Air vent for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an air vent (1) for a motor vehicle, having a housing (2) that has an air duct (3), wherein the air duct (3) has an inlet opening (4) and an outlet opening (5) at the end of an end section (6) facing away from the inlet opening (4), a cross-section of the air duct (3) tapers in the end section (6) towards the outlet opening (5), the air duct (3) has a duct wall (7) which separates the air duct (3), in its longitudinal extent from the inlet opening (4) in the direction of the outlet opening (5), into a first and second sub-duct (8, 9), a first and a second air guide element (10, 11) are arranged in the air duct (3) between the inlet opening (4) and the sub-ducts (8, 9), the first air guide element (10) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (12) and is assigned to the first sub-duct (8), the second air guide element (11) is pivotable about a second pivot axis (13) and is assigned to the second sub-duct (9), the duct wall (7) ends in the region of the end section (6) so that an outflow direction from the outlet opening (5) can be adjusted depending on a pivot position of the air guide elements (10, 11), the pivot axes (12, 13) are each arranged centrally in the longitudinal extension of the respective air guide element (10, 11) on the respective guide element (10, 11) and are arranged in the air duct (3) in such a way that the air guide elements (10, 11) each abut one another in a first and a second end pivot position, at least substantially closing the air duct (3) and partially overlapping.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Air vent for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to an air vent for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing, the housing having an air duct, the air duct having an inlet opening and an outlet opening at the end of an end section facing away from the inlet opening, a cross-section of the air duct tapering in the end section towards the outlet opening, the air duct having a duct wall separating the air duct in its longitudinal extension from the inlet opening in the direction of the outlet opening into a first and a second sub-duct, a first and a second air guide element being arranged in the air duct between the inlet opening and the sub-ducts, the first air guide element being pivotable about a first pivot axis and being assigned to the first sub-duct, the second air guide element being pivotable about a second pivot axis and being assigned to the second sub-duct, and the duct wall ending in the region of the end section,so that an outflow direction from the outlet opening can be adjusted depending on the pivoting position of the air guiding elements.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such an air vent.

[0005] Air vents of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art. For example, the published patent applications DE 102017 011 180 A1, DE 102018 105 747 A1, DE 10 2019 130 062 A1, DE 202019 005 119 U1, and CN 110 978 961 A each disclose air vents of this type.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved air vent which ensures increased flexibility when closing the air duct.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is achieved by an air vent having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the pivot axes are each arranged centrally in the longitudinal extension of the respective air guide element on the respective air guide element and in the air duct such that the air guide elements each abut one another in a first and a second end pivot position, at least substantially closing the air duct, overlapping in some areas. The air vent according to the invention creates a particularly advantageous, flexible option for closing the air duct, which, in contrast to the known solutions mentioned at the outset, ensures closure in two end pivot positions of the air guide elements.This means that the air duct can be quickly closed regardless of the current pivot position of the air guide elements by selecting the appropriate pivot direction of the air guide elements, because at least one of the two end pivot positions can always be reached quickly with a limited pivot angle. In particular, the air guide elements completely close the air duct in the respective end pivot positions, thus causing it to be completely blocked. The air vent is designed as a so-called flow vectoring vent. Depending on the pivot position of the air guide elements, the outflow direction and air deflection of the air duct are controlled by the two sub-channels, i.e. the flow vectoring vent. For example, the sub-channels converge towards one another in the area of ​​the end section, so that opposing outflow directions are realized. In particular, the outlet openings can be assigned or are assigned as vents to an interior of the motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot axes are arranged parallel and spaced apart and aligned transversely to a longitudinal extension of the air duct. Such an arrangement and alignment provides the advantage that the air guide elements can be pivoted particularly flexibly.

[0009] Particularly preferably, the pivot axes are each at the same distance from parallel and opposite edges of the respective air guide element. This advantageously maximizes the possible pivot angle of the respective air guide element because the air guide elements can be pivoted as far as possible in both pivot directions without striking the housing.

[0010] According to a preferred development of the invention, the air duct has at least one bend in at least one of the two sub-channels leading to its outlet opening. This bend provides an advantageous option for determining an outflow direction of the air flow from the respective sub-channel. In particular, the air duct has a bend in both sub-channels, with the bends preferably leading toward one another, thus creating opposing outflow directions.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the two subchannels run parallel to each other, at least in some regions, or at a predetermined angle to each other. This advantageously ensures that the channel wall separating the two subchannels has a particularly simple geometric design. For example, the subchannels each run in an arc. The channel wall, for example, is teardrop-shaped, oval-shaped, or elliptical, as viewed in a longitudinal section of the subchannel. Preferably, the flow paths through the two subchannels are at least approximately the same length.

[0012] According to a preferred development of the invention, the air guiding elements are pivoted in the second end pivot position by at least 150°, preferably 180°, relative to the first end pivot position. This results in the advantage that the two end pivot positions are as far apart as possible in terms of their relative pivot angle, thus advantageously further increasing overall flexibility.

[0013] Particularly preferably, in the first final pivot position, the first air guide element rests with a side surface facing away from the inlet opening against a side surface of the second air guide element facing the inlet opening, and in the second final pivot position, the first air guide element rests with a side surface facing the inlet opening against a side surface of the second air guide element facing away from the inlet opening. This creates a geometrically particularly simple solution for reaching the respective final pivot positions and closing the air duct.

[0014] According to a preferred development of the invention, the air guide elements, in the first and second end pivot positions, each rest against the housing at an end facing away from the other air guide element. This provides a particularly advantageous geometrically simple definition of the end pivot positions. The housing thus forms a stop for reaching the respective end pivot position.

[0015] Particularly preferably, at least one further outlet opening is arranged in the air duct between the inlet opening and the air guide elements. This further outlet opening advantageously ensures that an air flow can be flexibly divided, particularly in the respective end pivot position of the air guide elements, the air flow is directed exclusively through this outlet opening.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air guiding elements are designed to be pivotable independently of one another. This further increases the flexibility in dividing an air flow.

[0017] It is particularly preferred that the air guiding elements are designed to be pivotable and coupled to one another. This creates a particularly advantageous possibility for the respective end pivot positions to be reached simultaneously. According to a preferred development of the invention, one or each of the air guiding elements is assigned a manually operable operating element, in particular a rotary element or operating lever, for pivoting the air guiding elements. This creates a particularly advantageous and simple possibility for adjusting the respective pivot angle of the air guiding elements. The operating element is designed in particular as a mechanical, in particular rotatable, handle, for example a rotary knob, operating wheel, operating roller or sliding element.

[0018] Particularly preferably, one or more controllable, in particular electric, actuators are assigned to the air guide elements for pivoting the air guide elements. This provides a particularly advantageous and simple option for adjusting the respective pivot angle of the air guide elements. The actuator is designed, in particular, as an electric servomotor. In particular, the actuator is provided in addition to a manually operable control element, as described above.

[0019] The motor vehicle with the features of claim 14 is characterized by the air vent according to the invention. This results in the advantages already mentioned.

[0020] Further advantages and preferred features and combinations of features emerge in particular from the above description and from the claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Figures 1 to 4 show an advantageous air vent in different operating conditions.

[0022] Figures 1 to 4 each show an advantageous air vent 1 in a longitudinal section. The air vent 1 is designed as a so-called flow vectoring vent. The air vent 1 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 comprises an air duct 3. The air duct 3 has an inlet opening 4 and an outlet opening 5.

[0023] The outlet opening 5 is arranged at the end of an end section 6 of the air duct 3 facing away from the inlet opening 4. A cross-section of the air duct 3 tapers in the end section 6 toward the outlet opening 5. Overall, the cross-section of the inlet opening 4 is thus larger than the cross-section of the outlet opening 5.

[0024] The air duct 3 has a duct wall 7. In this case, the duct wall 7 has a three-dimensional contour in longitudinal section, at least approximately in the shape of a pointed oval. It is therefore particularly aerodynamically designed. The duct wall 7 divides the air duct 3 in its longitudinal extension from the inlet opening 4 toward the outlet opening 5 into a first sub-duct 8 and a second sub-duct 9.

[0025] The sub-channels 8, 9 have the same constant cross-section, at least in some sections. The two sub-channels 8, 9 run parallel to each other, at least in some areas, and at a predetermined angle to each other, so that an overall arched shape is created. The sub-channels 8, 9 are arranged and constructed in particular with mirror symmetry, with an axis of symmetry running through the channel wall 7 or in the longitudinal extension of the channel wall 7.

[0026] In the air duct 3, a first air guide element 10 and a second air guide element 11 are arranged between the inlet opening 4 and the sub-ducts 8, 9. The first air guide element 10 is pivotable about a first pivot axis 12 and is assigned to the first sub-duct 8. The second air guide element 11 is pivotable about a second pivot axis 13 and is assigned to the second sub-duct 9.

[0027] The air guiding elements 10, 11 are designed to be pivotable, in particular independently of one another or coupled to one another. For example, one or each of the air guiding elements 10, 11 is assigned a manually operable operating element (not shown), in particular a rotary element or operating lever, for pivoting the air guiding elements 10, 11. Alternatively or additionally, one or each of the air guiding elements 10, 11 is assigned a controllable, in particular electrical, actuator (also not shown) for pivoting the air guiding elements 10, 11.

[0028] The duct wall 7 ends in the area of ​​the end section 6, so that an outflow direction from the outlet opening 5 can be adjusted depending on the pivoting position of the air guide elements 10, 11. This is precisely where Figures 1 to 4 differ.

[0029] Thus, Figure 1 shows that the air guiding elements 10, 11 are each aligned parallel to one another and to a longitudinal extent of the air duct 3, so that an air flow 14 (shown in dashed lines) is evenly distributed between the two partial ducts 8, 9 and follows their curved course until the partial air flows thus created meet again in the region of the end section 6 and leave the outlet opening 5 at least largely free of deflection, i.e. in a straight line or in the same flow direction in which they entered the inlet opening 4.

[0030] Figure 2 shows that the air guide elements 10, 11 are pivoted in a first pivoting direction, clockwise with respect to the viewing direction shown, so that the second partial duct 9 is at least partially concealed by the second air guide element 11. The air flow 14 is guided with increased intensity through the first partial duct 8, and when the resulting partial air flows meet again in the region of the end section 6, they exit the outlet opening 5 deflected downwards with respect to the viewing direction shown.

[0031] The deflection is achieved by the air duct 3 having a bend in each of the two sub-ducts 8, 9 leading to its outlet opening 5, wherein the sub-ducts 8, 9 are curved in opposite directions. The air flow then flows, for example, into an interior of the motor vehicle along upper and lower decorative covers 15, 16 arranged on the housing 2.

[0032] The special feature of the air vent 1 is that the air guide elements 10, 11 can each be pivoted into a first and a second end pivot position. This is achieved by arranging the pivot axes 12, 13 centrally along the longitudinal extension of the respective air guide element 10, 11.

[0033] The pivot axes 12, 13 are also arranged parallel and spaced apart and aligned transversely to a longitudinal extent of the air duct 3. The pivot axes 12, 13 are each at the same distance from a first edge 20 and a second edge 21 of the respective air guide element 10, 11. The second edge 21 is parallel to the first edge 20 and faces away from the first edge 20.

[0034] The pivot axes 12, 13 are arranged in the air duct 3 such that the air guide elements 10, 11, in the first and second end pivot positions, at least substantially closing the air duct 3 and the sub-ducts 8, 9, respectively, overlap one another in some areas. The air guide elements 10, 11 each have a first side surface 17 and a second side surface 18 facing away from it.

[0035] Depending on the pivot position, one of the side surfaces 17, 18 can be directed toward or faces the inlet opening 4 or the air flow 14. Thus, in the first end pivot position, the first side surfaces 17 and in the second end pivot position, the second side surfaces 18 of the air guide elements 10, 11 face the inlet opening 4.

[0036] In Figure 3, the air guide elements 10, 11 are each shown in their first final pivoting position. This is achieved when the air guide elements 10, 11, starting from the pivoting position shown in Figure 2, are pivoted further in the same pivoting direction until they are flush against one another. In the first final pivoting position, the first air guide element 10 rests with the second side surface 18 facing away from the inlet opening 4 against the first side surface 17 of the second air guide element 11 facing the inlet opening 4.

[0037] In Figure 4, the air guide elements 10, 11 are each shown in their second final pivoting position. This is achieved when the air guide elements 10, 11 are pivoted from Figure 1 in a second pivoting direction, or, equivalently, from the pivoting position shown in Figure 2 in the opposite pivoting direction, until they are in contact with each other again.

[0038] In the second end pivot position, the air guide elements 10, 11 are pivoted by at least 150° relative to the first end pivot position. In the second end pivot position, the first air guide element 10 rests with the second side surface 18 facing the inlet opening 4 against the first side surface 17 of the second air guide element 11 facing away from the inlet opening 4.

[0039] In other words, the air guide elements 10, 11 abut each other with the same side surfaces 17, 18 in both end pivot positions. In the first end pivot position, the first air guide element 10 abuts the second air guide element 11 in the region of its second edge 21 in the region of its first edge 20. In the second end pivot position, the first air guide element 10 abuts the second air guide element 11 in the region of its first edge 20 in the region of its second edge 21.

[0040] In the first and second end pivot positions, the air guide elements 10, 11 each rest against the housing 2 at an end facing away from the other air guide element 10, 11, so that the air duct 3 is completely closed at least in the direction of the two sub-ducts 8, 9. In other words, the air guide elements 10, 11 each rest against the housing 2 with the first or second edge 20, 21.

[0041] The first air guide element 10 lies in the first end pivot position with its second edge 21 and in the second end pivot position with its first edge 20, and the second air guide element 11 lies in the first end pivot position with its first edge 20 and in the second end pivot position with its second edge 21.

[0042] In this case, the air duct 3 has two further, in particular closable, outlet openings 19 perpendicular to the inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 5 between the inlet opening 4 and the air guide elements 10, 11. If the air guide elements 10, 11 are in one of the end pivot positions, the air flow 14 would flow through the outlet openings 19, provided they are open.

[0043] List of reference symbols

[0044] Air vent housing Air duct Inlet opening Outlet opening End section Duct wall First sub-duct Second sub-duct First air guide element Second air guide element First pivot axis Second pivot axis Air flow Upper decorative cover Lower decorative cover First side surface Second side surface Further outlet opening First edge Second edge

Claims

Patent claims 1. Air vent (1) for a motor vehicle, with a housing (2), - wherein the housing (2) has an air duct (3), - wherein the air duct (3) has an inlet opening (4) and an outlet opening (5) at the end of an end section (6) facing away from the inlet opening (4), - wherein a cross-section of the air duct (3) tapers in the end section (6) towards the outlet opening (5), - wherein the air duct (3) has a duct wall (7) separating the air duct (3) in its longitudinal extension from the inlet opening (4) in the direction of the outlet opening (5) into a first and a second partial duct (8, 9), - wherein a first and a second air guide element (10, 11) is arranged in the air duct (3) between the inlet opening (4) and the sub-ducts (8, 9), - wherein the first air guiding element (10) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (12) and is assigned to the first sub-channel (8), - wherein the second air guiding element (11) is pivotable about a second pivot axis (13) and is assigned to the second sub-channel (9), and - wherein the duct wall (7) ends in the region of the end section (6), so that an outflow direction from the outlet opening (5) can be set depending on a pivoting position of the air guiding elements (10, 11), characterized in that the pivot axes (12, 13) are each arranged centrally in the longitudinal extent of the respective air guiding element (10, 11) on the respective air guiding element (10, 11) and in the air duct (3) in such a way that the air guiding elements (10, 11) each lie against one another in a first and a second end pivoting position, at least substantially closing the air duct (3), partially overlapping.

2. Air vent according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot axes (12, 13) are arranged parallel and spaced apart and are aligned transversely to a longitudinal extent of the air duct (3).

3. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axes (12, 13) each have the same distance from mutually parallel and mutually remote edges (20, 21) of the respective air guiding element (10, 11).

4. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air duct (3) leading to its outlet opening (5) has at least one curvature in at least one of the two partial ducts (8, 9).

5. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two partial channels (8, 9) run parallel to one another or at a predetermined angle to one another at least in some regions.

6. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding elements (10, 11) are pivoted in the second end pivot position by at least 150 °, preferably 180 °, relative to the first end pivot position.

7. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first end pivot position the first air guide element (10) rests with a side surface (18) facing away from the inlet opening (4) on a side surface (17) of the second air guide element (11) facing the inlet opening (4), and in that in the second end pivot position the first air guide element (10) rests with a side surface (18) facing the inlet opening (4) on a side surface (17) of the second air guide element (11) facing away from the inlet opening (4).

8. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding elements (10, 11) in the first and second end pivoting positions each rest on the housing (2) at an end facing away from the respective other air guiding element (10, 11).

9. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further outlet opening (19) is arranged in the air duct (3) between the inlet opening (4) and the air guiding elements (10, 11).

10. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding elements (10, 11) are designed to be pivotable independently of one another.

11. Air vent according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the air guiding elements (10, 11) are designed to be pivotable and coupled to one another.

12. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding elements (10, 11) are assigned one or each a manually operable operating element, in particular a rotary element or operating lever, for pivoting the air guiding elements (10, 11).

13. Air vent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding elements (10, 11) are assigned one or each a controllable, in particular electrical, actuator for pivoting the air guiding elements (10, 11).

14. Motor vehicle, characterized by at least one air vent (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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