Air vents for a motor vehicle

Abstract

An air outlet (10) for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a first air duct (12) opening into the interior of the motor vehicle via a first outlet opening (18) and a second air duct (20) opening into the interior of the motor vehicle via a second outlet opening (20), wherein the first outlet opening (18) and the second outlet opening (20) are arranged relative to each other such that a first outlet flow (22) flowing out via the first outlet opening (18) and a second outlet flow (24) flowing out via the second outlet opening (20) overlap, wherein the first air duct (12) has two or more first partial air ducts (30) that can be supplied with air via a first air guide arrangement (34) and / or the second air duct (14) has two or more second partial air ducts (32) that can be supplied with air via a second air guide arrangement (36).By dividing the air already distributed between the air ducts (12, 14) into the sub-ducts (30, 32), the direction of flow of the resulting mass flow (26) can be adjusted in a further dimension, thus enabling a wide degree of adjustability of the direction of flow of an airflow originating from an air outlet (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air outlet for a motor vehicle, with the aid of which air with a defined flow direction can be introduced into an interior of a motor vehicle.

[0002] From DE 10 2020 133 652 A1, an air outlet for a motor vehicle is known in which an airflow can be divided into an upper air duct and a lower air duct, wherein the air ducts each open into an interior space of the motor vehicle and the airflows entering via the air ducts overlap in the interior space, wherein several pivotable air guide vanes are provided in each air duct.

[0003] There is a constant need to be able to adjust the direction of an airflow exiting an air outlet as comprehensively as possible.

[0004] The object of the invention is to demonstrate measures that enable a wide adjustability of the flow direction of an airflow originating from an air outlet.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by an air outlet having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description, each of which can individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention, wherein the scope of protection is determined by the claims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to an air outlet for a motor vehicle, comprising a first air duct opening into the interior of the motor vehicle via a first outlet opening and a second air duct opening into the interior of the motor vehicle via a second outlet opening, wherein the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening are arranged relative to each other such that a first outlet flow flowing out through the first outlet opening and a second outlet flow flowing out through the second outlet opening overlap, wherein the first air duct has two or more first partial air ducts that can be supplied with air via a first air guide arrangement and / or the second air duct has two or more second partial air ducts that can be supplied with air via a second air guide arrangement.

[0007] By splitting the airflow supplied to the air outlet between the first and second air ducts, the respective mass flow rates entering the vehicle's interior in the direction of the first and second outlets can be influenced. The superposition of the airflows that converge in the interior shortly downstream of the outlets results in a mass flow with a direction corresponding to the split between the first and second air ducts. Since the outlets point in different directions, a wider angular range for the resulting mass flow direction can be achieved compared to pivoting louvers in the cross-section of a single air duct.

[0008] Since at least one of the air ducts, preferably both air ducts, has several sub-ducts, different mass flow rates within the respective air duct can be provided by distributing the air supplied to the sub-ducts. This allows for a further distribution of the outgoing air perpendicular to the direction of the resulting mass flow achievable by dividing it between the first and second air ducts. It is also possible to deflect the resulting mass flow perpendicular to the direction of the resulting mass flow achievable by dividing it between the first and second air ducts, thus enabling the direction of the resulting mass flow to be set not only in one direction, but in two different directions.The direction of the resulting mass flow exiting the air outlet can be adjusted two-dimensionally. By dividing the air already distributed across the air ducts into sub-ducts, the direction of the resulting mass flow can be adjusted in a further dimension, thus enabling a wide range of adjustability for the direction of airflow originating from an air outlet.

[0009] Each air duct can have a number of outlet openings corresponding to the number of sub-ducts. The two air ducts can branch off from a pipe section in the manner of a Y-piece, which is preferably connected upstream to an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system can supply the air outlet with conditioned air, the temperature and / or humidity of which is influenced by the system. The first and second air ducts are, in particular, separate from each other and are only fluidically connected upstream via the pipe section. A partition can, in particular, be provided between the first and second air ducts, preferably dividing a portion of the first air duct on one side and a portion of the second air duct on the other. The partition can form a static median separation.

[0010] Multiple air duct sections can comprise the associated air duct or subdivide the air duct into multiple air duct sections. The width of each air duct and the width of the air outlet can be adjusted by the number of air duct sections. In particular, a very wide air outlet can be designed, wherein, for example, the first air duct in the first outlet opening and / or the second air duct in the second outlet opening has a width B of 10 cm ≤ B ≤ 40 cm, particularly 15 cm ≤ B ≤ 30 cm, and preferably B ≤ 20 cm ± 2.5 cm, extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The air duct sections are designed to be separate from one another, so that no cross-mixing with an adjacent air duct can occur from the start of each air duct to its outlet opening.The partial air ducts can be separated from each other by walls that can form a static central separation. These walls can have a relatively thin material thickness. The walls can therefore be designed as static elements, preferably with a curved profile along the flow direction, in order to appropriately redirect the corresponding airflow.

[0011] The respective outlet opening can be open, i.e., unclad. However, it is also possible to conceal the outlet opening with a grille or similar material to achieve a better visual appearance. The outlet opening is preferably rectangular, so that several outlet openings of different sub-air ducts belonging to the same air duct can easily be arranged side by side in the Y-direction and / or one above the other in the Z-direction. Preferably, a very shallow, slit-like outlet opening with a very large width-to-height ratio of at least 2, in particular at least 4, preferably at least 6, and most preferably at least 10, can be formed. In particular, it is provided that a first surface normal of the first outlet opening and a second surface normal of the second outlet opening run at an angle to each other.This allows the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening to be arranged in such a way that a first outlet flow flowing out through the first outlet opening and a second outlet flow flowing out through the second outlet opening overlap.

[0012] The interior of the motor vehicle can, in particular, form a passenger compartment in which people can be located. The air outlet can be specifically designed to direct airflow towards the driver and / or a front passenger. However, it is also possible that the air outlet is designed to direct airflow towards people seated on a rear bench seat in the interior.

[0013] The air guide assembly can distribute the air, already divided between the first and second air ducts, to the respective sub-ducts of the assigned air duct. The first air guide assembly can preferably be coupled to the second air guide assembly so that both are actuated synchronously. However, it is also possible for the first air guide assembly to be actuated independently of the second. For example, in one extreme position, the air guide assembly can substantially close at least one of the sub-ducts, while in another extreme position, at least one other sub-duct can be substantially closed.Due to the multiple air channels that can be opened and closed by the air guide assembly, it is possible to close less than 50% of the flow cross-section in extreme positions, thus reducing pressure loss. Since the air guide assembly primarily modifies the air distribution within the air outlet, unnecessary pressure losses can be avoided and the flow velocity can be kept as high as possible. This results in a more pleasant and controllable acoustic environment from the air outlet. Because sudden pressure losses and changes in flow velocity within the air outlet are avoided, the flow direction of the resulting mass flow can be easily and intuitively adjusted manually, as sudden changes in flow direction and velocity during manual adjustment of the air outlet are prevented.

[0014] The X-direction refers to a coordinate direction along a longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle when the air outlet is installed in the vehicle. The X-direction is essentially horizontal when the vehicle is parked on a level, horizontal surface. The Y-direction refers to a coordinate direction along a transverse axis of a motor vehicle when the air outlet is installed in the vehicle. The Y-direction is essentially horizontal when the vehicle is parked on a level, horizontal surface. The Z-direction refers to a coordinate direction along a vertical axis of a motor vehicle when the air outlet is installed in the vehicle. The Z-direction is essentially vertical when the vehicle is parked on a level, horizontal surface.The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. An XY plane is defined as a plane spanned by the X and Y directions and positioned at a specific height in the Z direction. An XZ plane is defined as a plane spanned by the X and Z directions and positioned at a specific width in the Y direction. A YZ plane is defined as a plane spanned by the Y and Z directions and positioned at a specific length in the X direction.

[0015] In particular, the surface normals of the outlet openings of at least two partial air ducts of the same air duct are aligned at an angle, especially within a common XY plane. This makes it possible to deflect the resulting mass flow in a direction different from the adjustable flow direction of the resulting mass flow by means of the associated air guide arrangement, which is determined by the distribution of the air between the first and second air ducts.

[0016] Preferably, a distribution flap is provided upstream of the first air guide assembly and / or the second air guide assembly to divide an airflow between the first and second air ducts. The distribution flap, which is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, can divide an incoming total mass flow between the first and second air ducts, thereby influencing the direction of the resulting mass flow. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the distribution flap is in the Y-direction.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the first and / or second air guide arrangement features jointly actuated air guide flaps for distributing the air to the associated partial air ducts. In particular, the air guide flaps are aligned parallel to each other in all positions. Depending on the configuration and / or application, an angle between the positions of the air guide flaps and / or a different gear ratio for adjusting the air guide flaps may be advantageous, for example, to enable optimized flow directions in confined installation spaces, taking into account the intended internal components. The jointly actuated air guide flaps ensure that the partial or complete closing of one partial air duct is linked to the partial or complete opening of another partial air duct.The air distribution between the first and second air ducts is essentially unaffected by the switching position of the air guide assembly. The air guide assembly thus only distributes the air supplied to the air duct to the sub-ducts. This makes operating the air outlet easier and more intuitive. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an additional air guide assembly, so that within an air duct, independently of the other air duct, one air guide assembly can distribute the air primarily in the Y-direction, and the other air guide assembly can distribute the air primarily in the Z-direction.

[0018] In particular, the air guide flaps are designed to pivot about a pivot axis extending at least partially, preferably predominantly or even exclusively, in the Z-direction. The air guide flaps of the considered air guide arrangement of the associated air duct can thereby enable a distribution of the air supplied to the air duct in the horizontal direction and, in particular, enable a homogenization of the resulting mass flow in the horizontal direction.

[0019] Preferably, the first air duct is arranged above the second air duct in the Z-direction, and the sub-air ducts associated with the first air duct are arranged essentially one behind the other in the Y-direction and / or one above the other in the Z-direction. By dividing the air between the first and second air ducts, a vertical flow direction of the resulting mass flow can be set. By arranging the sub-air ducts associated with the corresponding air duct in the Y-direction, a horizontal distribution and / or flow direction of the resulting mass flow can be set. By arranging the sub-air ducts associated with the corresponding air duct in the Z-direction, a vertical distribution and / or flow direction of the resulting mass flow can be set.

[0020] Particularly preferably, at least one partial air duct, at least in one extreme position of the associated air guide assembly, forms a recirculation zone for the supplied air downstream of the associated air guide assembly. In particular, flow separation of the supplied air can occur near or immediately downstream of an air guide damper of the air guide assembly, which can lead to a recirculating dead zone. In this recirculation zone, the air can flow essentially in a circle, with at least minor inflows and outflows to and from the recirculation zone. The recirculation zone can, by its extent, reduce the effective flow cross-section without requiring a wall section where a fluid-dynamic boundary layer and a corresponding pressure drop would occur.With the help of the recirculation area, the airflow flowing along the recirculation area can be significantly deflected without the need for a rigid wall where flow resistance could develop.

[0021] The recirculation zone can preferably be formed within at least one partial air duct. It is fundamentally possible for the recirculation zone to be formed in only one partial air duct. However, it is also possible for the recirculation zone to be formed in several or even all partial air ducts. Particularly preferably, the axis of rotation of the recirculation zone can be variable and, in particular, deliberately changed via the type of airflow, which can be determined by means of the at least one air guide arrangement. In principle, it is possible for the axis of rotation of the recirculation zone to tilt within a circumferential angle range in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the partial air duct under consideration. By rotating the axis of rotation of the recirculation zone by 180°, the direction of rotation of the recirculation zone can even be reversed.By varying the direction of rotation of the recirculation area using the distribution and flow of the supplied air, the flow direction of the resulting mass flow can be adjusted over a wide range.

[0022] In particular, it is provided that the recirculation zone is formed in a partial duct section, especially one adjoining the associated air guide flap, and that this partial duct section has a larger flow cross-section than the corresponding outlet opening. The preferably gradual widening of the flow cross-section allows for a defined flow separation and the formation of the recirculation zone at a defined location. Downstream of the recirculation zone, the flow cross-section can narrow again, thus increasing the flow velocity.In the section of the duct where the recirculation area forms, the direction of airflow within the duct can be adjusted, while in another downstream section of the duct, the flow velocity and momentum of the mass flow exiting through the associated outlet opening can be influenced by narrowing the flow cross-section.

[0023] Preferably, the recirculation zone facilitates the separation of the flowing air from a convex channel wall of the partial air duct, particularly in the Z-direction. The flow direction of the air flowing along the convex channel wall and the air circulating in the recirculation zone can be essentially the same in a region where separation from the convex channel wall is desired, so that an outer flow layer of the recirculation zone can exert momentum on the air flowing along the channel wall, thus facilitating the separation of the air from the channel wall. This prevents unnecessary pressure loss due to a fluid dynamic boundary layer at the convex channel wall. Furthermore, it avoids the Coandé effect that would otherwise occur at the convex channel wall.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention relates to an interior trim panel, in particular a center console, for a motor vehicle with an air outlet, preferably terminating in a surface of the interior trim panel, which can be designed and further developed as described above. By dividing the air, which is already distributed among the air channels, into the partial air channels within the air outlet, the flow direction of the resulting mass flow can be adjusted in a further dimension, thereby enabling a wide range of adjustability of the flow direction of an airflow exiting the interior trim panel.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an interior trim panel, which can be designed and further developed as described above, wherein the surface of the interior trim panel faces an interior space. By dividing the air, which is already distributed among the air ducts, into the partial air ducts within the air outlet, the flow direction of the resulting mass flow can be adjusted in a further dimension, thereby enabling a wide degree of adjustability of the flow direction of an airflow entering the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0026] The invention is now explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention, either individually or in combination, and the scope of protection is defined by the claims. The drawings show: Fig. 1: A schematic cutaway top view in the Z direction of an air outlet, Fig. 2: a schematic perspective view of the air outlet from Fig. 1, Fig. 3: A schematic cutaway side view in the Y direction of the air outlet. Fig. 1, Fig. 4: A schematic detail view of the air outlet made of Fig. 3 and Fig. 5: A schematic perspective view of part of a motor vehicle's center console.

[0027] The in Fig. The air outlet 10 shown in Figure 1 can be used to supply air conditioned by an air conditioning system into the interior of a motor vehicle. The air outlet 10 has an upper first air duct 12 and a lower second air duct 14, which extend from a common pipe section 16. The first air duct 12 runs from the pipe section 16 to a first outlet opening 18, while the second air duct 14 runs from the pipe section 16 to a second outlet opening 20. Apart from their connection to the common pipe section 16, the first air duct 12 and the second air duct 14 are designed separately and independently of each other.This allows for different paths for the first air duct 12 and the second air duct 14, so that the first outlet opening 18 and the second outlet opening 20 are arranged at an angle to each other, such that a first outlet flow 22 leaving the first air duct 12 via the first outlet opening 18 and a second outlet flow 24 leaving the second air duct 14 via the second outlet opening 20 meet and together form a resulting mass flow 26.

[0028] The direction of the resulting mass flow 26 in the Z-direction can be adjusted to a certain extent by means of a distribution flap 28 provided upstream of the first air duct 12 and the second air duct 14, in particular within the common pipe section 16, to divide the air supplied to the air outlet 10 between the first air duct 12 and the second air duct 14. It is possible for the distribution flap 28, in its extreme positions, to completely close one air duct 12, 14 and completely open the other air duct 14, 12, and, in at least one intermediate position between the extreme positions, to divide the supplied air between both air ducts 12, 14 according to the angular position of the distribution flap 28. In particular, only exactly one distribution flap 28 is provided for exactly two air ducts 12, 14, so that an open flow cross-section for the supplied air is always present.

[0029] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first air duct 12 can be subdivided into several first partial air ducts 30 and / or the second air duct 14 into several second partial air ducts 32, wherein the respective partial air ducts 30, 32 can be arranged side by side in the Y direction and / or one above the other in the Z direction. The first outlet openings 18 assigned to the first partial air ducts 30 and / or the second outlet openings 20 assigned to the second partial air ducts 32 can be arranged, in particular, in regular rows and columns and, for example, have a rectangular or square cross-section. By means of a first air guide arrangement 34 arranged downstream of the pipe section 16 and the distributor flap 28 in the first air duct 12, the air assigned to the first air duct 12 by the distributor flap 28 can be distributed to the various first partial air ducts 32 arranged side by side in the Y direction.

[0030] With the aid of a second air guide assembly 36 arranged downstream of the pipe section 16 and the distribution flap 28 in the second air duct 14, the air supplied to the second air duct 14 by the distribution flap 28 can be distributed among the various second partial air ducts 34 arranged side by side in the Y direction. For this purpose, the respective air guide assembly 34, 36 can have air guide flaps 38 that are pivotable about a pivot axis extending partially in the Z direction. It is possible that the air guide flaps 38, in their extreme positions, completely close at least one associated partial air duct 30, 32 and completely open the other, and, in at least one intermediate position between the extreme positions, distribute the air supplied to the respective air duct 12, 14 among the associated partial air ducts 30, 32 according to the angular position of the air guide flaps 38.In particular, the number of distribution flaps 28 is less than the number of associated partial air ducts 30, 32, so that an open flow cross-section for the supplied air is always present. The associated partial air ducts 30, 32 formed in the respective air duct 12, 14 can be separated from each other by walls 40 and can follow different paths. This makes it possible for the mass flows leaving the respective partial air duct 30, 32 to meet at an angle, so that the flow direction of the resulting mass flow 26 can be set not only vertically but also horizontally.

[0031] As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the shape of at least one of the partial air ducts 30, 32, preferably the central partial air duct 30, 32, can be designed such that a recirculation zone 42 can form within the partial air duct 30, 32. The recirculation zone 42 can limit the effective flow cross-section of the partial air duct 30, 32 and, via the negative pressure formed in the recirculation zone 42, can even promote the separation of the flow within the partial air duct 30, 32 from the opposite wall 40. Preferably, a separation edge 44 forms at the pivot point of the air guide flap 38, at which the flow of the supplied air separates and forms the recirculation zone 42, which thereby connects essentially directly downstream of the air guide flap 38. Preferably, the recirculation area 42 can shift depending on the angular position of the associated air guide flap 38 within the partial air duct 30, 32, particularly in the Y direction.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the air outlet 10 can be recessed into an interior trim panel of the motor vehicle, designed as a center console 46, to such an extent that only the outlet openings 18, 20 are visible. In particular, the outlet openings 18, 20 of the air outlet 10 are arranged in a recess and / or corner area of ​​the center console 46. Preferably, the outlet openings 18, 20 of the air outlet 10 are provided in a control panel formed by the center console 46 above a display, for example, an on-board computer, adjacent to the display, wherein, in particular, the width of the outlet openings 18, 20 can correspond to the width of the display to create a pleasing visual impression. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 133 652 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Air outlet (10) for a motor vehicle, with a first air duct (12) opening into an interior of the motor vehicle via a first outlet opening (18) and a second air duct (20) opening into the interior of the motor vehicle above a second outlet opening (20), wherein the first outlet opening (18) and the second outlet opening (20) are arranged such that a first outlet flow (22) flowing out through the first outlet opening (18) and a second outlet flow (24) flowing out through the second outlet opening (20) overlap, characterized by , that the first air duct (12) has two or more first partial air ducts (30) that can be supplied with air via a first air guide arrangement (34) and / or the second air duct (14) has two or more second partial air ducts (32) that can be supplied with air via a second air guide arrangement (36). [2] Air outlet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the surface normals of the outlet openings (18, 20) of at least two partial air ducts (30, 32) of the same air duct (12, 14) are aligned at an angle, in particular within a common XY plane. [3] Air outlet (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a distributor flap (28) arranged upstream to the first air guide arrangement (34) and / or the second air guide arrangement (36) is provided for dividing an airflow between the first air duct (12) and the second air duct (14). [4] Air outlet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first air guide arrangement (34) and / or the second air guide arrangement (36) has jointly operable air guide flaps (38) for dividing the air into the associated partial air channels (30, 32), wherein in particular the air guide flaps (38) are aligned parallel to each other in all positions. [5] Air outlet (10) according to claim 4, wherein the air guide flaps (38) are designed to pivot about a pivot axis extending at least partially in the Z direction. [6] Air outlet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first air duct (12) is arranged in the Z direction above the second air duct (14) and the partial air ducts (30, 32) associated with the air duct (12, 14) are arranged substantially one behind the other in the Y direction and / or one above the other in the Z direction. [7] Air outlet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one partial air channel (30, 32) forms a recirculation area (42) for the supplied air at least in an extreme position of the associated air guide arrangement (34, 36) downstream of the associated air guide arrangement (34, 36). [8] Air outlet (10) according to claim 7, wherein the recirculation area (42) is formed in a partial channel section, in particular adjoining the associated air guide flap (38), and the partial channel section has a larger flow cross-section than the associated outlet opening (18, 20). [9] Interior trim, in particular center console (46), for a motor vehicle with an air outlet (10) terminating in a surface according to one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Motor vehicle with an interior trim according to claim 9, wherein the surface of the interior trim faces an interior space.

Images