Air vents and vehicle

Abstract

An air outlet (1) for a connection point (2), for example on an instrument panel, in a vehicle interior, comprising an impeller (3), a drive (4) for the impeller (3), a power source (5) for supplying the drive (4) with energy, at least one electrical connecting element (6) for establishing an electrical connection with a vehicle-side control unit (7) and / or with a vehicle-side power supply unit (8) for the drive (4), and at least one fluid connecting element (10) for establishing a connection with a vehicle-side ventilation duct (11), wherein the air outlet (1) is usable both in the state inserted into the connection point (2) and in the state removed from the connection point (2) and disconnected. Furthermore, a vehicle (21) with an air outlet (1) is described.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air outlet for a connection point, for example on an instrument panel, in a vehicle interior.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car, with an air outlet arranged at a connection point.

[0003] It is a known fact that air vents are permanently installed in the dashboard of vehicles. These serve solely to regulate the climate control of the vehicle interior. The comfort of the climate control ends once the vehicle is exited.

[0004] The following state of the art is provided as an example only.

[0005] German patent application DE 8 337 426 U1 describes a device for ventilating the interior of vehicles. The air outlets can be positioned at different locations on an instrument panel, but are always connected to the vehicle's ventilation duct.

[0006] DE 10 2023 128 149 A1 discloses a portable heating and cooling system comprising a housing that expels air. The system is movable relative to the vehicle between a retracted state, in which the outlet is fluidically connected to the line, and a disengaged state, in which the outlet is disconnected from the line.

[0007] Furthermore, EP 2 578 424 A1 relates to an air outlet which can be pulled out from its position in the instrument panel to a position in front of the instrument panel and which always remains connected to the main ventilation duct of the vehicle via a spring bellows.

[0008] The described state of the art therefore does not offer any mobile use of the air vent. It is always stationary and only usable within the vehicle. The functionality of known air vents is thus limited to air distribution within the car.

[0009] One object of the invention is to design and further develop an air outlet in such a way that enhanced functionality is enabled using structurally simple means. Furthermore, a vehicle with an improved air outlet is to be described.

[0010] With regard to the air outlet, the aforementioned problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Thus, an air outlet for a connection point, for example on an instrument panel, in a vehicle interior is claimed, comprising an impeller, a drive for the impeller, an energy source for supplying the drive with energy, at least one electrical connection element for establishing an electrical connection with a vehicle-side control unit and / or with a vehicle-side energy supply unit for the drive, and at least one fluid connection element for establishing a connection with a vehicle-side ventilation duct, wherein the air outlet is usable both in the state inserted into the connection point and in the state removed from the connection point and decoupled.

[0011] With regard to the vehicle, the aforementioned problem is solved by the features of claim 7. This claims a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car, with an air outlet arranged at a connection point according to one of claims 1 to 6.

[0012] According to the invention, the functionality of the air outlet is significantly increased if it is detachable from the connection point and can be used as a handheld fan outside the vehicle. For this purpose, a power source is provided on the air outlet according to the invention, enabling the air outlet to function fully as a fan. The air outlet can be used, for example, at the workplace, while camping, in a waiting area, or at any other location outside the vehicle. Simultaneously, the air outlet can also be used in the vehicle in the usual "permanent operation" when it is attached to the connection point and thus integrated into the vehicle's ventilation system. This allows for multifunctionality, namely use both inside and outside the vehicle.Using the system outside the vehicle increases comfort through mobile air conditioning. The term "fluid connection element" should be understood in the broadest sense in relation to the air outlet; it can simply refer to an opening or recess that allows a fluid to flow from the vehicle's ventilation duct to the impeller of the air outlet and out of the air outlet.

[0013] A further advantage of the invention is that the air outlet can be arranged at different connection points in the vehicle. Overall, this would allow for either mobile operation as a handheld device, fixed operation – for example, arranged on the instrument panel and connected to the central air distribution system (HVAC), with air supplied via the vehicle's main air ducts – and "movable operation" at other predefined connection points in the vehicle. This would also enable flexible ventilation for rear passengers, pets, or luggage.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the air outlet, and in particular its impeller, could be designed as an axial fan. An axial fan has the advantage of running relatively quietly and generating a directed airflow. Alternatively or additionally, the air outlet could be oval and / or circular, at least on the outlet side, resulting in a particularly appealing aesthetic.

[0015] Advantageously, a connecting element could be arranged so that a detachable connection can be made with a complementary connecting element of the vehicle, in particular a positive and / or non-positive connection, for example a bayonet connection, and / or a magnetic connection. This has the advantage that the air outlet is securely fixed at the connection point and can at the same time be easily removed from it. To ensure a quiet hold of the air outlet at the connection point, a sealing element, in particular a silicone seal, could be provided.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, a control device, such as a microcontroller, could be arranged to control the air outlet. Specifically, an ESP32 microcontroller with an integrated Bluetooth module could be used. This would allow the air outlet to be operated at different fan speeds, particularly three different intensities. The control device could be configured to provide additional safety features, such as deep discharge protection, overheating protection, and / or short-circuit protection. Alternatively or additionally, the power source could be a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery could then be charged for mobile use, for example, via a USB-C port and / or while inserted into the connection point.Specifically, the battery could have a capacity in the range of 1500 mAh to 4000 mAh, particularly from 2000 mAh to 3000 mAh. This would allow for several hours of mobile operation.

[0017] Advantageously, the drive could be designed as an electric motor, in particular as a brushless DC motor. Additionally, the drive could be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM). A drive designed accordingly is quiet and energy-efficient.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one control element, such as a button and / or a touch surface, could be provided for operating the air outlet. This has the advantage that, for example, the intensity of the air outlet can be adjusted and / or the air outlet can be deactivated / activated entirely. Alternatively or additionally, a communication module, such as a Bluetooth module, could be provided for operating the air outlet with an external device, such as a smartphone. The communication module could be integrated into a control unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the air outlet could be configured to be controlled via the vehicle when inserted into the connection point.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, an interchangeable aperture element could be arranged on one outlet side. This allows the air outlet to be easily adapted to the appearance of the connection point by selecting a suitable aperture. Alternatively or additionally, a visual indicator, such as an LED indicator, could be provided to show the charge level of the power source. The user thus receives easy information about the charge level of the power source, enabling the air outlet to be charged in a timely manner or its operation to be adjusted accordingly.

[0020] Advantageously, several adjustable louvers, preferably including a ball joint, could be arranged. This makes it possible to influence the airflow, allowing it to be adjusted according to the user's wishes. Alternatively or additionally, the air outlet could have a housing, preferably made of heat-resistant acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate. The housing could also have an aluminum frame, resulting in a particularly high-quality construction.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle could have several connection points for receiving the air outlet. These could be located, for example, on an instrument panel, a headliner, a B-pillar, a dashboard, and / or a trunk lining. Such a design allows the air outlet to be positioned and operated at different locations within the vehicle, thus significantly increasing its functionality compared to a fixed air outlet.

[0022] Advantageously, at least one vehicle-side ventilation duct could be provided at the connection point to establish a fluid connection with the at least one fluid connection element of the air outlet. This allows the air outlet to be supplied with air via the vehicle's own ventilation system. Alternatively or additionally, a vehicle-side electrical connection element could be provided to establish an electrical connection with the electrical connection element of the air outlet. This enables the air outlet to be controlled by the vehicle's ventilation or air conditioning system. The connection points could be designed as a docking station for the air outlet, allowing it to be supplied with air and controlled via the central ventilation or air conditioning system.It is also conceivable that the insertion of the air outlet into the connection point is detected on the vehicle side, in particular by an identification element arranged on the air outlet, for example an RFID element, an NFC element and / or a coding plug.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, a vehicle-side connecting element could be arranged at the connection point, allowing a detachable connection to be established with a complementary connecting element of the air outlet. The connection could, in particular, be a positive-locking and / or friction-locking connection, for example, a bayonet connection, and / or a magnetic connection. This enables a secure connection that is also easy for a user to detach when the air outlet is to be used as a handheld device, i.e., in mobile operation.

[0024] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the accompanying description of the figures.

[0025] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Preferred embodiments and configurations of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Fig. 1 in a schematic representation a cutaway side view of a part of the interior of a vehicle according to the invention with an air outlet according to the invention, Fig. 2 in a schematic representation a front view of an area of ​​the embodiment according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 in a schematic representation a cutaway side view of the air outlet Fig. 1 in the state removed from the connection point and decoupled, Fig. 4 in a schematic representation a side view of a vehicle according to the invention.

[0027] To improve clarity, not every element in the figures is always labelled with a reference symbol. Furthermore, identical elements in the figures are designated with the same reference symbols.

[0028] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of an air outlet 1 according to the invention in its state inserted into the connection point 2 ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) and in its state taken from connection point 2 and decoupled ( Fig. 3).

[0029] The air outlet 1 comprises an impeller 3, a drive 4 for the impeller 3, and a power source 5 for supplying energy to the drive 4. Furthermore, an electrical connection element 6 is provided, through which the air outlet 1, in this embodiment, establishes an electrical connection with both a vehicle-side control unit 7 and a vehicle-side power supply unit 8 for the drive 4. For example, the electrical connection element 6 could be a plug or a plug receptacle, in which case a complementary plug or plug receptacle would be provided on the vehicle-side electrical connection element 9. Other electrical connection elements 6, 9 are also conceivable.

[0030] Additionally, the air outlet 1 has a fluid connection element 10 for establishing a connection with a vehicle-side ventilation duct 11. In the embodiment shown here, the fluid connection element 10 is implemented by the housing 12 of the air outlet 1, although other fluid connection elements 10, for example plug connections, screw connections, etc., are also conceivable. The described design makes it possible for the air outlet 1 to be used as a conventional air outlet 1 when inserted into the connection point 2, while when removed from the connection point 2 and decoupled, the air outlet 1 can be used as a handheld device. Fig. 3) Furthermore, several connection points 2 can be provided in the vehicle, so that the air outlet 1 can be used in different positions in the vehicle. The connection points 2 should at least have a vehicle-side ventilation duct 11, and possibly also the additional ones in Fig. The electrical connection elements 9 shown in Figure 1 are present. It is conceivable that when the air outlet 1 is inserted or connected to a connection point 2, the air outlet 1 is automatically detected and the air supply to the ventilation duct 1 at this connection point 2 is enabled, for example by a damper control. When the air outlet 1 is removed or disconnected from the connection point 2, it could automatically switch to operation via the integrated energy source 5.

[0031] To attach the air outlet 1 to the connection point 2, two connecting elements 13 are arranged, via which a secure connection can be created with complementary, vehicle-side connecting elements 14. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the design of a bayonet connection, although any other constructions can also be used.

[0032] The air outlet 1 can be controlled via a control device 15 of the air outlet 1 and / or via the vehicle-side control unit 7. Likewise, the drive 4 can be powered via the power source 5 of the air outlet 1 and / or by means of the vehicle-side power supply unit 8. The power supply unit 8 could also be used to charge the power source 5. The state of charge can be displayed via an optical display 16.

[0033] The air outlet 1 can be operated via a control element 17 and / or via a communication module 18 of the control unit 15 using an external device, for example a smartphone. It is also conceivable that the air outlet 1 can be set or controlled via a central vehicle ventilation / climate control unit.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows that several movable louvers 19 are provided to influence the airflow. A baffle element 20, which is interchangeably arranged on the outlet side, is also visible. This allows the air outlet 1 to be adapted to the design of the connection point 2.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 21 according to the invention comprising an air outlet 1 according to the invention. The connection point 2 or connection points 2 of the vehicle 21 and the air outlet 1 can be configured according to the embodiment shown in the illustration. Fig. 1 to 3 must be trained, so reference is made to the preceding character description.

[0036] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these, but can be modified in many ways. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 air outlet 2nd junction 3 wheel 4 Drive 5 Energy source 6 electrical connecting element (air outlet) 7 Control unit 8 Power supply unit 9 electrical connecting element (vehicle) 10 Fluid connection element 11 ventilation duct 12 cases 13 Connecting element (air outlet) 14 connecting elements (vehicle) 15 Control unit 16 optical displays 17 Control element 18 Communication module 19 lamella 20 aperture elements 21 vehicles 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 8 337 426 U1

[0005] DE 10 2023 128 149 A1

[0006] EP 2 578 424 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Air outlet (1) for a connection point (2), for example on an instrument panel, in a vehicle interior, comprising an impeller (3), a drive (4) for the impeller (3), an energy source (5) for supplying the drive (4) with energy, at least one electrical connecting element (6) for establishing an electrical connection with a vehicle-side control unit (7) and / or with a vehicle-side energy supply unit (8) for the drive (4), at least one fluid connecting element (10) for establishing a connection with a vehicle-side ventilation duct (11), wherein the air outlet (1) can be used both in the state inserted into the connection point (2) and in the state removed from the connection point (2) and decoupled. [2] Air outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that a connecting element (13) is arranged so that a detachable connection can be made with a complementary connecting element (14) of the vehicle (21), in particular a form-fit and / or force-fit connection, for example a bayonet connection, and / or a magnetic connection. [3] Air outlet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a control device (15), for example a microcontroller, is arranged to control the air outlet (1), and / or that the power source (5) has a battery, for example a lithium-ion battery. [4] Air outlet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that at least one control element (17), for example a button and / or a touch surface, for operating the air outlet (1) and / or a communication module (18), for example a Bluetooth module, for operating the air outlet (1) with an external device, for example a smartphone, is / are arranged. [5] Air outlet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that an interchangeable aperture element (20) is arranged on an outlet side, and / or that an optical indicator (16), for example a light indicator, is arranged to indicate a charge status of the energy source (5). [6] Air outlet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that several adjustable lamellae (19), preferably comprising a ball joint, are arranged to act on the airflow. [7] Vehicle (21), in particular motor vehicle, preferably passenger car, with an air outlet (1) arranged at a connection point (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Vehicle (21) according to claim 7, characterized by , that several connection points (2) are arranged to receive the air outlet (1), for example on an instrument panel, on a headliner, on a B-pillar, on a dashboard, and / or on a trunk lining. [9] Vehicle (21) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that at the connection point (2) at least one vehicle-side ventilation duct (11) for establishing a fluid connection with the at least one fluid connection element (10) of the air outlet (1) and / or a vehicle-side electrical connection element (9) for establishing an electrical connection with the electrical connection element (6) of the air outlet (1) is / are arranged. [10] Vehicle (21) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that a vehicle-side connecting element (14) is arranged at the connection point (2) so that a detachable connection can be made with the complementary connecting element (13) of the air outlet (1), in particular a form-fit and / or force-fit connection, for example a bayonet connection, and / or a magnetic connection.

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