DE102020103630B4 - Air exhaust device for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Air outflow device (10) for a vehicle, which is suitable for being arranged at an end region of an air duct (2), with a housing (12) which forms an air outlet opening (14) which is movably mounted between an open position and a closed position and closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) coupled to one another can be released, wherein the closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) in the open position have an effective cross section of the air outlet opening ( 14) maximize and, in the closed position, minimize the effective cross section of the air outlet opening (14), the closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) being wave-shaped and forming a grid structure (20), in which Open position wave crests (22.2) of a first closure element (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5) and oppositely arranged wave troughs (22.4) of an adjacent second closure element (16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) enclose common grid openings (22). , and the wave troughs (22.4) of the first closure element (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5) are pivotally coupled to the wave crests (22.2) of the second closure element (16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6), being in the closed position the closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) are arranged in pairs aligned with one another, the closure element pairs each forming a common closure surface (31, 32, 33), with common closure surfaces (31, 32, 33) of adjacent closure element pairs run obliquely to one another, and two adjacent closure elements (16.3, 16.4) arranged centrally in the housing (12) and forming a common closure surface (32) have a common central pivot axis (42), which is translationally movable in the direction of the air duct (2) and is stored towards the vehicle interior.

Description

The invention relates to an air discharge device for a vehicle.

Air outlet devices for vehicles are known in numerous variations. The air outflow devices comprise a housing and are suitable for being arranged at an end region of an air duct. The housing forms an air outlet opening, which can be released by closure elements that are movably mounted and coupled to one another between an open position and a closed position. The closure elements can be designed as slats, which are arranged parallel to one another and are each pivotally mounted about a pivot axis. The closure elements maximize an effective cross section of the air outlet opening in the open position and minimize the effective cross section of the air outlet opening in the closed position. Alternatively, a rigid grille can be arranged in the air outlet opening formed by the housing, with the air flowing through grille openings in the grille from the air duct into a vehicle interior.

From the DE 10 2016 013 353 A1 an air outflow device for a vehicle is known, which comprises an outflow housing, at least one inlet and at least one outlet opening for an air flow and at least one air guiding device in order to guide the air flow emerging from the outlet opening. The air guiding device comprises a first and a second slat arrangement each consisting of a plurality of pivotally mounted slats, the first slat arrangement being arranged on the outlet opening side and the second slat arrangement being arranged between the first slat arrangement and the inlet opening, wherein a carrier slat of the first slat arrangement is attached and on the Carrier slat displaceable control element is movement-coupled by a coupling device with both the first and the second slat arrangement. By moving the control element on the carrier slat, the slats of the second slat arrangement are adjustable and the control element can be adjusted into at least one adjustment position, in which the slats of the first or second slat arrangement are adjusted as a closing slat arrangement in such a way that the vent flows through the slats of the closing one Slat arrangement is completely closed.

From the DE 10 2017 118 450 A1 an air vent for a vehicle is known, which comprises a housing, an air duct delimited by the housing with an air inlet end and an air outlet end, wherein an air flow flowing through the air duct can flow from the air inlet end to the air outlet end along a main flow direction. An outflow grille arranged at the air outlet end comprises an opening grid with grid openings spaced apart by webs, with several air guide elements arranged in the air duct in the flow direction in front of the outflow grille forming an opening grid with grid openings which are larger than the grid openings of the outflow grille.

From the DE 10 2017 118 229 A1 a ventilation device is known which has surface elements which abut one another in a first position to provide a closed surface and are arranged spaced apart from one another in a second position to form air outlet openings. The surface elements are connected to one another via flexible connecting elements, with surface elements which are arranged on the edge being connected to adjusting means. The adjusting means are designed and arranged to be movable in such a way that the surface elements can be brought into the second position via the adjusting means. Such a ventilation device can be adapted to different surface shapes and can be produced using a conventional manufacturing process.

From the DE 10 2017 213 745 A1 a trim part, in particular for a motor vehicle, is known with a deformable base element which is deformable to change a permeability of the trim part. It is envisaged that a plurality of at least substantially non-deformable decorative elements with a visible side are arranged on the base element, and that the base element is foldable in such a way that the decorative elements lie laterally against one another in a first position to form an at least substantially continuous surface and in one second position are arranged laterally spaced apart from one another. The base element is at least partially transparent to a medium, in particular to gas and/or light.

From WO 2018/191 251 A1 a ventilation system for a closed room is known, with a housing which is in fluid communication with an air source generating an air flow. The housing includes at least one air outlet to an enclosed space. A detection sensor detects occupancy information of the enclosed space. A controller generates a control signal based on the occupancy information and controls the shape change of a flap made of a shape memory material. The flap is controlled to switch between a first operating configuration in which an output of the air flow into the enclosed space is prevented and a second operating configuration in which the output of the airflow into the enclosed space is permitted.

From the DE 103 03 114 B3 an vent for a vehicle with an adjusting element for an air outflow is known. Here, the adjusting element has a temperature-inducible deformation effect and is designed to bulge an interior lining part. The vent also includes means for stimulating the shape change effect. A decorative layer of the interior trim part is cut along predetermined lines, resulting in a plurality of first and second stripes. In the area of the first strips, the first adjusting elements located there have a first change in shape when the temperature increases, for example an upward curvature. In the area of the second strip, the second adjusting elements located there have a change in shape that is opposite to the change in shape of the first adjusting elements when the temperature increases, ie the second adjusting elements have a downward curvature in their high-temperature shape. The interior trim part can have a plurality of first and second strips arranged next to one another in a lamella-like manner, which alternately follow one another. When no control signal is applied, all actuators are in their low temperature form, thereby forming a substantially closed surface of the interior trim part. By inducing the shape change effect, the first actuating elements change into their upwardly curved high-temperature shape and the second adjusting elements change into their downwardly curved high-temperature shape. This results in opposite curvatures in the surface of the interior lining part in the area of the first and second strips. Where the adjacent first and second strips border each other, the air outlet openings are released due to the opposing curvatures.

The invention is based on the object of providing an air outlet device for a vehicle which makes transitions between an open position that maximizes an effective cross section of an air outlet opening and a closed position that minimizes the effective cross section of the air outlet opening visually interesting for an occupant.

This object is achieved by an air outflow device for a vehicle with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with useful developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

In order to provide an air outlet device for a vehicle, which makes transitions between an open position that maximizes an effective cross section of an air outlet opening and a closed position that minimizes the effective cross section of the air outlet opening visually interesting for an occupant, closure elements are designed in a wave shape and form a lattice structure. In the open position, wave crests of a first closure element and oppositely arranged wave troughs of an adjacent second closure element enclose common grid openings, and the wave troughs of the first closure element are pivotally coupled to the wave crests of the second closure element. In the closed position, the closure elements are arranged in pairs aligned with one another. Here, the closure element pairs each form a common closure surface, with common closure surfaces of adjacent closure element pairs running obliquely to one another. Here, two adjacent closure elements arranged in the middle of the housing and forming a common closure surface have a common central pivot axis, which is mounted to be movable in translation in the direction of the air duct and in the direction of the vehicle interior. The corresponding central closure elements are pivoted about this pivot axis during the translational movement of the central pivot axis. As a result, the middle closure elements carry out a superimposed movement, which is composed of the translational movement of the pivot axis and the pivot movement about this pivot axis.

In the following, an air outflow device for a vehicle is understood to mean an assembly which is suitable for being arranged at an end region of an air duct. The air flow flows from a first end region of the air duct to a second end region of the air duct, wherein the air outflow device can be arranged at the second end region of the air duct. The air outflow device comprises a housing which forms an air outlet opening through which the air flow exits from the air duct into a vehicle interior. In addition, the housing forms an air inlet opening through which the air flow from the air duct is admitted into the housing. The air outlet opening can be released by closure elements that are movably mounted and coupled to one another between an open position and a closed position. The closure elements maximize an effective cross section of the air outlet opening in the open position and minimize the effective cross section of the air outlet opening in the closed position. The closure elements are wave-shaped executed. This means that the closure elements each comprise a wave-shaped closure surface whose cross section has a periodic sequence of wave crests and troughs. The wave crests are open downwards and the wave troughs are open upwards. The wave crests and troughs can be curved. Alternatively, the wave crests and troughs can be created by kinks, with straight-line partial areas running at an angle to one another. The wave crests and troughs can have a shape which corresponds to a triangle, rectangle, trapezoid or other suitable shape that is open on one side.

Advantageously, the grid structure of the air outlet device according to the invention looks visually interesting in the open position and in the closed position and, in addition to the function of an air outlet grid, can also be used as a design element in the vehicle interior, which contributes to the design of the vehicle interior. The transitions between the positions look like the unfolding or folding of an origami model. This can give the occupant the impression that the interior is high quality and modern. In addition, the wave-shaped and movably mounted closure elements and the transitions between the positions stand out clearly from the known flat, movably mounted slats or from the known rigid lattice structures, whereby a striking recognition feature can be created for a vehicle model or a vehicle brand.

In an advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, design openings can be formed in the closed position between the common closure surfaces of adjacent pairs of closure elements. The design openings formed are closed or sealed relative to the air duct, so that no air flow can flow through the design openings in the closed position. In addition, the design openings can advantageously contribute, in addition to the wave shape of the closure surfaces, to an attractive appearance of the at least partially closed air outlet opening.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, at least one stop element fixedly arranged on the housing can be arranged in the closed position between two common closure surfaces of adjacent closure element pairs and close corresponding design openings. The stop elements closing the design openings can prevent an air flow from escaping from the corresponding air duct into the vehicle interior in the closed position.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, the at least one stop element can have two legs, with the common closure surfaces of adjacent closure element pairs in the closed position each having an edge in sealing contact with a corresponding leg. The legs allow the design openings to be reliably sealed against the air duct. The angle between the legs and the length of the legs can be adjusted to the dimensions and shapes of the corresponding design openings.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, at least one lighting element can be arranged on the at least one stop element. The at least one lighting element can be arranged on one of the two legs or in the bend between the legs. Alternatively, at least one lighting element can be arranged on each leg. The at least one lighting element can change an effect of the grid structure in an activated state. In addition, the effect of the grid structure can be adapted to the wishes of the occupant, for example by adjusting a color or a luminosity of the light generated and emitted by the at least one lighting element.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, the at least one lighting element can be activated in the closed position and deactivated in the open position. The at least one lighting element can be activated automatically when the closed position is reached. The at least one lighting element can be deactivated automatically when the open position is reached. Alternatively, the activation of the at least one lighting element can occur automatically when a transition to the closed position is initiated. The at least one lighting element can be deactivated automatically when a transition to the open position is initiated. In the closed position, the design openings can advantageously be illuminated by the at least one lighting element.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, closure elements arranged on the edge can each be pivotally mounted about a fixed outer pivot axis. As a result, the outer closure elements only lead one Pivoting movement around the corresponding outer pivot axis.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, pivot axes arranged between the central pivot axis and the corresponding outer pivot axes can carry out a superimposed movement. The superimposed movement of the pivot axes can correspond to an arc, for example. As a result, the corresponding closure elements between the middle closure elements and the outer closure elements carry out a superimposed movement, which is composed of the superimposed movement of the corresponding pivot axes and the pivot movement about these pivot axes.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, a drive can move the central pivot axis towards the vehicle interior when moving into the open position. Here, the closure elements arranged centrally in the housing are forcibly moved and pivoted away from each other by the movement of the edges coupled to the central pivot axis.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, the drive can move the central pivot axis in the direction of the air duct when moving into the closed position. Here, the closure elements arranged in the middle of the housing are forcibly moved and pivoted towards one another by the movement of the edges coupled to the central pivot axis.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, the closure elements can be positively moved by the movement of the central pivot axis. Here, the closure elements coupled to the two closure elements arranged centrally in the housing react to their pivoting movement and their translational movement. This means that the transitions between the open position and the closed position can only be carried out by actively moving the central pivot axis.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, the housing can be mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation running in the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, in the open position, an air flow emerging from the grille openings can be directed in the direction of the driver or in the direction of the front passenger by rotating the housing about the axis of rotation running in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outflow device according to the invention, the housing can be mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation running in a first housing direction. The first housing direction can correspond to a vehicle transverse direction in a rest position of the housing. As a result, in the open position, an air flow emerging from the grille openings can be directed towards the vehicle floor or towards the vehicle headliner by rotating the housing about the axis of rotation running in the first housing direction.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the air outlet device according to the invention, an elastic material can be arranged between at least one housing wall and an opposite channel wall or an opposite receiving edge, which delimits the air outlet opening. The elastic material can compensate for a distance between the housing wall and the opposite channel wall or the opposite receiving edge that is changed by the rotational movements of the housing and can cover a corresponding gap between the housing wall and the opposite channel wall or the opposite receiving edge.

The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without the scope of to abandon invention. Embodiments which are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge from the explained embodiments through separate combinations of features and can be generated are therefore also to be regarded as being included and disclosed by the invention.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Schnittdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Luftausströmvorrichtung in einer offenen Stellung;
• 2 eine schematische perspektivische Schnittdarstellung der Luftausströmvorrichtung aus 1 in einer geschlossenen Stellung;
• 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der Luftausströmvorrichtung aus 1 und 2 in der offenen Stellung;
• 4 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der Luftausströmvorrichtung aus 1 bis 3 in der geschlossenen Stellung;
• 5 eine schematische perspektivische Teilschnittdarstellung der Luftausströmvorrichtung aus 1 bis 4 in einer offenen und zur Fahrerseite gedrehten Stellung; und
• 6 eine schematische perspektivische Teilschnittdarstellung der Luftausströmvorrichtung aus 1 bis 5 in einer offenen und zum Fahrzeugboden gedrehten Stellung.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawing, the same reference numerals designate components or elements that perform the same or analogous functions. Here show:

• 1 a schematic perspective sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an air outflow device according to the invention in an open position;
• 2 a schematic perspective sectional view of the air outflow device 1 in a closed position;
• 3 a schematic sectional view of the air outflow device 1 and 2 in the open position;
• 4 a schematic sectional view of the air outflow device 1 until 3 in the closed position;
• 5 a schematic perspective partial sectional view of the air outflow device 1 until 4 in an open and turned to the driver's side position; and
• 6 a schematic perspective partial sectional view of the air outflow device 1 until 5 in an open position and turned towards the vehicle floor.

How out 1 until 6 As can be seen, an air outflow device 10 for a vehicle has a housing 12, which forms an air outlet opening 14, which is movably mounted between an open position and a closed position and coupled to one another by closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 is releasable. The closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 maximize in the in 1 , 3 , 5 and 6 shown open position an effective cross section of the air outlet opening 14. The closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 minimize in the in 2 and 4 shown closed position, the effective cross section of the air outlet opening 14. The air outflow device 10 is suitable for being arranged at an end region of an air duct 2.

Here, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 are designed to be wave-shaped and form a lattice structure 20. In the open position, wave crests 22.2 of a first closure element 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5 and oppositely arranged wave troughs 22.4 of an adjacent second closure element 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 enclose common grid openings 22. The wave troughs 22.4 of the first closure element 1 6.1, 16.2 , 16.3, 16.4, 16.5 are pivotally coupled to the wave crests 22.2 of the second closure element 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6. In the closed position, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 are arranged in pairs aligned with one another. Here, the closure element pairs each form a common closure surface 31, 32, 33, with common closure surfaces 31, 32, 33 of adjacent closure element pairs running obliquely to one another.

How out 1 and 2 It can also be seen that the air outflow device 10 according to the invention is arranged in an instrument panel 6 of the vehicle in the exemplary embodiment shown. The instrument panel 6 has a receptacle which is delimited by a receiving edge 8. In an in 1 and 2 In the illustrated neutral position of the housing 12, a first housing direction G1 runs in the vehicle transverse direction y, a second housing direction G2 runs in the vehicle vertical direction z and a third housing direction G3 runs in the vehicle longitudinal direction x. The air outlet opening 14 is arranged in a plane which is spanned by the first housing direction G1 and the second housing direction G2.

How out 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 It can also be seen that the housing 12 shown is smaller than the receptacle. In the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, an elastic material 19 is arranged between the housing walls 18 and the opposite receiving edge 8. Alternatively, the elastic material 19 can also be arranged between at least one housing wall 18 and an opposite channel wall 4 of the air duct 2. The elastic material can cover a gap between the housing walls 18 and the receiving edge 8 or a gap between the housing walls 18 and the channel wall. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, another suitable material can also be used instead of the elastic material 19.

How out 1 until 6 As can further be seen, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 in the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention run essentially horizontally along the first housing direction G1. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 can essentially also run in another suitable spatial direction, for example vertically along the second housing direction G2. The closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 are arranged one below the other along the second spatial direction G2 in the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 are pivotally mounted in the coupling areas between the wave crests 22.2 and wave troughs 22.4 about pivot axes 41, 42, 43, 44 running along the first housing direction G1 .

How out 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 As can also be seen, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 comprise wave-shaped closure surfaces. Therefore, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 have one Cross section with a periodic sequence of wave crests 22.2 and wave troughs 22.4. In the open position, the wave crests 22.2 are essentially open downwards in the second housing direction G2 and the wave troughs 22.4 are essentially opened upwards in the second housing direction G2. In the closed position, the wave crests 22.2 of middle closure elements 16.3, 16.4 are opened towards the rear in the third housing direction G3 and the wave troughs 22.4 of the middle closure elements 16.3, 16.4 are opened towards the front in the third housing direction G3. In the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 in the closed position and in the open position are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a central pivot axis 42 running in the first housing direction G1.

How out 2 and 4 It can also be seen that in the exemplary embodiment shown, the air outflow device 10 according to the invention has three closure surfaces 31, 32, 33 in the closed position, which are formed by six closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, the air outflow device 10 according to the invention can also have another odd number of closure surfaces 31, 32, 33 and a suitable even number of corresponding closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 .

How out 1 and 2 It can also be seen that the cross sections of the wave crests 22.2 of the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 in the illustrated embodiment are generated by trapezoidal shapes that are open at the bottom. The cross sections of the wave troughs 22.4 of the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 are created by trapezoidal shapes that are opened upwards. The trapezoidal cross sections create flat minima and flat maxima. The wave crests 22.2 and wave troughs 22.4 of adjacent closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 are coupled to one another at edges of the minima and maxima so that they can pivot about a corresponding axis of rotation 42, 44. In the in 1 In the open position shown, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 form a honeycomb-like lattice structure 20 with funnel-shaped lattice openings 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown, rows of first grid openings 22.6, which taper towards the vehicle interior, alternate with rows of second grid openings 22.8, which widen towards the vehicle interior. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6 can have a different suitable wave shape and thereby form a different grid structure 20 in the open position. In the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, each second closure element 16.2, 16.4, 16.6 is pivoted so that a wave crest 22.2 in the open position corresponds to a wave trough 22.4 in the closed position, and a wave trough 22.4 in the open position corresponds to a wave crest 22.2 in the closed position corresponds.

How out 1 , 3 , 5 and 6 As can also be seen, the outer closure elements 16.1, 16.6 arranged on the edge in the open position only enclose grid openings 22 common to an adjacent closure element 16.2, 16.5. Here, an upper wall of the housing 12 delimits a grid opening formed with an upper outer closure element 16.1 and a lower one Wall of the housing 12 delimits a grid opening formed with a lower outer closure element 16.6. The closure elements 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5 arranged between the outer closure elements 16.1, 16.6 enclose common grid openings 22 with an upper neighbor and a lower neighbor. Here, the wave crests 22.2 form upper walls of the common grid openings 22 with a lower neighbor . In addition, the wave crests 22.2 are pivotally coupled to the wave troughs 22.4 of an upper neighbor. The wave troughs 22.4 form lower walls of the common grid opening 22 with the upper neighbor. In addition, the wave troughs are pivotally coupled to the wave crests 22.2 of the lower neighbor.

How out 2 and 4 As can further be seen, the upper outer closure element 16.1 forms a first closure surface 31 with an adjacent closure element 16.2 arranged underneath. The two central closure elements 16.3, 16.4 form a second closure surface 32. The lower outer closure element 16.6 forms a third closure surface 33 with an adjacent closure element 16.5 arranged above it. The maxima of the wave crests 22.2 and the minima of the wave troughs 22.4 of the second closure surface 32 run parallel to the plane which is spanned by the air outlet opening 14. The two outer closure surfaces 31, 33 are inclined so that an edge of the closure surface 31, 33 arranged adjacent to the housing 12 points in the direction of the vehicle interior and an opposite edge in the direction of the air duct 2.

How out 2 and 4 can be further seen are those formed in the closed position Closure surfaces 31, 32, 33 are wave-shaped, the wave crests 22.2 of the second closure surface 32 being pivotally connected to the wave crests 22.2 of the adjacent first closure surface 31 and to the wave crests 22.2 of the adjacent third closure surface 33. Design openings 34 are formed between the wave troughs 22.4 of the closure surfaces 31, 32, 33.

How out 1 until 4 It can also be seen that at least one stop element 50, which is fixedly arranged on the housing 12, is in the closed position between two closure surfaces 31, 32; 32, 33 arranged and closes corresponding design openings 34, so that no air flow can flow through the design opening into the vehicle interior. In the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, two stop elements 50 extending in the first housing direction G1 are arranged on the housing 12. The stop elements 50 are arranged in the third housing direction G3 in the flow direction of the air flow in front of the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6. A stop element 50 closes the design openings 34 between the first closure surface 31 and the second closure surface 32. A further stop element 50 closes the design openings 34 between the second closure surface 32 and the third closure surface 33. The stop elements 50 each have two legs 51, 52, where the closure surfaces 31, 32, 33 each have one edge in sealing contact with a corresponding leg 51, 52 in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the angle between the two legs 51, 52 of the stop elements 50 corresponds to the angle between the corresponding closure surfaces 31, 32, 32. In the exemplary embodiment shown of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, a lighting element 54 is arranged on the stop elements 50, which extends over the entire length of the stop element 50 runs. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, only one stop element 50 can have at least one lighting element 54. Alternatively, none of the stop elements 50 may have a lighting element 54. The lighting element 54 is designed as a continuous light strip in the illustrated embodiment of the stop element 50. The light strip can have an optical waveguide with radial light exit and a light source. Alternatively, the light strip can be designed as a light tube in which several LED elements are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. Alternatively, individual lighting elements 54, such as LED elements, can be arranged on the stop element 50. Other suitable lighting elements 54 are also conceivable. In the illustrated embodiment of the stop elements 50, the lighting element 54 is arranged in the bend between the two legs 51, 52. Alternatively, the lighting element 54 can also be arranged on an underside of an upper leg 51 and/or on an upper side of a lower leg 52. In the illustrated embodiment of the stop elements 50, the two continuous lighting elements 54 are activated in the closed position and deactivated in the open position. As a result, the design openings 34 are illuminated and contribute to a subtle illumination of the vehicle interior or to a subtle illumination of the area in which the air outflow device 10 according to the invention is arranged. In addition, the effect of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention can be varied by changing the color and the luminosity of the light emitted by the lighting elements 54. In the open position, the grid openings 22 are not illuminated. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, not shown, of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, the lighting elements 54 can be deactivated in the closed position and activated in the open position or activated in the closed position and activated in the open position.

How out 1 until 4 As can further be seen, the two adjacent closure elements 16.3, 16.4, which are arranged centrally in the housing 12 and form a common closure surface 32, in the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention have the common central pivot axis 42, which is mounted movably translationally in the direction of the air duct 2. Here, the central pivot axis 42 is moved in the direction of the third housing direction G3. In the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, a drive moves the central pivot axis 42 towards the vehicle interior during a movement into the open position. Here, the closure elements 16.3, 16.4 arranged centrally in the housing 12 are forcibly moved by the movement of the edges of the corresponding wave crests 22.2 and wave troughs 22.4 coupled to the central pivot axis 42. Here, edges of the wave crests 22.2 and wave troughs 22.4 opposite the coupled edges are pivoted away from each other. When moving into the closed position, the drive moves the central pivot axis 42 in the direction of the air duct 2. Here, the closure elements 16.3, 16.4 arranged centrally in the housing 12 are forcibly moved by the movement of the edges of the corresponding wave crests 22.2 and troughs 22.4 coupled to the central pivot axis 42 . Here, the edges of the wave crests 22.2 and wave troughs 22.4 opposite the coupled edges pivoted towards each other. Due to the coupling between the closure elements 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, all closure elements are positively moved by the displacement of the central pivot axis 42.

How out 1 until 4 It can also be seen that in the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention, closure elements 16.1, 16.6 arranged on the edge are each pivotally mounted about a fixed outer pivot axis 41, 43. The pivot axes 44 arranged between the central pivot axis 41 and the corresponding outer pivot axis 42, 43 carry out a superimposed movement.

The outer closure elements 16.1, 16.6 carry out a pivoting movement about the corresponding fixed pivot axis 41, 43 during the transitions between the open position and the closed position. The middle closure elements 16.3, 16.4 carry out a superimposed movement, which is composed of the translational movement of the middle pivot axis 42 and the pivoting movement about the middle pivot axis 42. The closure elements 16.2, 16.5 arranged between the outer closure elements 16.1, 16.6 and the middle closure elements 16.3, 16.4 carry out a superimposed movement, which results from the movements of the pivot axes 44 running on the coupling areas between the wave troughs 22.4 and wave crests 22.2 and the pivot movements around them Pivot axes 44 are composed.

The drive can be activated by the occupant using a switch or another suitable control element, with the transition from the open position to the closed position or the transition from the closed position to the open position taking place without any further action by the occupant. By further actuating the switch, an opening movement or a closing movement can be stopped, so that the air outflow device 10 according to the invention can assume various intermediate positions (not shown).

How out 1 , 2 and 5 It can also be seen that the housing 12 in the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation 60 running in the vehicle vertical direction z. As a result, in the open position, an air flow emerging from the grille openings 22 can be directed in the direction of the driver or in the direction of the passenger by rotating the housing 12 about the first axis of rotation 60 running in the vertical direction of the vehicle. For this purpose, a first rotating device (not shown) with a corresponding drive can be used, via which the direction of rotation of the housing 12 can be specified.

How out 5 and 6 As can further be seen, the housing 12 in the illustrated embodiment of the air outflow device 10 according to the invention is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation 70 running in the first housing direction G1. As a result, in the open position, an air flow emerging from the grille openings 22 can be directed towards the vehicle floor or towards the vehicle headliner by rotating the housing 12 about the second axis of rotation 70 running in the first housing direction G1. For this purpose, a second rotating device (not shown) with a corresponding drive can be used, via which the direction of rotation of the housing 12 can be specified.

The two rotating devices enable intermediate positions to be set. In addition, possible orientations of the housing 12 can be combined with one another by the rotating devices. The air flow can be directed towards the driver or front passenger and at the same time towards the vehicle floor or headliner. The elastic material 19, which is arranged between the housing walls 18 and the opposite receiving edge 8, can compensate for a changed distance between the housing wall 18 and the opposite receiving edge 8 due to the rotational movements of the housing 12.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

2

Air duct

4

Canal wall

6

dashboard

8th

Recording edge

10

Air discharge device

12

Housing

14

Air outlet opening

16.1, 16.6

external closure element

16.3, 16.4

central closure element

16, 16.2 16.5

Closure element

18

housing wall

19

elastic material

20

Grid structure

22

Grid openings

22.2

Wave crests

22.4

Wave troughs

22.6

first grid opening

22.8

second grid opening

31, 32, 33

Closure surface

34

Design openings

42

central pivot axis

41, 43

external pivot axis

44

Pivot axis

50

stop element

51, 52

leg

54

Lighting element

60

first axis of rotation

70

second axis of rotation

G1

first housing direction

G2

second housing direction

G3

third housing direction

X

Vehicle longitudinal direction

Y

Vehicle transverse direction

Z

Vehicle elevation

Claims (14)

Air outflow device (10) for a vehicle, which is suitable for being arranged at an end region of an air duct (2), with a housing (12) which forms an air outlet opening (14) which is movably mounted between an open position and a closed position and closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) coupled to one another can be released, wherein the closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) in the open position have an effective cross section of the air outlet opening ( 14) maximize and, in the closed position, minimize the effective cross section of the air outlet opening (14), the closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) being wave-shaped and forming a grid structure (20), in which Open position wave crests (22.2) of a first closure element (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5) and oppositely arranged wave troughs (22.4) of an adjacent second closure element (16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) enclose common grid openings (22). , and the wave troughs (22.4) of the first closure element (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5) are pivotally coupled to the wave crests (22.2) of the second closure element (16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6), being in the closed position the closure elements (16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) are arranged in pairs aligned with one another, the closure element pairs each forming a common closure surface (31, 32, 33), with common closure surfaces (31, 32, 33) of adjacent closure element pairs run obliquely to one another, and two adjacent closure elements (16.3, 16.4) arranged centrally in the housing (12) and forming a common closure surface (32) have a common central pivot axis (42), which is translationally movable in the direction of the air duct (2) and is stored towards the vehicle interior. Air outflow device (10). Claim 1 , characterized in that in the closed position, design openings (34) are formed between the common closure surfaces (31, 32, 33) of adjacent pairs of closure elements. Air outflow device (10). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least one stop element (50) fixedly arranged on the housing (12) is arranged in the closed position between two common closure surfaces (31, 32, 33) of adjacent closure element pairs and closes corresponding design openings (34). Air outflow device (10). Claim 3 , characterized in that the at least one stop element (50) has two legs (51, 52), the common closure surfaces (31, 32, 33) of adjacent closure element pairs in the closed position each having an edge sealing on a corresponding leg (51 , 52). Air outflow device (10). Claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that at least one lighting element (54) is arranged on the at least one stop element (50). Air outflow device (10). Claim 5 , characterized in that the at least one lighting element (54) is activated in the closed position and deactivated in the open position. Air outflow device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that closure elements (16.1, 16.6) arranged on the edge are each pivotally mounted about a fixed outer pivot axis (41, 43). Air outflow device (10). Claim 7 , characterized in that between the central pivot axis (42) and the corresponding outer pivot axis (41, 43). arranged pivot axes (44) carry out a superimposed movement. Air outflow device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that a drive moves the central pivot axis (42) towards the vehicle interior when moving into the open position. Air outflow device (10). Claim 9 , characterized in that the drive moves the central pivot axis (42) towards the air duct (2) when moving into the closed position. Air outflow device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that closure elements (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6) are positively moved by the movement of the central pivot axis (42). Air outflow device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the housing (12) is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (60) running in the vertical direction (z) of the vehicle. Air outflow device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the housing (12) is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation (70) running in a first housing direction (G1). Air outflow device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 , characterized in that an elastic material (19) is arranged between at least one housing wall (18) and an opposite channel wall (4) or an opposite receiving edge (8).

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