Ventilation system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilation system (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one actuator (12, 14) for controlling at least one arranged ventilation nozzle (16), which actuator is operable by means of an operating element (18), wherein orientation of the at least one ventilation nozzle (16) for orienting a corresponding air flow and adjustment of the strength of the air flow can be carried out by the same operating element (18), wherein the orientation is controllable by means of a rocker function (18a) of the operating element (18) and the adjustment of the strength is controllable via a central button (18b) with a multi-press function and cyclical adjustment of the operating element (18). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a ventilation system (10).

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG Völlm

[0002] October 22, 2025

[0003] Ventilation system and procedures

[0004] The invention relates to a ventilation system for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a ventilation system.

[0005] Modern vehicles, especially passenger cars, increasingly use intelligent (or "smart") air vents that offer a hybrid operating concept, allowing both manual and at least semi-automatic, particularly electric motor-driven, adjustment of the vents. Separate motors / actuators are required for vertical and / or horizontal adjustment. Manual operation is achieved via handles or the inner air guide ring of round vents.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a hybrid operating concept for ventilation systems that is cost-efficient, trouble-free and user-friendly.

[0007] This problem is solved by means of a ventilation system with the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the ventilation system according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the ventilation system are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a ventilation system for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, which comprises at least one actuator for controlling at least one arranged ventilation nozzle, which in turn can be operated via a corresponding control element and a corresponding control unit (ECU).

[0009] To solve the problems of the invention and thus provide a hybrid operating concept for ventilation systems that is cost-efficient, trouble-free, and user-friendly, it is provided that the alignment of the at least one ventilation nozzle to generate a corresponding airflow, as well as the adjustment of the airflow intensity, can be performed using the same control element. The alignment is achieved by means of a rocker function of the control element, while the intensity adjustment is controlled via a central button on the control element, with a multi-press function and cyclic setting. This allows for the use of simpler actuators with LIN and the control unit, thus enabling hybrid control.

[0010] In addition to the described solution, the invention can be further improved by using a suitable lighting device that provides the user with visual feedback on the current settings of the ventilation nozzle. This lighting device could be activated depending on the position of the rocker switch and the central button, and indicate the selected airflow direction and strength by means of different light signals. Furthermore, the use of more cost-effective 4-pin actuators instead of the previously used 6-pin special solutions could significantly reduce the overall cost of the ventilation system without compromising functionality.

[0011] In other words, the solution lies in designing the ventilation nozzles as hybrid systems, particularly their operation, so that they can be controlled both centrally, for example via a user interface on a display device, and directly manually at the control element. To achieve this, the LIN component of the airflow control button is extended to include a function for adjusting the airflow direction. Similar to a mirror adjustment switch, the rocker switch allows the airflow direction to be adjusted, while pressing the center button sets the airflow rate. Indicator lights are provided to display the airflow rate; an indicator for the airflow direction can also be implemented, but may not be necessary depending on the nozzle design (e.g., with spherical nozzles). The adjustment of the ventilation nozzle and the direction of the airflow can also be visualized by a lighting display directly at the ventilation nozzle.It would be possible to install lighting elements not only on the control panel but also on the ventilation nozzle, which would illuminate depending on the control panel setting. When the flow rate or direction changes, corresponding lighting elements could illuminate to indicate the selected control. For example, these lighting elements could be arranged around the outside of the ventilation nozzle outlet.

[0012] This central control unit for nozzle control eliminates the need for freewheels and therefore the more expensive 6-pin actuators; simple 4-pin actuators are sufficient for this ventilation system. The central control unit makes freewheels unnecessary because control is handled directly via the unit. This allows for the use of more cost-effective 4-pin actuators, as no additional control functions, such as those required by 6-pin actuators, are necessary.

[0013] In other words, a ventilation system is proposed that offers the same functionality as conventional ventilation systems using simpler components. To reduce the effort required for manual operation, freewheels are necessary between the motors and the air guide assembly. For adjusting the airflow per ventilation nozzle, a separate three-stage LIN switch is used in the prior art, which controls the throttle valve of the air conditioning unit outlet. Despite the high user-friendliness of this hybrid operation, such a nozzle adjustment concept makes the corresponding ventilation system extremely complex and expensive.

[0014] The use of freewheels and the associated potentiometers for position detection requires custom 6-pin solutions, which are up to three times more expensive than standard 4-pin actuators. The LIN airflow sensor also contributes significantly to the high costs. Additionally, the use of mechanical operating levers is complex and prone to failure. Another problem is that the user's hand is positioned in the airflow when adjusting the levers, making it difficult to judge the desired airflow direction and potentially uncomfortable for sensitive customers who are exposed to the airflow. Therefore, the ventilation system is now planned to be controlled by a central operating element that eliminates the need for freewheels and expensive 6-pin actuators. Instead, more cost-effective 4-pin actuators are used, which significantly reduces the complexity of the ventilation system and simultaneously lowers production costs.This solution improves usability by simplifying handling and preventing the airflow from being directed at the user's hand, thus ensuring more comfortable operation.

[0015] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0016] This shows:

[0017] Fig. 1 schematic diagram to illustrate a ventilation system.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a ventilation system 10 for a motor vehicle. The ventilation system 10 comprises at least one actuator 12, 14, namely a first actuator 12 and a second actuator 14, which are designed to control at least one arranged ventilation nozzle 16 and both can be operated via a control element 18. The actuators 12, 14 are controlled by a control unit.

[0019] The control unit (ECU) communicates via the LIN bus. The ECU receives input from the operating element 18 and accordingly controls the actuators 12 and 14, which regulate or control the airflow of the nozzle 16.

[0020] In the ventilation system 10, a 4-pin actuator is arranged as the first actuator 12 for aligning at least one ventilation nozzle 16. A further 4-pin actuator, as the second actuator 14, is arranged for adjusting the strength of the airflow through the ventilation nozzle 16. This configuration allows control with only one actuator 12, 14 for each function, thereby reducing the overall complexity of the ventilation system 10.

[0021] Such a hybrid operating concept makes it possible to align the ventilation nozzle 16 to generate a corresponding airflow and to adjust the strength of the airflow using the same control element 18. The alignment is achieved by means of a rocker function 18a of the control element 18, while the strength can be adjusted via a central button 18b of the control element 18 with a multi-press function and a cyclic setting.

[0022] The use of 4-pin actuators offers several advantages for dual control in ventilation system 10, namely high cost potential for the overall system, since reducing the number of required components lowers the overall cost of ventilation system 10 while maintaining functionality. Furthermore, it also allows for...

[0023] Reduced complexity and susceptibility to errors are advantageous, as using only one actuator (12, 14) per function simplifies the system architecture, which in turn reduces potential sources of error. Furthermore, a master / slave concept can simplify centralized operation and communication between the actuators and the ECU, facilitating, for example, the implementation of the ventilation system (10). Finally, simplified airflow control is enabled, increasing comfort inside the vehicle.

[0024] Finally, a lighting device 20 can also be provided, which reacts depending on the setting of the rocker switch 18a of the control element 18. This lighting device 20 could be visualized by arrows as light elements indicating the direction of the airflow. A further lighting device 22 can also be provided, which reacts depending on the setting of the central button 18b of the control element 18. Light elements or diodes could be located in the center of button 18b, indicating the strength of the airflow, with one diode for the first stage, two diodes for the second stage, three diodes for the third stage, and so on. These visual cues provide the user with intuitive feedback on the current settings and allow for easy adjustment of the ventilation parameters according to the specifications.In summary, the invention proposes a central LIN control element 18 for adjusting ventilation nozzles in a ventilation system 10.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Völlm October 22, 2025 Patent claims 1. Ventilation system (10) for a motor vehicle, with at least one actuator (12, 14) for controlling at least one arranged ventilation nozzle (16), which can be operated via a control element (18), characterized in that the alignment of the at least one ventilation nozzle (16) for directing a corresponding airflow and the adjustment of the strength of the airflow can be carried out by the same control element (18), wherein the alignment can be controlled by means of a rocker function (18a) of the control element (18) and the adjustment of the strength can be controlled via a central button (18b) with multiple press function and a cyclic setting of the control element (18).

2. Ventilation system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a lighting device (20) is arranged which reacts depending on the setting of the rocker function (18a) of the control element (18).

3. Ventilation system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a lighting device (22) is arranged which reacts depending on the setting of the central button (18b) of the control element (18).

4. Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a 4-pin actuator (12) is arranged for the alignment of at least one ventilation nozzle (16).

5. Ventilation system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a 4-pin actuator (14) is arranged for adjusting the strength of the airflow through the at least one ventilation nozzle (16).

6. Method for operating a ventilation system (10) for a motor vehicle, with at least one actuator (12, 14) for controlling at least one arranged ventilation nozzle (16), which is operated via a control element (18), characterized in that the alignment of the at least one ventilation nozzle (16) to direct a corresponding airflow and the adjustment of the strength of the airflow are carried out by the same control element (18), wherein the alignment is controlled by means of a rocker function (18a) of the control element (18) and the adjustment of the strength is controlled via a central button (18b) with multiple press function and a cyclic setting of the control element (18).

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