AIR VENT FOR A VEHICLE

An air vent is disposed between an air circulation device and an interior space is described, and includes a housing defining a first chamber in fluidic communication with a second chamber, wherein the first chamber includes a fluidic inlet in fluidic communication with the air circulation device and the second chamber includes a fluidic outlet in fluidic communication with the interior space. A first airflow control vane is disposed in the first chamber to direct the airflow from the air circulation device in a first direction. A second airflow control vane is disposed in the second chamber to direct the airflow in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. A single operator-directed device is operatively coupled to the first airflow control vane and the second airflow control vane, and is disposed to independently adjust the positions of the first and second airflow control vanes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air vent for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Modern passenger vehicles include a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that allows a vehicle occupant to control the temperature or adjust other settings of a vehicle interior. For instance, a motor-driven fan or blower circulates conditioned air to the vehicle interior through air vents. Some vehicles are equipped with heated and/or cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and other features that collectively improve the overall drive experience. HVAC systems may include front and rear defrosters for improving visibility through the windshield and rear window, respectively. An occupant of the vehicle selects desired HVAC system settings using dials, knobs, push-buttons, and/or touch screens.

SUMMARY

An air vent disposed between an air circulation device and an interior space is described, wherein the air circulation device is capable of creating an airflow. The air vent includes a housing defining a first chamber in fluidic communication with a second chamber, wherein the first chamber includes a fluidic inlet in fluidic communication with the air circulation device and the second chamber includes a fluidic outlet in fluidic communication with the interior space. A first airflow control vane is disposed in the first chamber and configured to direct the airflow from the air circulation device in a first direction. A second airflow control vane is disposed in the second chamber and configured to direct the airflow in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. A single operator-directed device is operatively coupled to the first airflow control vane and the second airflow control vane. The single operator-directed device is disposed to independently adjust the positions of the first and second airflow control vanes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to the same or similar components throughout the several views, an example vehicle20, such as a motor vehicle, is shown inFIG. 1having an air vent22as set forth herein. The vehicle20includes a body24located with respect to a set of wheels26, with the body24defining an interior space28, i.e., a passenger compartment or cabin. The interior space28depicts respective first and second rows of seats30A,30B. The first row of seats30A may include respective driver-side and passenger-side seats as shown. Other seating configurations may be envisioned, including an embodiment of the interior space having only the first row of seats30A, or an embodiment of the interior space having an additional row of seats, neither of which is shown. One example of an embodiment of the air vent22is depicted in the figures. It should be appreciated that the air vent22is not limited to being used in a vehicle20, as the air vent22may be used with other structures or devices, such as, but not limited to, buildings, watercraft, aircraft, electronic devices, and the like. It is appreciated that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,”, “right,” “vertical,” and “horizontal” etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

A possible configuration and placement of the air vent22is shown inFIG. 2. The air vent22ofFIG. 1may be located within a center stack32of the interior space28, adjacent to a dashboard34. A center stack32is a control console located between the driver-side seat and the passenger-side seat, in the first row of seats30A extending from the dashboard34toward a floor48of the interior space28. Alternatively, the air vent22may be located elsewhere, including along the dashboard34, within a vehicle ceiling space (not shown), within one or more roof pillars, e.g., an A-pillar36, a B-pillar (not shown) between the front row of seats30A and the rear row of seats30B, and adjacent the rear row of seats30B, by way of non-limiting examples. For example, the rear row of seats30B may be divided into separate seating areas by an arm rest (not shown) or other structure, with the air vent22located within or adjacent to such structure.

The air vent22is in fluidic communication with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system38having an air circulation device40, for instance a motor-driven fan or blower, and a controller41. The HVAC system38receives HVAC control setting signal (arrow44) from the controller41in response to user-selected HVAC settings (arrow42) from controls41, such as buttons41A, knobs41B, and the like. In response to the received HVAC control setting signal (arrow44), the HVAC system38directs ambient, heated, or cooled airflow (arrows A) into the interior space28, for instance through a duct46and the air vent22. In embodiments in which the air vent22is used in proximity to the rear row of seats30B, the duct46may be extended beyond the front row of seats30A such that the duct46supplies the airflow as indicated by arrows A to the air vent22wherever the air vent22is situated within the interior space28. The airflow is directed by the air vent22into the vehicle interior space28in a desired direction, as indicated by arrow B.

FIG. 2schematically shows one configuration of the interior space28with the air vent22shown located within the center stack32and visible to the vehicle occupants. The air vent22may have an outlet opening54having a generally rectangular profile having a pair of opposed first sides60, extending along a length L, and a pair of opposed second sides62, extending along a height H, with the aspect ratio being the ratio of the length L to the height H. A high aspect ratio indicates that the length L is significantly greater than the height H. By way of a non-limiting example, a high aspect ratio may be an aspect ratio that is 5:1. However, it should be appreciated that an air vent having a smaller aspect ratio may also be employed, including, but not limited to an aspect ratio of 1:1. The first and second sides60,62cooperate to define the outlet opening54, through which air exits the air vent22. The air vent22may be disposed within the vehicle20to have a very elongated, narrow profile without sacrificing the ability to direct the flow of air (arrow B) in a desired direction within the interior space28of the vehicle20with a low pressure drop. The air vent22is located between a windshield18and a main display screen52, i.e., adjacent to or along a top edge50of a main display screen52, as viewed from the normal forward-looking driving perspective of an operator of the vehicle20. However, as noted above the air vent22may also be located elsewhere in the interior space28. For example, the air vent22may be located in location75as shown, which is forward of the passenger seat30A. Placement of the air vent22, regardless of the embodiment, may be in sufficiently close proximity to an occupant, whether a driver or a front/rear seat passenger of the vehicle20ofFIG. 1, such that the occupant can comfortably reach the air vent22from a seated position.

FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2show a partial cut-away top view and side view, respectively, of an embodiment of a high aspect ratio air vent310for an HVAC system that employs a single, unitary operator-directed device320for controlling positions of a first airflow control vane330and a plurality of second airflow control vanes340, wherein the operator-directed device320may be employed to adjust the position of the first airflow control vane330independently from adjusting the positions of the second airflow control vanes340. As employed herein, the term “vane” and related terms describe planar devices that are configured to deflect or otherwise control airflow. The first airflow control vane330directs the airflow supplied at fluidic inlet316in a direction that is orthogonal to the airflow directed by the second airflow control vanes340. In this embodiment, the operator-directed device320is a slider mechanism. The top view inFIG. 3-1is described in context of a lateral axis311and a longitudinal axis312, and the side view ofFIG. 3-2is described in context of the longitudinal axis312and an elevation axis313. The lateral axis311, longitudinal axis312and elevation axis313are nominal axes that may relate to corresponding axes in a vehicle, e.g., the vehicle20described with reference toFIG. 1.

The air vent310may be assembled into a unitary device for assembly into a passenger compartment of the vehicle20, and includes a housing315that is formed to include a first chamber331and a second chamber341. The second chamber341is in fluidic communication with the first chamber331, and airflow received at the fluidic inlet316to the air vent310passes through the second chamber341to the first chamber331and then to the fluidic outlet318into the passenger compartment. The second chamber341preferably has a rectangular cross-section. The first chamber331is substantially tubular-shaped with a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the lateral axis311, and includes a non-linear upper wall section372and a non-linear lower wall section374. The non-linear upper wall section372and non-linear lower wall section374are arc sections that are formed around the lateral axis311and are concentric with an axle332that is disposed in the first chamber331. A second open side portion373of the first chamber331fluidly couples to the second chamber341and a first, opposed open side portion371provides the fluidic outlet318from the first chamber331into the passenger compartment. The axle332is disposed on bearings located at lateral ends of the first chamber331and at suitable locations along the first chamber331. A first vane330has one side that attaches to the axle332and may be a flat, rectangularly-shaped element that is disposed to rotate with the axle332about the lateral axis311. A first gear element334couples to the axle332and rotates therewith.

The operator-directed slider mechanism320includes a sliding gear element338and a slider portion339that protrudes from the first open side portion371of the first chamber331into the passenger compartment. The slider mechanism320mounts onto a slider axle335that is oriented parallel with the axle332. The slider axle335is disposed onto an elevation arm336that couples to a longitudinal arm324, and the sliding gear element338meshingly engages the first gear element334to rotate in concert. As such, an upward rotation of the slider mechanism320causes a corresponding upward rotation of the first vane330, and a downward rotation of the slider mechanism320causes a corresponding downward rotation of the first vane330.

Various orientations of the slider mechanism320and corresponding first vane330are shown, including a neutral up/down slider orientation320D and corresponding neutral first vane position330D, a lower limit up/down slider orientation320E and corresponding lower limit first vane position330E, and an upper limit up/down slider orientation320F and corresponding upper limit first vane position330F. The orientations of the slider mechanism320and the corresponding first vane330direct airflow through the air vent310to the fluidic outlet318. As shown, one such airflow path317F is shown, indicating an upward airflow when the slider mechanism320is in the upper limit up/down slider orientation320F with the corresponding upper limit first vane position330F. Slot322is formed in the upper wall section372and runs parallel with the lateral axis311, and has a first, leftward end322B, a neutral position322A and a second, rightward end322C. A pin321protrudes from a bottom portion of the longitudinal arm324and runs in the slot322. The longitudinal arm324couples to a lateral arm344that is located adjacent to the second chamber341. The lateral arm344includes one or a plurality of slots348that are oriented along the lateral axis311and disposed around pins346protruding from the housing315of the air vent310. The lateral arm344includes a plurality of gear teeth345. Slot322is oriented parallel to the plurality of slots348.

The plurality of second airflow control vanes340may be rectangularly-shaped elements that are disposed in the second chamber341to rotate about an axis347that is preferably parallel with the elevation axis313. Each of the second airflow control vanes340couples to a laterally-oriented gear element342. Each of the second airflow control vanes340rotates about its corresponding axis347. Each of the gear elements342meshingly engage the teeth345of the lateral arm344in a rack-and-pinion configuration or another suitable configuration, providing a reverse mechanism so that the second airflow control vanes340direct airflow out of the air vent coincident with a direction of the slider mechanism320.

The operator-directed slider mechanism320is moveable along the lateral axis311, including a neutral orientation320A, a leftward orientation320B and a rightward orientation320C. When the slider mechanism320is at the neutral orientation320A, the teeth345of the lateral arm334interact with the gear elements342to rotate each of the second airflow control vanes340to a neutral position340A. When the slider mechanism320is at the leftward orientation320B, the teeth345of the lateral arm344interact with the gear elements342to rotate each of the second airflow control vanes340to a leftward position340B, thus directing airflow leftwardly through the air vent310. When the slider mechanism320is at the rightward orientation320C, the teeth345of the lateral arm344interact with the gear elements342to rotate each of the second airflow control vanes340to a rightward position340C, thus directing airflow rightwardly through the air vent310. As such, the unitary slider mechanism320can be employed to direct airflow out of the air vent310in both the lateral direction and in the elevation direction.

FIGS. 4-1 and 4-2show a partial cut-away top view and side view, respectively, of an embodiment of a high aspect ratio air vent410for an HVAC system that employs a single, unitary operator-directed device420for controlling positions of a first airflow control vane430and a plurality of second airflow control vanes440, wherein the operator-directed device420may be employed to adjust the position of the first airflow control vane430independently from adjusting the positions of the second airflow control vanes440. The first airflow control vane430directs the airflow in a direction that is orthogonal to the airflow directed by the second airflow control vanes440. In this embodiment, the operator-directed device420is a joystick. The top view inFIG. 4-1is described in context of a lateral axis411and a longitudinal axis412, and the side view ofFIG. 4-2is described in context of the longitudinal axis412and an elevation axis413. The lateral axis411, longitudinal axis412and elevation axis413are nominal axes that may relate to corresponding axes in a vehicle, e.g., the vehicle20described with reference toFIG. 1.

The air vent410may be assembled into a unitary device for assembly into a passenger compartment of the vehicle20, and includes a housing415that is formed to include a first chamber431and a second chamber441. The second chamber441is in fluidic communication with the first chamber431, and airflow received at a fluidic inlet416to the air vent410passes through the second chamber441to the first chamber431and then to the fluidic outlet418into the passenger compartment. The first chamber431is substantially tubular-shaped with a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the lateral axis411, and includes a non-linear upper wall section472and a non-linear lower wall section474. The non-linear upper wall section472and non-linear lower wall section474are arc sections that are formed around the lateral axis411and are concentric with an axle432that is disposed in the first chamber431. A second open side portion473of the first chamber431fluidly couples to the second chamber441and a first, opposed open side portion471provides a fluidic outlet418from the first chamber431into the passenger compartment. The axle432is disposed on bearings located at lateral ends of the first chamber431and at suitable locations along the first chamber431. A first vane430has one side that attaches to the axle432and may be a flat, rectangularly-shaped element that is disposed to rotate with the axle432about the lateral axis411. A first gear element434couples to the axle432and rotates therewith.

The operator-directed joystick device420includes an elevation pivot point437including a gear element portion438and an input device439that protrudes from the first open side portion471of the first chamber431into the passenger compartment. The joystick420mounts onto the elevation pivot point437including axle435that is oriented parallel with the axle432. The axle435is disposed onto an elevation arm436that couples to a longitudinal arm424, and the gear element portion438meshingly engages the first gear element434to rotate in concert. As such, an upward rotation of the joystick420causes a corresponding upward rotation of the first vane430, and a downward rotation of the joystick420causes a corresponding downward rotation of the first vane430. Various orientations of the joystick420and corresponding first vane430are shown, including a neutral up/down orientation420D and corresponding neutral first vane position430D, a lower limit up/down orientation420E and corresponding lower limit first vane position430E, and an upper limit up/down orientation420F and corresponding upper limit first vane position430F. The orientations of the joystick420and the corresponding first vane430direct airflow through the air vent410to the fluidic outlet418. As shown, one such airflow path417F is shown, indicating an upward airflow when the joystick420is in the upper limit up/down orientation420F with the corresponding upper limit first vane position430F.

An arced slot422is formed in the upper wall section472, and has a first, leftward end422B, a neutral position422A and a second, rightward end422C. The joystick includes a lateral pivot point421that is associated with the arced slot422. The longitudinal arm424runs in the arced slot422. The longitudinal arm424couples to a lateral arm444that is located adjacent to the second chamber441. The lateral arm444includes one or a plurality of slots448that are oriented along the lateral axis411and disposed around pins446protruding from the housing415of the air vent410. The lateral arm444includes a plurality of gear teeth445. The plurality of second airflow control vanes440may be rectangularly-shaped elements that are disposed in the second chamber441to rotate about an axis447that is preferably parallel with the elevation axis413. Each of the second airflow control vanes440couples to a laterally-oriented gear element442. Each of the second airflow control vanes440rotates about its corresponding axis447. Each of the gear elements442meshingly engage the teeth445of the lateral arm444in a rack-and-pinion configuration or another suitable configuration, providing a reverse mechanism so that the second airflow control vanes440direct airflow out of the air vent coincident with a direction of the joystick420.

The operator-directed joystick420rotates about the lateral pivot point421, and includes a neutral orientation420A, a leftward orientation420B and a rightward orientation420C. When the joystick420is at the neutral orientation420A, the teeth445of the lateral arm444interact with the gear elements442to rotate each of the second airflow control vanes440to a neutral position440A. When the joystick420is at the leftward orientation420B, the teeth445of the lateral arm444interact with the gear elements442to rotate each of the second airflow control vanes440to a leftward position440B, thus directing airflow leftwardly through the air vent410. When the joystick420is at the rightward orientation420C, the teeth445of the lateral arm444interact with the gear elements442to rotate each of the second airflow control vanes440to a rightward position440C, thus directing airflow rightwardly through the air vent410. As such, the unitary joystick420can be employed to direct airflow out of the air vent410in both the lateral direction and in the elevation direction.

FIG. 5shows a partial cut-away top view of an embodiment of a high aspect ratio air vent510for an HVAC system that employs a single, unitary operator-directed device520for controlling positions of a first airflow control vane530and a plurality of second airflow control vanes540, wherein the operator-directed device520may be employed to adjust the position of the first airflow control vane530independently from adjusting the positions of the second airflow control vanes540. The first airflow control vane530directs the airflow in a direction that is orthogonal to the airflow directed by the second airflow control vanes540. In this embodiment, the operator-directed device520is a joystick, and is analogous the joystick420described with reference toFIG. 4. The top view inFIG. 5is described in context of a lateral axis511and a longitudinal axis512, which are nominal axes that may relate to corresponding axes in a vehicle, e.g., the vehicle20described with reference toFIG. 1.

The air vent510may be assembled into a unitary device for assembly into a passenger compartment of the vehicle20, and includes a housing515that is formed to include a first chamber531and a second chamber541. The second chamber541is in fluidic communication with the first chamber331, and airflow received at a fluidic inlet516to the air vent510passes through the second chamber541to the first chamber531and then to the fluidic outlet518into the passenger compartment. The first chamber531is substantially tubular-shaped with a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the lateral axis511, and includes a non-linear upper wall section572and a non-linear lower wall section574. The non-linear upper wall section572and non-linear lower wall section574are arc sections that are formed around the lateral axis511and are concentric with an axle532that is disposed in the first chamber531. The axle532is disposed on bearings located at lateral ends of the first chamber531and at suitable locations along the first chamber531.

A first vane530has one side that attaches to the axle532and may be a flat, rectangularly-shaped element that is disposed to rotate with the axle532about the lateral axis511. The operator-directed joystick520includes an elevation pivot point (not shown) and an input device539that protrudes from the first chamber531into the passenger compartment. An upward rotation of the joystick520causes a corresponding upward rotation of the first vane530, and a downward rotation of the joystick520causes a corresponding downward rotation of the first vane530.

An arced slot522is formed in the upper wall section572, and has a first end522B, a neutral position (not shown) and a second end522C. The joystick includes a lateral pivot point521that is associated with the arced slot522. A longitudinal arm524runs in the arced slot522. A distal end of the longitudinal arm524includes a partial gear segment525that meshingly engages an intermediate gear527that meshingly engages a third gear528that couples to a lateral arm544via a pin537. The lateral arm544couples to each of the second airflow control vanes540, preferably via a control arm542. The plurality of second airflow control vanes540may be rectangularly-shaped elements that are disposed in the second chamber541to rotate about an axis547. The intermediate gear527, third gear528and lateral arm544provide a reverse mechanism so that the second airflow control vanes540direct airflow out of the air vent coincident with an orientation of the joystick520.

The operator-directed joystick520rotates about the lateral pivot point521, and includes a neutral orientation520A, a leftward orientation520B and a rightward orientation520C. When the joystick520is at the neutral orientation520A, the second airflow control vanes540are located at a neutral position540A. When the joystick520is at the leftward orientation520B, the second airflow control vanes540are located at a leftward position540B, thus directing airflow leftwardly through the air vent510. When the joystick520is at the rightward orientation520C, the second airflow control vanes540are located at a rightward position540C, thus directing airflow rightwardly through the air vent510. As such, the unitary joystick520can be employed to direct airflow out of the air vent510in both the lateral direction and in the elevation direction.

FIG. 6shows a partial cut-away top view of an embodiment of a high aspect ratio air vent610for an HVAC system that employs a single, unitary operator-directed device620for controlling positions of a first airflow control vane630and a plurality of second airflow control vanes640, wherein the operator-directed device620may be employed to adjust the position of the first airflow control vane630independently from adjusting the positions of the second airflow control vanes640. The first airflow control vane630directs the airflow in a direction that is orthogonal to the airflow directed by the second airflow control vanes640. In this embodiment, the operator-directed device620is a joystick, and is analogous the joystick420described with reference toFIG. 4. The top view inFIG. 6is described in context of a lateral axis611and a longitudinal axis612, which are nominal axes that may relate to corresponding axes in a vehicle, e.g., the vehicle20described with reference toFIG. 1.

The air vent610may be assembled into a unitary device for assembly into a passenger compartment of the vehicle20, and includes a housing615that is formed to include a first chamber631and a second chamber641. The second chamber641is in fluidic communication with the first chamber631, and airflow received at a fluidic inlet616to the air vent610passes through the second chamber641to the first chamber631and then to the fluidic outlet618into the passenger compartment. The first chamber631is substantially tubular-shaped with a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the lateral axis611, and includes a non-linear upper wall section672and a non-linear lower wall section674. The non-linear upper wall section672and non-linear lower wall section674are arc sections that are formed around the lateral axis611and are concentric with an axle632that is disposed in the first chamber631. The axle63is disposed on bearings located at lateral ends of the first chamber631and at suitable locations along the first chamber631. The first vane630has one side that attaches to the axle632and may be a flat, rectangularly-shaped element that is disposed to rotate with the axle632about the lateral axis611. The operator-directed joystick620includes an elevation pivot point (not shown) and an input device639that protrudes from the first chamber631into the passenger compartment. An upward rotation of the joystick620causes a corresponding upward rotation of the first vane630, and a downward rotation of the joystick620causes a corresponding downward rotation of the first vane630.

An arced slot622is formed in the upper wall section672, and has a first end622B, a neutral position622A and a second end622C. The joystick620includes a lateral pivot point621that is associated with the arced slot622. A longitudinal arm624includes runs in the arced slot622. A distal end of the longitudinal arm624pivotably couples to a second arm645that pivotably couples to a lateral arm644via a pin646. The lateral arm644couples to each of the second airflow control vanes640, preferably via a control arm642, thus providing a reverse mechanism so that the second airflow control vanes640direct airflow out of the air vent610coincident with an orientation of the joystick620. The plurality of second airflow control vanes640may be rectangularly-shaped elements that are disposed in the second chamber641to rotate about an axis647.

The operator-directed joystick device620rotates about the lateral pivot point621, and includes a neutral orientation620A, a leftward orientation620B and a rightward orientation620C. When the joystick device620is at the neutral orientation620A, the second airflow control vanes640are located at a neutral position640A. When the joystick620is at the leftward orientation620B, the second airflow control vanes640are located at a leftward position640B, thus directing airflow leftwardly through the air vent610. When the joystick620is at the rightward orientation620C, the second airflow control vanes640are located at a rightward position640C, thus directing airflow rightwardly through the air vent610. As such, the joystick device620can be employed to direct airflow out of the air vent610in both the lateral direction and in the elevation direction.

FIG. 7shows a partial cut-away isometric view of an embodiment of a high aspect ratio air vent710for an HVAC system that employs a single, unitary operator-directed device720for controlling positions of a first airflow control vane730and a plurality of second airflow control vanes740, a single one of which is shown. The operator-directed device720may be employed to adjust the position of the first airflow control vane730independently from adjusting the positions of the second airflow control vanes740. The first airflow control vane730directs the airflow in a direction that is orthogonal to the airflow directed by the second airflow control vanes740. In this embodiment, the operator-directed device720is a center pivot joystick.FIG. 7is described in context of a lateral axis711, a longitudinal axis712, and an elevation axis713, which are nominal axes that may relate to corresponding axes in a vehicle, e.g., the vehicle20described with reference toFIG. 1.

The operator-directed joystick device720includes an input device721, a vertical pin723and a horizontal pin724that couple at a pivot722. The input device721protrudes into the passenger compartment. The pivot722is a two-degree of freedom pivot device that includes an up-and-down movement and a left-right movement. The horizontal pin724interacts with a fork726that couples to the first airflow control vane730. The vertical pin723includes a lever arm728that couples via a link729to a lever arm732connected to a second vertical rotatable pin734that connects to the second airflow control vane740. An upward rotation of the input device721causes a corresponding upward rotation of the first vane730, and a downward rotation of the input device721causes a corresponding downward rotation of the first vane730. A leftward rotation of the input device721causes a corresponding leftward movement of the second airflow control vanes740, and rightward rotation of the input device721causes a corresponding rightward movement of the second airflow control vanes740.

FIG. 8schematically show a front view of an embodiment of a high aspect ratio air vent810for an HVAC system that employs a single, unitary operator-directed device820for controlling positions of a first airflow control vane830and a plurality of second airflow control vanes840. The first airflow control vane830is arranged horizontally as shown and the second airflow control vanes840are arranged vertically as shown, although the disclosure is not so limited. The operator-directed device820may be employed to adjust the position of the first airflow control vane830independently from adjusting the positions of the second airflow control vanes840. In this embodiment, the operator-directed device820includes a rotatable thumbwheel821that is capable of being translated upwardly or downwardly and also capable of being rotated. The thumbwheel821couples via suitable mechanical linkages826, telescoping shafts827, ball joints and fixed pivot points828,829to the first airflow control vane830, and further couples via suitable mechanical linkages, ball joints, telescoping shafts and fixed pivot points to a gear arrangement that couples to the second airflow control vanes840. The gear arrangement may include one of a first bevel gear824(FIGS. 9-1 through 9-5), a second bevel gear834(FIGS. 10-1 through 10-5), a rack and pinion gear844(FIGS. 11-1 through 11-3), or another suitable gear arrangement. The thumbwheel821protrudes into the passenger compartment. Upward or downward movement of the thumbwheel821raises or lowers the first airflow control vanes830, and clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the thumbwheel821rotates the second airflow control vanes840in a corresponding direction via the bevel gear arrangement824. Sections A-A and B-B are identified for reference to this view in each of the embodiments depicted with reference toFIGS. 9-11.

FIGS. 9-1 through 9-5schematically show one embodiment of the air vent810that employs the thumbwheel821for controlling positions of first airflow control vane830and a plurality of second airflow control vanes840employing the first bevel gear arrangement824to adjust the second airflow control vanes840.FIGS. 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3each show the side view A-A of the air vent810, including the airflow path825being straight-ward when the thumbwheel821is in a neutral elevation location (FIG. 9-1), the airflow path825being upward when the thumbwheel821is oriented upwardly (FIG. 9-2), and the airflow path825being downward when the thumbwheel821is oriented downwardly (FIG. 9-3).FIGS. 9-4 and 9-5each show the top view B-B of the air vent810including the airflow path825being straight-ward when the thumbwheel821is in a neutral rotation (FIG. 9-4), and the air vent810including the airflow path825being leftward when the thumbwheel821is rotated in a clockwise rotation (FIG. 9-5).

FIGS. 10-1 through 10-5schematically show another embodiment of the air vent810that employs the thumbwheel821for controlling positions of first airflow control vane830and a plurality of second airflow control vanes840employing the second bevel gear arrangement834to adjust the second airflow control vanes840. The thumbwheel821couples via a flexible drive shaft832to the first airflow control vanes830and the second airflow control vanes840. The flexible drive shaft832, also referred to as a Cardan shaft, includes mechanical linkages, universal joints and telescoping shafts.FIGS. 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3each show the side view A-A of the air vent810, including the airflow path825being straight-ward when the thumbwheel821is in a neutral elevation location (FIG. 10-1), the airflow path825being upward when the thumbwheel821is positioned upwardly (FIG. 10-2), and the airflow path825being downward when the thumbwheel821is oriented downwardly (FIG. 10-3).FIGS. 10-4 and 10-5each show the top view B-B of the air vent810including the airflow path825being straight-ward when the thumbwheel821is in a neutral rotation (FIG. 10-4), and the air vent810including the airflow path825being leftward when the thumbwheel821is rotated in a counter-clockwise rotation (FIG. 10-5).

FIGS. 11-1 through 11-3schematically show one embodiment of the air vent810that employs the thumbwheel821for controlling positions of first airflow control vane830and a plurality of second airflow control vanes840employing the rack and pinion gear arrangement844to adjust the second airflow control vanes840.FIG. 11-1shows the side view A-A of the air vent810, including the airflow path825being straight-ward when the thumbwheel821is in a neutral elevation location (FIG. 11-1).FIGS. 11-2 and 11-3each show the top view B-B of the air vent810including the airflow path825being straight-ward when the thumbwheel821is in a neutral rotation (FIG. 11-2), and the air vent810including the airflow path825being leftward when the thumbwheel821is rotated in a counter-clockwise rotation (FIG. 11-3). In each of the embodiments, the first airflow control vane directs the airflow from the vent in a direction that is orthogonal to the airflow directed by the second airflow control vanes. Furthermore, either or both the first airflow control vane and the second airflow control vanes is capable of completely blocking airflow from the vent.

While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.