing arm (712) extending rearward from a corresponding wing pivot shaft (706, 708) and having a vertical secondary wing projection (714) at a distal end of the secondary wing arm (712). [6] Ventilation (300) according to claim 5, further comprising: a secondary wing control arm (716) pivotably connected to the vertical secondary wing projection (714), wherein the secondary wing control arm (716) extends substantially completely through the primary wing (600) between the upper primary wing part (602) and the lower primary wing part (604); a rearward extending arm (718) extending from the secondary wing control arm (716) to the rear; an arc-shaped arm (722) with a vertically oriented slot (720), wherein the rearwardly extending arm (718) extends into the vertically oriented slot (720); a first gear (724) which is attached to a lower part of the arc-shaped arm (722); a second gear (732) with a second toothing (730) which engages with a first toothing (728) of the first gear (724); a second gear wrench (736) engaging with a slot (738) in a lower part of the spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322), the slot (738) in the lower part of the spherical part (320) being oriented in a forward / backward direction. [7] Ventilation (300) according to claim 1, wherein the control system (306) has an airflow volume of: a butterfly flap (800) with an upper flap (802) and a lower flap (804), each of which is pivotable about a flap pivot axis (806), wherein the upper flap (802) contains an upper flap gear (808) and the lower flap (804) contains a lower flap gear (810); a pinion (812) which is pivotably mounted on a pinion pivot pin (814) which is fixed in relation to a housing (334) of the vehicle ventilation (300), wherein both the upper flap gear (808) and the lower flap gear (810) are coaxial with the flap pivot axis (806) and each of them engages with opposite sides of the pinion (812); a lower flap extension (816) extending from the lower flap (804); an intermediate control arm (818) which is connected to the lower flap extension (816) via a first cardan joint (820); and a joystick flap control arm (822) which is connected to the intermediate control arm (818) via a second cardan joint (824) and to an inner joystick body (826), wherein the inner joystick body (826) has a cylindrical part (828) which is positioned within the spherical part (320) of the joystick body (322) in such a way that the inner joystick body (826) is allowed to rotate along a joystick axis (830) with respect to the joystick body (322), wherein the inner joystick body (826) further has a projecting shaft (832) on which the joystick knob (316) is mounted, and wherein the joystick flap control arm (822) also has a joystick key (834) which is inserted into an inner slot (836) in the cylindrical part (828) of the inner is arranged in the joystick body (826).

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