DRIVE UNIT FOR ACTUATING A PLURALITY OF FUNCTIONS OF AN AIR VENT SYSTEM OF AN AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, AND AIR VENT SYSTEM WITH A DRIVE UNIT OF THIS TYPE

A drive unit (1) for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system or of an air distribution system, having an electric motor drive (3) with a drive shaft which can be driven in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction, and a switching mechanism with at least one first and one second output shaft (5), via which functions of the air vent system can be actuated, the switching mechanism being configured, during a drive of the drive shaft in the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft only to the first output shaft (5), and, during a drive of the drive shaft in the second rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft only to the second output shaft (5).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a drive unit as claimed in the preamble of independent patent claim1.

Accordingly, the invention relates, in particular, to a drive unit for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system, the drive unit having an electric motor drive with a drive shaft which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction.

Moreover, the invention relates to a drive unit for individually setting an air flow quantity which passes an air duct of a multiplicity of air ducts of an air distribution system per unit time. The air distribution system is positioned, for example, between an air conditioning system and a multiplicity of air vents.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an air vent system which is, in particular, part of a ventilation system for a vehicle, the air vent system having at least one air vent and a drive unit for actuating as required different functions of the at least one air vent.

BACKGROUND

In the case of the ventilation apparatuses for vehicles, air vents or air outlet nozzles are generally used which make targeted control of the exiting air jet possible. Air vents of this type serve to feed, in particular, fresh air into a vehicle interior compartment.

Here, the air flow flows via an inlet opening of the air vent into an air duct which is delimited at least in regions by way of the housing wall of the air vent, through said air duct and finally through the outlet opening of the air vent into the interior compartment of a vehicle (for example, a passenger car or truck). The air quantity which flows into the interior compartment of the vehicle via the air vent per unit time can as a rule be controlled via an actuating member which is provided adjustably in the air duct of the air vent and is configured, for example, as a throttle flap or closure flap.

Furthermore, the air vents which are considered in this document are as a rule provided with air guiding elements which direct the air flow or regulate the air flow and can be manipulated accordingly, in order to bring about a targeted deflection of the air flow which is output by the air vent, for example, in a vertical and/or horizontal direction.

Actuating members of this type (fan flaps, closure flaps, throttle flaps and/or air guiding elements which direct the air flow or regulate the air flow) are usually set individually by hand. Here, not only is a distribution of the air flow which enters into the interior compartment of the vehicle, for example, to the footwell, to the medium height in the motor vehicle or for defrosting onto the windshield possible; rather, actuating members of this type can often also be adjusted, in order for it to be possible for the proportion of air which flows in freshly or the air which is cooled by way of a cooling unit and/or the recirculated air quantity to be changed for temperature regulation.

Accordingly, a multiplicity of different functions can as a rule be set individually in the case of an air vent.

Secondly, a trend is to be seen in air vent technology to the extent that air vents are increasingly to be actuated not only manually, but rather additionally or exclusively by motor. For this purpose, it is generally known that, in order to manipulate the individual actuating members or the actuating member of an air vent, the actuating member or the actuating members is/are assigned a motorized, in particular electric motor, drive which is coupled or can be coupled mechanically to the corresponding actuating member of the air vent in such a way that the actuating member which is assigned to the drive can be adjusted relative to the housing of the air vent by way of actuation of the motorized drive.

It is not uncommon in this context that, to this end, drive units of the type mentioned at the outset which are known from the prior art as a rule have corresponding electric motor drives (electric motors) which are configured in each case for adjusting a correspondingly associated actuating member in the air vent. In particular, in each case one electric motor drive is provided for each type of movement of the air guiding elements to be manipulated (for example, rotational movement or longitudinal displacement via the transmission elements).

Therefore, a multiplicity of electric motor drives are usually likewise provided in the case of air vent systems which have a multiplicity of setting and adjusting options. This has a negative effect both on the costs and on the required installation space.

Said problems exist in the case of a multiplicity of applications of air vent systems. Thus, for example, air vents for motor vehicles often have at least three electric motor drives for adjusting vertical louvers, horizontal louvers and a closing flap, which electric motor drives carry out the movement of the vertical louvers, the horizontal louvers and the closure flap. If the air vent system comprises two air vents with corresponding vertical louvers, horizontal louvers and closure flaps, there are at least six different functions which can be driven/actuated as required in each case by an electric motor drive.

The costs for air vents or air vent systems of this type are relatively high on account of the number of electric motor drives. Furthermore, the air vents which often also have a gear mechanism require additional installation space for receiving the electric motor drives.

In addition, the electric motor drives have a certain weight, with the result that the weight for an air vent or an air vent system increases considerably in the case of a multiplicity of electric motor drives.

With regard to a weight reduction, a cost saving and the small available installation space, it would therefore be advantageous to carry out the functions, for example, of one air vent or, for example, a plurality of air vents which are combined to form an air vent system by way of a reduced number of electric motor drives.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present invention to specify a drive unit for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent or of an air vent system, which drive unit has an electric motor drive which can actuate/drive a plurality of functions of the air vent or of the air vent system.

Furthermore, a corresponding air vent system is to be specified, in the case of which various functions of the air vent system can be actuated by an electric motor, it being possible for the weight of the air vent system to be reduced, and, furthermore, it being possible for the costs for manufacturing an air vent system of this type to be reduced, an amount of installation space which is necessary for the installation of the air vent system being kept as small as possible at the same time.

With regard to the drive unit, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by way of the subject matter of independent patent claims1,5,6,16,23and26, advantageous developments of the drive unit according to the invention being specified in the corresponding subclaims.

With regard to the air vent system, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by way of the subject matter of further independent patent claim27.

Accordingly, the invention relates, in particular, to a drive unit for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system, it being possible for said functions to be actuated temporally after one another, but independently of one another. In this context, in particular, the adjusting or pivoting of horizontal louvers, vertical louvers and/or a ventilation flap of the air vent system are to be understood as functions of an air vent system. It goes without saying, however, that further (other) functions fundamentally also come into consideration.

The drive unit according to the invention has an (and preferably precisely one) electric motor drive with a drive shaft which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in an opposite, second rotational direction.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is provided according to the invention, in particular, that the drive unit has a switching mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive, with at least one first and one second output shaft. Said switching mechanism is preferably of purely mechanical construction.

Corresponding functions of an air vent system can be actuated in each case via the first and at least one second output shaft of the switching mechanism, such as the adjusting of air guiding elements which bring about a vertical air deflection, and the adjusting of air guiding elements which bring about a horizontal air deflection.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the switching mechanism is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft only, and in particular exclusively only, to the first output shaft of the switching mechanism, in order for it to be possible in this way for that function of the air vent system which is assigned to the first output shaft to be actuated.

The switching mechanism of the drive unit according to the invention in accordance with said aspect is configured, furthermore, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the second rotational direction, that is to say in the rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive only, and in particular exclusively only, to the second output shaft of the switching mechanism, in order for it to be possible in this way for a second function of the air vent system to be actuated.

Accordingly, it is proposed that two functions of the air vent system can be actuated independently of one another (but temporally shifted with respect to one another) by way of a single electric motor drive, in a manner which is dependent on its rotational direction.

In order for it to be possible for a functional separation of this type which is dependent on the rotational direction of the electric motor drive to be achieved, various, in particular mechanical implementations are worth considering for the switching mechanism.

It is thus provided, for example, in accordance with one embodiment of the drive unit according to the invention that the switching mechanism has a first freewheel which is assigned to the first output shaft of the switching mechanism and a further, second freewheel which is assigned to the second output shaft of the switching mechanism, the first freewheel being configured to transmit a torque from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to the first output shaft of the switching mechanism only when the electric motor drive is rotating in its first rotating direction, and the second freewheel being configured to transmit a torque from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to the second output shaft of the switching mechanism only when the electric motor drive is rotating in its second rotational direction.

As an alternative or in addition to this, however, it is also conceivable that the switching mechanism has a mechanical actuating element, in particular in the form of a brake, which is assigned to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive and is designed, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, to move and, in particular, to pivot the drive shaft or a first clutch plate which is connected to the drive shaft relative to the first output shaft of the switching mechanism or relative to a second clutch plate which is connected to the first output shaft of the switching mechanism in the direction of the first output shaft of the switching mechanism in such a way that the drive shaft of the electric motor drive couples to the first output shaft.

In addition to this, the mechanical actuating element of the switching mechanism of the drive unit should be configured, in particular, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the second rotational direction, that is to say in the rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction, to move, in particular to pivot, the drive shaft of the electric motor drive or a first clutch plate which is connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive relative to the second output shaft of the switching mechanism or relative to a third clutch plate which is connected to the second output shaft of the switching mechanism in the direction of the second output shaft of the switching mechanism in such a way that the drive shaft of the electric motor drive couples to the second output shaft of the switching mechanism.

In order for it to be possible for the coupling as required of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to the first or second output shaft of the switching mechanism to be brought about, various embodiments are worth considering.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the drive shaft of the electric motor drive is assigned a first clutch plate, to which the drive shaft of the electric motor drive is connected, for example via a toothing connection or via a frictionally locking connection. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the first clutch plate which is connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive can be connected in each case via a toothing connection or via a frictionally locking connection or a combination thereof to the second or third clutch plate, in order thus to couple the drive shaft of the electric motor drive either to the first or to the second output shaft of the switching mechanism, in a manner which is dependent on the rotational direction of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive.

In accordance with a further (second) aspect of the present invention, said invention relates to a drive unit for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system, the drive unit having an electric motor drive with a drive shaft which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to said first rotational direction. In the case of said aspect of the present invention, it is provided, in particular, that the drive unit has a switching mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft with at least one first and one second output shaft, via which in each case one function of the air vent system can be actuated.

For example, it is conceivable that the first output shaft of the switching mechanism is configured to manipulate a first group of air guiding elements which direct the air flow or regulate the air flow, whereas the second output shaft of the switching mechanism serves to manipulate as required a second group of air guiding elements which direct the air flow or regulate the air flow.

In the case of the further aspect of the present invention, the switching mechanism is configured, in particular, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, to couple one of the two output shafts of the switching mechanism to an input shaft of the switching mechanism, and optionally to decouple the other output shaft of the switching mechanism from the input shaft of the switching mechanism.

Here, the input shaft of the switching mechanism can be connected either directly or via a gear mechanism to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in such a way that torques can be transmitted from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to the input shaft of the switching mechanism. As an alternative to this, it goes without saying, however, that it is also conceivable if the input shaft of the switching mechanism is identical to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive or is configured as an extension of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive.

In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the switching mechanism is configured, furthermore, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft in the rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction (and therefore in the case of a drive of the input shaft of the switching mechanism in the second rotational direction), to transmit a torque from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive via the input shaft of the switching mechanism to the output shaft of the switching mechanism, which output shaft was (previously) coupled to the input shaft.

It is to be noted at this point that, in addition to or instead of output shafts, output gears which are configured, in particular, in the form of pin wheels can be provided, via which output gears in each case one function of the air vent system can be actuated. Here, the distribution gear mechanism is configured to selectively transmit a torque from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to one of the at least three output gears of the distribution gear mechanism.

In one possible realization of the switching mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive, said switching mechanism is configured as a distribution gear mechanism, as will be described in greater detail in the following text in conjunction with a further aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with said further (third) aspect of the present invention, said invention relates to a drive unit for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system, the drive unit having an electric motor drive with a drive shaft which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second drive direction which is opposed thereto.

In the case of the third aspect of the present invention, the drive unit has a distribution gear mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive, with a first, a second and at least one third output shaft. In each case one function of the air vent system can be actuated via said output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism, such as the adjusting of first actuating members which guide the air flow or regulate the air flow, the adjusting of second actuating members which guide the air flow or regulate the air flow and the adjusting of a throttle and/or closure flap of an air vent of the air vent system.

The distribution gear mechanism which has the drive unit in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention is configured, in particular, to selectively transmit a torque from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to one of the at least three output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism and, in particular, to precisely one of the at least three output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism.

In one preferred realization of the drive unit in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, the distribution gear mechanism is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, to couple one (and, in particular, precisely one) of the at least three output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive or to an input shaft of the distribution gear mechanism, which input shaft is coupled to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive, and optionally to decouple the other output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive or an input shaft of the distribution gear mechanism, which input shaft is coupled to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive.

In addition to this, in the case of said embodiment, the distribution gear mechanism should preferably be configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the second rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive either directly or via the input shaft of the distribution gear mechanism to, and preferably exclusively only to, that output shaft of the distribution gear mechanism which is coupled to the input shaft or to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive.

In order for it to be possible for said functionality of the distribution gear mechanism to be realized, it is provided in accordance with embodiments of the drive unit according to the invention in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention that the distribution gear mechanism has a corresponding control mechanism.

Said control mechanism can be connected via a first freewheel to the input shaft of the distribution gear mechanism or the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in such a way that, exclusively only in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, a torque is transmitted from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to the control mechanism.

Furthermore, the distribution gear mechanism can have a distribution mechanism which is coupled via a second freewheel either to the input shaft of the distribution gear mechanism or to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in such a way that, exclusively only in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the second rotational direction, a torque is transmitted from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive to the distribution mechanism.

It is preferred here if the distribution mechanism has a distribution axle with a distribution gear for each output shaft of the distribution gear mechanism, that is to say for each of the at least three output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism, to which distribution gear only, and, in particular, exclusively only in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the second rotational direction, a torque is transmitted in each case from the drive shaft of the electric motor drive.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it is advantageous, furthermore, if the distribution gear mechanism has a suitable coupling mechanism for each distribution gear, via which coupling mechanism the corresponding distribution gear of the distribution mechanism can be coupled as required to the correspondingly associated output shaft of the at least three output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism.

It is conceivable in this context, in particular, that the coupling mechanism is configured to couple as required the corresponding distribution gear of the distribution mechanism to the associated output shaft of the at least three output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism via a frictional toothing system, a frictionally locking connection and/or via a positively locking connection (or a combination thereof).

In one embodiment of the control mechanism, which embodiment is particularly easy to realize but nevertheless functions reliably, said control mechanism has a control element which, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, can be actuated, in order to selectively couple a distribution gear of the distribution mechanism to the correspondingly associated output shaft of the at least three output shafts of the distribution gear mechanism.

In accordance with embodiments, the control element can be configured in the form of at least one cam plate, in the form of at least one cam disk, in the form of at least one slotted guide and/or in the form of at least one eccentric. It goes without saying, however, that other identically acting control elements are also fundamentally worth considering for this purpose.

The control element should be configured, in particular, in the case of a drive of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, to be turned relative to the distribution gears of the distribution mechanism about a rotational axis, and to couple the distribution gears of the distribution mechanism to the correspondingly associated output shaft of the distribution gear mechanism in a manner which is dependent on a rotational angle.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the control element can be actuated selectively in such a way as to couple precisely one distribution gear to the correspondingly associated output shaft or the correspondingly associated output gear of the distribution gear mechanism, or so as to couple a plurality of distribution gears to the correspondingly associated output shafts or the correspondingly associated output gears of the distribution gear mechanism, or so as to decouple all the distribution gears from the correspondingly associated output shafts or the correspondingly associated output gears of the distribution gear mechanism.

In accordance with one superordinate aspect of the present invention, the drive unit has at least one sensor, in particular position sensor, in order to directly or indirectly detect a switching state of the drive unit and the switching mechanism and/or the distribution gear mechanism, and/or in order to directly or indirectly detect a function of the air vent system, which function is actuated by the drive unit, such as a position or a location of at least one air guiding element which directs the air flow or regulates the air flow and which can be actuated as required via the drive unit.

In accordance with a further (fourth) aspect of the present invention, a drive unit is provided for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system or of an air distribution system, in particular for individually setting an air flow quantity which passes an air duct of a multiplicity of air ducts of the air distribution system per unit time, the drive unit having a first electric motor drive with a first drive shaft and a second electric motor drive with a second drive shaft which can be driven as required in each case in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction. The drive unit has a distribution gear mechanism which is assigned to the first drive shaft of the first electric motor drive and the second drive shaft of the second electric motor drive, with a first, a second and at least one third output shaft or with a first, a second and with at least one third output gear, in particular in the form of a pin wheel, via which in each case one function of the air vent system can be actuated, the distribution gear mechanism being configured to transmit torque from the first drive shaft of the first electric motor drive to one of the at least three output shafts or to one of the at least three output gears of the distribution gear mechanism selectively by means of a distribution mechanism, and to couple one of the at least three output shafts or one of the at least three output gears to the distribution mechanism by means of a control mechanism which is assigned to the second drive shaft of the second electric motor drive, and optionally to decouple the other output shafts or output gears from the distribution mechanism.

According to said further aspect, the distribution mechanism has a distribution axle with a distribution gear for each output shaft or for each output gear of the distribution gear mechanism, to which distribution gear a torque is transmitted from the first drive shaft of the first electric motor drive selectively in a first or second rotational direction.

The distribution gear mechanism has a coupling mechanism for each distribution gear, via which coupling mechanism the corresponding distribution gear can be coupled as required to the associated output shaft or to the associated output gear of the distribution gear mechanism.

Here, the coupling mechanism is preferably configured to couple the corresponding distribution gear as required to the associated output shaft or to the associated output gear of the distribution gear mechanism via a frictional toothing connection, a frictionally locking connection, a positively locking connection or a combination thereof.

The control mechanism has a control element, in particular in the form of at least one cam plate, at least one cam disk, at least one slotted guide and/or at least one eccentric, which control element, in the case of a drive of the second drive shaft of the second electric motor drive, can be actuated, in order to selectively couple the distribution gear to the correspondingly associated output shaft or to the correspondingly associated output gear of the distribution gear mechanism.

In this context, the control element is configured, in particular, in the case of a drive of the second electric motor drive, to be rotated relative to the distribution axles or distribution gears about a rotational angle, and to couple the distribution axles or the distribution gears to the correspondingly associated output shaft or to the correspondingly associated output gear of the distribution gear mechanism in a manner which is dependent on a rotational angle.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the control element can be actuated selectively in such a way as to couple precisely one distribution gear to the correspondingly associated output shaft or the correspondingly associated output gear of the distribution gear mechanism, or so as to couple a plurality of distribution gears to the correspondingly associated output shafts or the correspondingly associated output gears of the distribution gear mechanism, or so as to decouple all the distribution gears from the correspondingly associated output shafts or the correspondingly associated output gears of the distribution gear mechanism.

In accordance with a further (fifth) aspect, a drive unit is provided for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system or of an air distribution system, in particular for individually setting an air flow quantity which passes an air duct of a plurality of air ducts of the air distribution system per unit time, the drive unit having an electric motor drive with a drive shaft which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction. The drive unit has a distribution gear mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive, with a first, a second and at least one third output shaft or with a first, a second and with at least one third output gear, in particular in the form of a pin wheel, via which in each case one function of the air vent system can be actuated, the distribution gear mechanism having a drive gear which can be coupled or can be decoupled to/from one or more output shafts or one or more output gears, the distribution gear mechanism being assigned a coupling mechanism, via which, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft in the first rotational direction, one or more distribution gears which is/are assigned to the output shafts or output gears is coupled or decoupled to/from the drive gear, and a torque being transmitted from the drive shaft via the drive gear to one or more coupled output shafts or output gears, and, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft in the second rotational direction, a switchover being carried out in each case between coupling and driving.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a drive unit is provided for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system or of an air distribution system, in particular for individually setting an air flow quantity which passes an air duct of a multiplicity of air ducts of the air distribution system per unit time, the drive unit having an electric motor drive with a drive shaft which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction. The drive unit has a distribution gear mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft of the electric motor drive, with a first, a second and at least one third output shaft or with a first, a second and with at least one third output gear, in particular in the form of a pin wheel, via which in each case one function of the air vent system can be actuated, the distribution gear mechanism having a drive gear which can be coupled or can be decoupled to/from one or more output shafts or one or more output gears, a pin or sliding block being guided in a slotted guide curve in such a way that the pin or sliding block, in the case of a drive with changing rotational directions, first of all drives a cam disk via drivers and couples or decouples one or more of the output shafts or output gears to/from the drive gear, and afterward drives the coupled output shaft or output shafts or output gear or output gears by means of the drive gear.

In particular, a/the pin or sliding block is guided in a/the slotted guide curve on a first and a second radius, the pin or sliding block, being guided, in the case of the drive in the first rotational direction, first of all on the first radius and in the process driving a/the cam disk as far as a position, in which the one or plurality of output shafts or output gears to be coupled is/are coupled to the drive gear, the pin or sliding block being guided, in the case of a subsequent drive in the second rotational direction, via the slotted guide curve to the second radius, the pin or sliding block driving the drive gear, in the case of a subsequent renewed drive in the first rotational direction, in a manner which is guided on the second radius until the one or more coupled output shaft or output shafts or output gear or output gears has/have reached a desired position, the pin or sliding block being guided on the second radius, in the case of a subsequent renewed drive in the second rotational direction, until the pin or sliding block changes back to the first radius.

In accordance with a further (sixth) aspect, a drive unit is provided for actuating a plurality of functions of an air vent system or of an air distribution system, in particular for individually setting an air flow quantity which passes an air duct of a multiplicity of air ducts of the air distribution system per unit time, the drive unit having an electric motor drive with a drive shaft which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction. The drive unit has a switching mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft, with at least one first output shaft and one second output shaft, via which in each case one function of the air vent system can be actuated, the switching mechanism being configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft in the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft only to the first output shaft, and, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft in the second rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft to the first output shaft and to the second output shaft.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an air vent system with at least one air vent and a drive unit of the abovementioned types for actuating different functions of the at least one air vent as required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the air vent system100according to the invention. The air vent system100has two air vents101which are arranged next to one another, and a drive unit1which is common with regard to the two air vents101of the air vent system100and is configured to actuate different functions of the two air vents101of the air vent system100as required.

As shown inFIG. 1, each air vent101of the air vent system100can have a housing with an air inlet region and an air outlet region which lies opposite, a housing wall of the housing delimiting, at least in regions, an air duct for air which flows from the air inlet region to the air outlet region along a main flow direction.

Various air guiding elements which direct the air flow and regulate the air flow are provided as louver assemblies in the air duct of each air vent101. Here, the air guiding elements which are arranged further upstream (as viewed in the main flow direction) in the air duct of each air vent101in the case of the embodiment which is shown diagrammatically inFIG. 1serve to deflect an air flow which flows through the air vent101as required in a first direction, whereas the air guiding elements which are provided further downstream serve to deflect the air flow which flows through the air vent101as required in a second direction which runs perpendicularly with respect to the first direction.

Although it is not shown inFIG. 1, it is fundamentally also conceivable, however, if each air vent101is also given additional functions. For example, each air vent101can be provided with a separate throttle and/or closure flap, in order to regulate as required the air quantity which flows through the air duct of the air vent101per unit time, or in order to block the air duct of the air vent101completely as required, or in order to extend a decorative flap in front of the air vent as required, in order thus to conceal the air vent when the latter is not being used.

Therefore, each air vent101of the air vent system100which is shown diagrammatically inFIG. 1has at least two functions which can correspondingly be actuated independently of one another. The total number of functions which can be actuated independently of one another of the overall air vent system100therefore adds up to at least four functions.

In order for it to be possible for said multiplicity of functions of the air vent system100to be actuated independently of one another and in order for it to be possible for the corresponding actuating members which bring about said functions to be driven, the air vent system100has a drive unit1which, in the case of the exemplary embodiment which is shown inFIG. 1, is arranged in an intermediate space between the two adjacently arranged air vents101.

Exemplary embodiments of the drive unit1which is used in the case of the air vent system100in accordance withFIG. 1for actuating the different functions of the two air vents101of the air vent system100as required will be described in greater detail in the following text with reference to the illustrations inFIGS. 2 to 6.

It is to be noted at this point that the construction and the method of operation of the drive unit1cannot be seen or at least cannot be seen completely on the basis of the illustration inFIG. 1, since, inFIG. 1, the drive unit1is provided with a corresponding housing2, in which at least some components of the drive unit1are received.

In contrast,FIG. 2shows a diagrammatic, partially sectioned and isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of a drive unit1which is suitable, in particular, for use in the case of an air vent system100in accordance withFIG. 1, in order to actuate different functions of the air vents101of the air vent system100as required.

In contrast to the illustration inFIG. 1,FIG. 2shows the drive unit1without a corresponding housing2, with the result that further details of the drive unit1can be seen, at least in a structural regard.

FIG. 3diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned, isometric detailed view of one exemplary embodiment of a drive unit1for an air vent system100, as shown diagrammatically inFIG. 1, for example. The construction and the method of operation of the drive unit1which is shown in a partially sectioned detailed view inFIG. 3correspond in substantial points to the structure and the method of operation of the drive unit1in accordance withFIG. 2, with the result that the two exemplary embodiments of the drive unit1will be described in greater detail in the following text.

In detail, the drive unit1in accordance with exemplary embodiments which are shown in diagrammatic illustrations inFIG. 2andFIG. 3has a (single) electric motor drive3in the form of an electric motor with a drive shaft4which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction.

As can be gathered, in particular, from the detailed view inFIG. 3, the drive unit1has, furthermore, a switching mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3, said switching mechanism having a multiplicity of (here, precisely four) output gears21.

In the partially sectioned view in accordance withFIG. 3, only a first output gear21of the total of four output gears can be seen clearly on account of the partially sectioned illustration, a second output gear being concealed by a distribution gear12, and the two last output gears not being shown on account of the sectional illustration.

In each case one function of the air vent system100can be actuated via each output gear21of the switching mechanism. Said function is, for example, adjusting as required of air guiding elements in one of the total of two air vents101of the air vent system100which are provided for the vertical or horizontal deflection of air.

As can be gathered, for example, from the view inFIG. 2and inFIG. 4, it is conceivable to this end that each output gear21of the switching mechanism has a pin7, the center point of which lies outside the shaft axis of the output gear21.

By way of an eccentric which is formed in this way, a rotary (rotational) movement of the output gear21of the switching mechanism can be converted into a translational (longitudinal) movement, it being possible for said translational movement to be transmitted by means of at least one coupling rod17to the actuating members to be manipulated of the corresponding air vent101, in order to adjust or to manipulate the actuating members as required.

It goes without saying, however, that other embodiments are also conceivable, by way of which a rotational movement of the corresponding output gear21of the switching mechanism can optionally be converted, in order to bring about the corresponding function in the air vent101or air vent system100.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention, as shown diagrammatically, for example, inFIG. 2or inFIG. 3, the switching mechanism is configured, in particular, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in a first rotational direction, to couple one (and, in particular, precisely one) of the total of four output gears21of the switching mechanism to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3or to couple it to an input shaft8of the switching mechanism.

Here, said input shaft8of the switching mechanism can either be configured as an extension of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3, or the input shaft8of the switching mechanism can be connected, for example, via a gear mechanism to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3.

Furthermore, the switching mechanism is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the first rotational direction, to optionally decouple the other output gears21of the switching mechanism from the input shaft8of the switching mechanism or the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3.

Secondly, the switching mechanism which is used in the case of the drive unit1which is shown diagrammatically, for example, inFIG. 2or inFIG. 3is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3(optionally via the input shaft8of the switching mechanism) to (and, in particular, exclusively only to) that output gear21of the switching mechanism which is coupled to the input shaft8of the switching mechanism or to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3.

In order to achieve said functionality, in the case of the drive unit1which is shown diagrammatically, for example, inFIG. 2or inFIG. 3, the switching mechanism is configured as a distribution gear mechanism which is assigned the first, second, third and fourth output gear21. As has already been stated, in each case one function of the air vent system100can be actuated via the respective output gear21of the switching mechanism which is configured as a distribution gear mechanism.

The distribution gear mechanism is configured specifically to selectively transmit a torque from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3to precisely one output gear of the total of four output gears21of the distribution gear mechanism.

To this end, the distribution gear mechanism is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4in the first rotational direction, to couple one output gear of the total of four output gears21to the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism or directly to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive, and to decouple the other output gears21of the distribution gear mechanism from the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism or from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive.

In the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction, in contrast, a torque is transmitted from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3(optionally via the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism) to that output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism which is coupled to the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism or to that output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism which is coupled to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3.

It is provided here that the distribution gear mechanism has a control mechanism which is connected via a first freewheel9to the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism or to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in such a way that, only (and, in particular, exclusively only) in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in the first rotational direction, a torque is transmitted from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive to the control mechanism.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention, as shown diagrammatically inFIG. 2and inFIG. 3, the distribution gear mechanism has a distribution mechanism which is connected via a second freewheel10to the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism or to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in such a way that, only (and, in particular exclusively only) in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the second rotational direction (that is to say, in the opposed rotational direction to the first rotational direction), a torque is transmitted from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3to the distribution mechanism.

As can be gathered, in particular, from the partially sectioned detailed view inFIG. 3, the distribution mechanism of the drive unit1has a correspondingly associated distribution axle11for each of the (here, a total of four) output gears21of the distribution gear mechanism, via which distribution axle11a distribution gear12is mounted rotatably. It is provided here that, only (and, in particular, exclusively only) in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the second rotational direction, a rotational movement is transmitted in each case from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3or the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism to the individual distribution gears12.

Furthermore, it is provided in the case of the exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention that (as can be gathered, in particular, from the partially sectioned view inFIG. 3) the distribution gear mechanism has a corresponding coupling mechanism18for each distribution gear12, via which coupling mechanism18the corresponding distribution gear12can be coupled as required to the associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism.

In the case of the embodiment which is shown inFIG. 3, the coupling mechanism18, via which a distribution gear12can be coupled as required to the associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism, is configured to couple the corresponding distribution gear12to the associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism as required via a frictionally locking toothing system.

As an alternative or in addition to this, however, it is also conceivable that the coupling mechanism18is configured to couple the corresponding distribution gear12to the associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism as required via a frictionally locking connection or a positively locking connection or a combination thereof.

In this context, reference is to be made to the illustration inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, on the basis of which it can be seen that a coupling mechanism18is used here, in the case of which the corresponding distribution gear12is coupled to the associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism as required via a positively locking connection. For this purpose, via a contour of at least one control element13, an actuating plate or tension plate22can couple or decouple a corresponding switching collar19, and therefore also a corresponding distribution gear12, counter to a force of a compression spring20to/from the corresponding output gear21via toothing systems, in particular frictionally locking toothing systems (or frictional pairing), which are situated on the two elements, the switching collar19and the output gear21. As an alternative to this, however, it would also be possible that the toothing system (or frictional pairing) of the distribution gears12are brought out of engagement, as shown, for example, inFIG. 8, 15 or 16.

In the case of the embodiment which is shown, in particular, inFIG. 3, the control mechanism of the distribution gear mechanism has at least one control element13(and, here, precisely two control elements13which interact with one another), which control mechanism is connected via the first freewheel9to the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism or the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in such a way that, only in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the first rotational direction, a torque is transmitted from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3to the control mechanism.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment in accordance withFIG. 3, said control element13is configured in the form of cam plates (upper and lower cam plates).

In the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the first rotational direction, the at least one control element13which can also be configured as a cam disk or slotted guide, however, can be actuated, in order to selectively couple a corresponding distribution gear12to the correspondingly associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism.

Here, in detail, the control element13(for example, the cam plate arrangement consisting of upper and lower cam plates) is configured, in the case of a drive3of the electric motor drive3in the first rotational direction, to be rotated relative to the distribution axles11or distribution gears12about a rotational axis, and to couple the distribution gears12to the correspondingly associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism in a manner which is dependent on a rotational angle.

In the case of the embodiment which is shown, for example, inFIG. 3, the distribution mechanism of the distribution gear mechanism has a first gearwheel14which is connected via the second freewheel10to the input shaft8of the distribution gear mechanism or the drive3of the electric motor drive in such a way that, only in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in the second rotational direction, said first gearwheel14rotates correspondingly and drives a second gearwheel15correspondingly.

The second gearwheel is in turn connected to a bevel gear16, in order to transmit a torque of the first gearwheel14to the bevel gear16. Via a bevel toothing system, the bevel gear16drives the individual distribution gears12of the distribution axles11, which distribution gears12are likewise configured as bevel gears, for example.

As shown inFIG. 3, the coupling mechanism18, via which the corresponding distribution axles11or distribution gears12which can be configured, for example, in each case as a bevel gear can be coupled as required to the associated output gear21, can have a corresponding switching collar19per distribution shaft11or distribution gear12, pins of the switching collar19plugging into guides of the distributed gear12.

Said pins can have a frictionally locking toothing system which, in the case of pressing by way of the compression spring20, transmit the rotation of the distribution gear12which is configured, in particular, as a bevel gear to the correspondingly associated output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism.

To this end, a corresponding pin wheel can be provided on the corresponding output gear21of the distribution gear mechanism, as indicated inFIG. 3.

In detail, it is provided in the case of the embodiment which is shown inFIG. 3that the compression spring20presses the corresponding switching collar19with the frictionally locking toothing system into a frictionally locking toothing system of the pin wheel21via the actuating plate or tension plate22.

Here, that control element13of the control mechanism which is configured as an upper and lower cam plate in the case of the embodiment which is shown inFIG. 3is configured in such a way that the cam plates withdraw the switching collars19via lugs on the actuating plate22when the cam plates rotate further, in order to enable another function.

It is to be noted at this point that the present invention is not restricted to the specific construction of the drive unit1, as shown inFIG. 3. Rather, spur gears can also be used instead of bevel gears; the cam drive is then to be adapted accordingly. Reference is made in this context to the illustration inFIG. 4.

It is also conceivable that the cam drive acts in a pressing manner against a withdrawing spring20, or a normal positively locking connection (pin in cutout) or a frictionally locking connection transmits the rotation.

In the case of a pin-in-cutout solution, as shown inFIG. 11, for example, the pin drives only in one position by way of only one pin in only one cutout. Since the pin does not run backward, the position of the pin wheel21can be extrapolated from the pin position.

If the distribution gears12have a suitable transmission ratio with respect to the bevel gear16, it can then be determined by way of a position sensor on the bevel gear16, into which position the function which is currently coupled is being moved, without it being necessary for a sensor to be attached to each pin wheel21or further elements of the respective function.

In the following text, a further exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention will be described with reference to the illustration inFIGS. 5 and 6.

The drive unit1which is shown inFIGS. 5 and 6serves to actuate two independent functions of an air vent system100, it being possible for this to directly mean functions of the air vent101, such as drive of the horizontal louvers and drive of the vertical louvers, or else the drive of a switching function which corresponds to the above description.

The drive unit1has an electric motor drive3with a drive shaft4which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to said first rotational direction. It is provided here that the drive unit1has a switching mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft4, with a first and a second output shaft5, via which in each case one function of the air vent system100can be actuated.

The switching mechanism is configured, in particular, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4in the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft4only to the first output shaft5, and, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4in the second rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft4only to the second output shaft5.

The switching mechanism of the drive unit1in accordance withFIG. 5andFIG. 6is distinguished by the fact that it is constructed without corresponding freewheels. Rather, a mechanical actuating element32, in particular in the form of a brake, is used which is assigned to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3and is designed, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4in the first rotational direction, to move, in particular to pivot, the drive shaft4or a first clutch plate33which is connected to the drive shaft4in the direction of the first output shaft5relative to the first output shaft5or to a second clutch plate34which is connected to the first output shaft5, in such a way that the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3couples with the first output shaft5.

Furthermore, the mechanical actuating element32which is configured, in particular, in the form of a brake, is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in the second rotational direction, to move, in particular to pivot, the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive or a first clutch plate33which is connected to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in the direction of the second output shaft5relative to the second output shaft5or to a clutch plate35which is connected to the second output shaft5, in such a way that the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive couples with the second output shaft5.

As shown, the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive can be connected via a toothing system to the first clutch plate33. Furthermore, it is preferred if the first clutch plate33can be connected in each case via a toothing system (or as an alternative via a frictionally locking connection) to the second or third clutch plate34,35, in order to couple the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive to the first or second output shaft5in a manner which is dependent on the rotational direction of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive.

In detail, it is provided in the case of the embodiment which is shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6that the electric motor drive3generates a corresponding torque in the case of the rotation of the drive shaft4. Here, the electric motor drive3is supported on a housing (not shown inFIG. 5orFIG. 6), in which the rotational axles30,31of the second and third clutch plate34,35are also mounted.

The mechanical actuating element32which is configured as a brake in the case of the embodiment which is shown removes a torque from the rotational axle of the first clutch plate33which is connected to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3, and forwards said torque into a pivoting arm36. As a consequence, the pivoting arm36rotates with the actuating element32(brake) and the first clutch plate33until the first clutch plate33couples either with the second or the third clutch plate34,35or bears against the first or second clutch plate34,35, and therefore the torque of the actuating element32is supported.

FIG. 7shows one development of the air vent system100which is shown diagrammatically inFIG. 1. The development of the air vent100is distinguished, in particular, by the fact that the drive unit1does not merely have a single distribution gear mechanism, as has been described above, for example, with reference to the illustration inFIG. 3, but rather has a plurality of (in particular, two) distribution gear mechanisms which are arranged behind one another and via which yet further functions of the air vent system100can be actuated as required. An example for further functions of this type would be the adjusting of at least one throttle or closing flap or the adjusting of at least one decorative flap, a decorative flap concealing the at least one vent opening of the air vent101in the case of non-use of the air vent101.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments which are shown in the drawings, but rather results from a combination of all features disclosed herein.

In this context, it is conceivable, in particular, that at least one sensor37, in particular a position sensor, is provided for the direct or indirect detection of a switching state of the distribution gear mechanism and/or a function of the air vent system100, which function is actuated by the drive unit1. The at least one sensor37is configured, in particular, such that it detects the position of the control element13(cam plate, cam disk).

In this context, reference is made, for example, to the illustration inFIG. 5. In the case of said exemplary embodiment, position sensors37are provided which detect the actually actuated position on the output side. In the case of said embodiment, this can be detected on the drive3itself only with relatively great errors/inaccuracies on the drive side on account of the play in the case of the change of the rotational direction of the electric motor drive3. A blockage or manual adjusting can also be detected by way of the position sensors37which are provided on the output side.

Furthermore, it is conceivable to use the mechanism in accordance withFIG. 5instead of the two freewheels9,10which are used in the case of the mechanism which is shown inFIG. 3.

In the following text, a third exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the illustration inFIG. 8.

The third exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention corresponds in principle in a structural and functional regard to the second exemplary embodiment which is shown inFIG. 3.

In detail, the drive unit1in accordance with the diagrammatic illustration inFIG. 8has an electric motor drive3in the form of an electric motor with a drive shaft4which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction.

Furthermore, the drive unit1has a switching mechanism which is assigned to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3, said switching mechanism, in contrast to the second exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention in accordance withFIG. 3, not having any output gears, but rather levers23with pins7. On account of the partially sectioned illustration inFIG. 8, only two levers23with pins7can be seen, the two other levers with pins not being shown on account of the sectional illustration.

In each case one function, for example, of an air vent system100can be actuated via each lever23of the switching mechanism, said function being, in particular, adjusting as required of air guiding elements which are provided for vertical or horizontal air deflection, or closing flaps. It is provided here, in particular, that the pin7which belongs to the lever23is arranged eccentrically with respect to the shaft axis of the lever23. A rotational (rotary) movement of the lever23of the switching mechanism can be converted into a translational (longitudinal) movement by way of an eccentric which is formed in this way, it being possible for said translational movement to be transmitted via a coupling rod17(not shown inFIG. 8) to the actuating members to be manipulated of the corresponding air vent101.

As also in the case of the second exemplary embodiment (shown inFIG. 3) of the drive unit1according to the invention, it is provided in the case of the third exemplary embodiment which is shown inFIG. 8that the switching mechanism is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in a first rotational direction, to couple one (and, in particular, precisely one) of the total of four levers23of the switching mechanism to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3.

Furthermore, the switching mechanism is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the first rotational direction, to optionally decouple the other levers23of the switching mechanism from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3.

Secondly, the switching mechanism which is used in the case of the drive unit1which is shown diagrammatically inFIG. 8is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque or a rotational movement from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3to, and, in particular, exclusively only to, that lever23of the switching mechanism which is coupled to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3.

In order to achieve said functionality, in the case of the drive unit1which is shown inFIG. 8, the switching mechanism is configured as a distribution gear mechanism which is assigned the first, second, third and fourth lever23. In detail, the distribution gear mechanism is configured to selectively transmit a torque or a rotational movement from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive to precisely one lever23of the total of four levers23of the distribution gear mechanism.

For this purpose, the distribution gear mechanism has a control mechanism which is connected via a first freewheel9to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in such a way that, only (and, in particular, exclusively only) in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the first rotational direction, a torque or a rotational movement is transmitted from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3to the control mechanism.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention in accordance withFIG. 8, furthermore, the distribution mechanism has a second freewheel10which is connected to the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive in such a way that, only (and, in particular, exclusively only) in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the second rotational direction (that is to say, in the rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction), a torque is transmitted from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3to the distribution mechanism.

In detail, the distribution mechanism of the drive unit1has a correspondingly associated distribution shaft11for each of the total of four levers23of the distribution gear mechanism. It is provided here that, only in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3in the second rotational direction, a rotational movement is transmitted in each case from the drive shaft4of the electric motor drive3to the individual levers23.

The third exemplary embodiment (shown diagrammatically inFIG. 8) of the drive unit1according to the invention differs, in particular, from the second exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1in accordance withFIG. 2andFIG. 3in that, in the case of the third exemplary embodiment in accordance withFIG. 8, the corresponding lever23is permanently coupled rotationally to the associated bevel gear12and, instead, the bevel gears12are coupled or decoupled to/from the bevel gear16as required.

In detail, in the case of the embodiment which is shown inFIG. 8, the coupling mechanism18, via which a distribution gear12can be coupled as required to the bevel gear16of the distribution gear mechanism, is configured as a bevel gear with an integrated switching collar. Here, the bevel gear is displaced to and fro in the radial direction in relation to the drive shaft4via a tensioning member24, a corresponding compression spring20and a control element13(upper and lower cam disk). In the case of said embodiment, the coupling and decoupling between the bevel gear12and the large bevel gear16takes place by a bevel toothing system being pushed into one another or apart from one another.

Instead of an involute toothing system of this type, fine frictionally locking toothing systems or a normal frictionally locking connection are possible on the bevel gears.

The third exemplary embodiment (shown diagrammatically inFIG. 8) of the drive unit according to the invention also differs from the second exemplary embodiment which is shown inFIG. 3, in particular, in that, in the case of the third exemplary embodiment, the switching mechanism is received in a housing25, a sensor37being arranged on the housing25. In detail, the sensor37is configured as an angle sensor which is arranged on the outside of the housing25, in order to detect the position of the four pins7of the levers23. In particular, it is conceivable that the sensors37are configured as corresponding potentiometers.

FIG. 9diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned, isometric view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a drive unit1according to the present invention. In the case of said design variant, the drive unit1serves to drive two functions.

Although not shown inFIG. 9, the drive unit1is assigned an electric motor drive, via which a corresponding drive shaft4can be driven. Moreover, the drive unit1has a switching mechanism with a first and a second freewheel9,10. In a manner which is dependent on the rotational direction of the drive shaft4, a torque is transmitted via a bevel gear16to a distribution gear12which is assigned to a first lever23with pins7or a second lever23with pins7.

Furthermore, it can be gathered from the illustration inFIG. 9that, in the case of said design variant, a total of two potentiometers are provided as position sensors37, in order to detect the position of the output shafts of the levers23.

FIG. 10diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned, isometric view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention.

In the case of said embodiment, the drive unit serves for six or eight functions. To this end, an almost structurally identical drive unit, for example in accordance with the illustration inFIG. 8, is placed on top a second time.

It is provided here that the lower bevel gear28drives the upper distribution gears via a double-sided large bevel gear29which lies inbetween. The two upper cam disks (control element13) are connected to one another through the bearing bore of the double-sided large bevel gear, and are therefore driven by the lower cam disks.

As shown inFIG. 10, the switching bulge of the upper cam disk is offset with respect to the other lower cam disk by 45°, with the result that the upper plane can be switched independently of the lower one.

On account of the partially sectioned illustration inFIG. 10, the output gears or levers23which point toward the front are not shown, and the levers23which point toward the rear are concealed by the housing25of the drive unit1.

FIG. 11diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned, isometric view of a region of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the present invention.

In detail,FIG. 11shows one variant of the embodiment or the principle shown inFIG. 3, by way of which the switching collar19can be connected as required to the associated output gear21. It is provided here that the driving between the switching collar19and the output gear21takes place (instead of via friction or toothing system) via a bearing face26on the circumference of the output gear21and a driver27on the switching collar19.

In the case of an easily convertible transmission ratio (for example, 2:1 or 1:1), the position of all distribution or bevel gears12can be calculated by way of a single position sensor on the bevel gear16. If the bevel gears12rotate by at least one complete revolution, the bearing face26on the coupled output gear21bears securely against a driver27, and the position of the output gear21and therefore the position of the actuating member which is driven by way of it (not shown inFIG. 11) are therefore also known.

It is a precondition that it is known which output gear21is currently coupled, which can be realized, for example, with the aid of a position sensor which detects the position of the cam disk (control element13).

In addition, it is advantageous to configure the side which lies opposite the bearing face26of the web on the output gear21as a ramp, in order that the spring-actuated switching collar19can slide via said ramp into the depression in a noiseless manner.

FIG. 12diagrammatically shows an isometric view of the coupling mechanism of a drive unit1in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The drive unit1in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment is suitable, in particular, to switch or to drive a plurality of (for example, four) functions by way of one and the same electric motor drive. The coupling mechanism is not based on freewheels (first and second freewheels9,10) or related systems which separate the rotational directions, however, but rather a pin38is sent by cardioids or latching cams39by way of the two rotational directions of the electric motor drive3which is not shown explicitly inFIG. 12, with the result that, in the case of running up, a position is always selected first of all, and afterward either said function is operated or running up/switching is carried out again.

If the desire is to operate the same function which has already been set, running up/switching would be carried out three times and driving would be carried out only after the fourth run-up in the case of a four-function coupling mechanism.

In detail, it is provided in the case of the coupling mechanism in accordance withFIG. 12that the pin38pivots toward the outside from the current position and in the process follows the cardioid39. In the case of the run-up counter to the clockwise direction, the pin38runs on the inside past the left-hand driver and in the process, following the track, pivots somewhat toward the outside, where it comes into contact with the front driver after a 90° rotational angle and drives the latter with the eccentric cam40by 90°. The rotational direction is then reversed (in the clockwise direction). A step in the track of the cardioid29ensures that the pin38runs toward the outside via an inner contour of the bevel gear16which is configured as a gearwheel. Said contour is designed in such a way that the gearwheel (bevel gear16) is not driven in said pulling direction (in the clockwise direction). If the rotational direction is reversed again here, the pin38presses into the toothing system of the bevel gear and drives the latter if this is desired at said time. Otherwise, it runs further in the clockwise direction (without a rotational direction reversal) and jumps back again into the inner track at the starting point at the next opportunity.

This can be repeated until the flattened point on the eccentric cam40brings the correct small bevel gear into engagement with the large bevel gear, and then, as described above, the pin38drives the large bevel gear counter to the clockwise direction before returning to the starting point.

Here, there are a second bevel gear and (concealed) a second mechanism at the top, such as the above-described mechanism, which drive both the two eccentric cams40and also, as required, the upper bevel gear, merely in the respectively reversed direction. This is possible because the pin38can rotate idly from the starting point on the inner track as far as 270°.

FIG. 13Adiagrammatically shows an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention for driving four functions (actuating or throttle or closing flaps102). As shown, the drive unit1comprises a total of four levers23which are connected via coupling rods to corresponding actuating or throttle flaps102.

FIG. 13Bdiagrammatically shows an isometric, partially sectioned view of the exemplary embodiment of the drive unit1according to the invention in accordance withFIG. 13Ain the installed state, in which the throttle or closing flaps102which can be actuated independently of one another with the aid of the drive unit1are arranged in an air duct system104between an air conditioning system (not shown inFIG. 13B) and a multiplicity of air vents (likewise not shown inFIG. 13B).

FIGS. 14A and 14Bdiagrammatically show an isometric view of the coupling mechanism (shown inFIG. 12) of a drive unit1in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention from different observation directions, some of the elements of the coupling mechanism having been omitted inFIG. 14Bfor improved visibility. It is to be noted fundamentally that the eccentric cam40which has already been mentioned inFIG. 12can also generally be called a cam disk and can correspond to the control element13which is described in the preceding embodiments. Furthermore, it can be said that, when the pin38which can also be a sliding block38drives the driver, the pin38is guided on a first radius, and, when the pin38presses into the toothing system of the bevel gear16, the pin38is guided on a second radius. The pin39can change its position between said radii depending on the rotational direction, as described above. The gearwheel or bevel gear16which is mentioned in relation toFIG. 12can fundamentally be called a drive gear16and is not restricted to an embodiment as a bevel gear, but rather can also assume other forms.

In addition to the pin38which is sent through cardioids, latching cams or slotted guide curves39, a lever element41which drives said pin38is also shown here. Said lever element41can be driven in the two rotational directions by the electric motor drive3which is not shown explicitly inFIGS. 14A and 14B. An end of the lever element41, which end lies remote from the drive axle4of the electric motor drive3, is coupled to the pin38by means of a flexible or elastic connecting element42. The flexible or elastic connecting element42is configured, in particular, from an elastically deformable metal, preferably from a spring steel. Via the coupling of the pin38and the lever element41by means of the flexible or elastic connecting element42, it being possible for the pin38to move or to be moved relative to the lever element42, the jumping back (described in relation toFIG. 12) of the pin38into the inner track at the starting point is considerably simplified, with the result that no external force or additional mechanism has to be provided for the movement of the pin into the inner track at the starting point.

FIG. 15diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned side view of an eighth embodiment of the drive unit according to the invention which is, in particular, a development of the embodiment or the principle fromFIG. 8. Here, the actuating principle of the switching mechanism is reversed: the cam disks (control elements13) press the distribution gears or bevel gears12toward the outside for decoupling from the large bevel gear16, and springs20press the distribution gears or bevel gears12inward for coupling purposes. This has the advantage that jamming of the system or the drive unit is avoided if tooth and gap do not find one another in the case of a positive, form-guided coupling of the toothing system fromFIG. 8, to be precise by virtue of the fact that a spring presses the toothing systems into one another and maintains said pressure until, in the case of a subsequent drive of the bevel gear16, the toothing systems of the bevel gear16and the distribution gears or bevel gears12engage into one another.

FIG. 16diagrammatically shows an isometric view of a restoring mechanism of a drive unit1in accordance with an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of said embodiment, on their end face which faces the control element13of the control mechanism, the distribution gears12have an additional toothing system50which, in a state of the distribution gears12in which they are arranged on the distribution axle11, surrounds the distribution axle11at least in regions. Said toothing system50is configured to pass into engagement as required with a corresponding toothing system51which is configured on the control element13of the control mechanism. In the case of an actuation of the control element13, it is therefore possible for an output gear21which has previously been moved via the distribution mechanism to be returned automatically again into a starting position. As a result, an adjusted air guiding element in one of the air vents101of the air vent system100is returned automatically into the starting position. In the case of actuation of the control element13, the restoring mechanism operates in such a way that the toothing system51which is configured on the control element13passes into temporary engagement with the toothing systems50of a corresponding distribution gear12during the adjustment of the control element13.

FIG. 17diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned, isometric view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of a drive unit1according to the present invention.

The embodiment which is shown inFIG. 17has an at least substantially identical distribution gear mechanism with a distribution mechanism and a control mechanism, as has been described in the preceding embodiments. In contrast to the preceding embodiments, the drive mechanism1in accordance with said embodiment does not have any freewheels or related systems at all, but rather is distinguished by the fact that there are two electric motor drives3.1,3.2.

Since many of the elements of the drive unit1in accordance with said embodiment are identical or similar to the elements of the drive units of the preceding embodiments, elements of this type are labeled by way of the same designations.

Accordingly, the drive unit1has a first electric motor drive3.1in the form of an electric motor with a first drive shaft4.1which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction. Furthermore, the drive unit1has a second electric motor drive3.2in the form of an electric motor with a second drive shaft4.2which can likewise be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction.

In accordance with the preceding embodiments, the drive unit1has a switching mechanism which has a multiplicity of (here, precisely four) output gears (in accordance with the output gears21of the preceding embodiments) or levers23with pins7. On account of the partially sectioned illustration, only three of the total of four output gears or levers23can be gathered from the view which is shown inFIG. 17. In accordance with the preceding embodiments, in each case one function of the air vent system100can be actuated via each output gear or each lever23of the switching mechanism.

The switching mechanism of the drive unit1which is shown inFIG. 17is configured as a distribution gear mechanism which is assigned the first, second, third and fourth output gear or lever23. As described at the outset, the distribution gear mechanism has a control mechanism and a distribution mechanism.

In contrast to the preceding embodiments, however, said mechanisms are not connected via freewheels or related systems to a drive shaft of an electric motor drive, but rather each of said mechanisms is connected via one of the first and second drive shafts4.1,4.2to a corresponding electric motor drive of the first and second electric motor drive3.1,3.2. Here, the first drive shaft4.1of the first electric motor drive3.1is connected to the distribution mechanism in such a way that a torque can be transmitted in the first or the second rotational direction from the first drive shaft4.1of the first electric motor drive3.1to the distribution mechanism. Furthermore, the second drive shaft4.2of the second electric motor drive3.2is connected to the control mechanism in such a way that a torque can be transmitted in the first or the second rotational direction from the second drive shaft4.2of the second electric motor drive3.2to the control mechanism.

The first drive shaft4.1of the first electric motor drive3.1is connected to the gearwheel (bevel gear16) in such a way that a torque of a first or second rotational direction can be transmitted to the bevel gear16. It is to be mentioned in this context that the first drive shaft4.1can be connected either directly or via a first input shaft8.1of the distribution gear mechanism to the bevel gear16. In a case of this type, the first input shaft8.1is assigned to the distribution mechanism. The bevel gear16drives the individual distribution gears12of the distribution axles11via a bevel toothing system. It is therefore possible for a torque to be transmitted both in the first rotational direction and in the second rotational direction from the first drive shaft4.1of the first electric motor drive3.1via the bevel gear16to the individual distribution gears12, depending on which one of the distribution gears12is coupled to a corresponding associated output gear or lever23or a correspondingly associated output shaft so as to transmit said torque to the corresponding output gear or lever23or the corresponding output shaft and therefore to adjust or to manipulate the actuating members of at least one air vent101of the air vent system100.

In accordance with the preceding embodiments, the control mechanism of the distribution gear mechanism has at least one control element13which can be configured in the form of cam plates or else as a cam disk or slotted guide. In the case of a drive of the second drive shaft4.2of the second electric motor drive3.2, the at least one control element13can be actuated in order to selectively couple the corresponding distribution gear12to the correspondingly associated output gear or lever23of the distribution gear mechanism. For this purpose, a coupling mechanism18can be provided, as described in the preceding embodiments. It is likewise to be mentioned that the second drive shaft4.2can be connected either directly or via a second input shaft8.2of the distribution gear mechanism to the control element13. In the case of this type, the second input shaft8.2is assigned to the control mechanism. Unlike in the preceding embodiments, however, it is possible in the case of a drive unit1in accordance with said embodiment to actuate the control element13both in the first rotational direction and in the second rotational direction via the second electric motor drive3.2. The distribution gears12are therefore to be coupled flexibly to the correspondingly associated output gear or lever23of the distribution gear mechanism, without it being necessary for all coupling positions to be run through one after another.

Owing to the fact that torque can be transmitted both in the first rotational direction and in the second rotational direction, it is possible to move the coupling rods17which are connected to the various output elements (output gear, output shaft and/or lever with pins) flexibly to and fro in a translational manner, and therefore to adjust or to manipulate the actuating members, which are connected to the corresponding coupling rods17, of at least one air vent101of the air vent system100in a correspondingly flexible manner between two end stops, end positions or end locations. Furthermore, in the case of visible air guiding elements, adjusting beyond a dead center can be avoided. Moreover, dead centers can also be avoided between levers23and coupling rods17, which considerably facilitates a manual adjustment of the actuating members or air guiding elements.

Even if the described embodiment has been described with regard to one specific distribution gear mechanism for the sake of simplicity, all the features and/or aspects of the described embodiment, in particular the use of the two electric motor drives3.1,3.2with in each case one drive shaft4.1,4.2, can be combined or used with all the distribution gear mechanisms which are described in the preceding embodiments.

FIG. 18diagrammatically shows a partially sectioned, isometric view of a drive unit1in accordance with a tenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

It is also the case here, since some of the elements of the drive unit1in accordance with said embodiment are identical or similar to the elements of the drive units of the preceding embodiments, that elements of this type are labeled by way of the same designations.

The drive unit1in accordance with the tenth exemplary embodiment is provided, in particular, for use in an air vent system100with cylindrical air vents102, and to adjust or to manipulate at least one air guiding element and/or actuating member in said air vent system100. The drive unit1has an electric motor drive3in the form of an electric motor with a drive shaft4which can be driven as required in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction.

The drive shaft4is assigned a switching mechanism with a first output shaft61and a second output shaft62, via which in each case one function of the air vent system100can be actuated. The switching mechanism is configured, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4in the first rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft4only to the first output shaft61, and, in the case of a drive of the drive shaft4in the second rotational direction, to transmit a torque from the drive shaft to the first output shaft61and the second output shaft62.

In particular, the drive shaft4is assigned a switching mechanism which has a disk or a gear60, the first output shaft61, the second output shaft62, an annular element63and a freewheel64. The drive shaft4is connected to the disk or the gear60of the switching mechanism in such a way that the disk or the gear60can be driven via the drive shaft4in a first rotational direction or in a second rotational direction which is opposed to the first rotational direction, and/or the torque can be transmitted in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction. The first output shaft61is assigned to a central region, that is to say a region which has a rotational axis of the disk or the gear60. The first output shaft61is configured as a hollow shaft, and can either be configured integrally with the disk or the gear60or can be molded onto the disk or the gear60. The first output shaft61has a cylindrical region which adjoins the disk or the gear60, and a spherical end region which faces away from the disk or the gear60and adjoins the cylindrical region. An end side of the first output shaft61, which end side is assigned to the spherical end region, is beveled in the direction of the disk or the gear60at a defined angle, preferably of between 0° and 45°. The annular element63is arranged on the beveled end face of the first output shaft61in such a way that the annular element63makes contact with the end face of the first output shaft61. The annular element63can slide along the beveled end face of the first output shaft61.

The second output shaft62is received in the first output shaft61. The second output shaft62is likewise configured as a hollow shaft, in particular as a sleeve. The second output shaft62has a shape which corresponds to the first output shaft61, that is to say it has a cylindrical region and a spherical end region which adjoins said region. Furthermore, in a state in which it is arranged in the cylindrical air vent102, the second output shaft62is arranged on a central housing element of the air vent102in such a way that possible relative movement which occurs of the two elements with respect to one another is merely small, and is preferably prevented completely. A possible movement of the second output shaft62on the central housing element is therefore braked.

Furthermore, a freewheel64is arranged between the second output shaft62and the first output shaft61in regions, in particular between the two cylindrical regions of the first output shaft61and the second output shaft62. On an outer face of its spherical end region, the second output shaft62has two pin-shaped elements65, by means of which an air guiding element66is mounted such that it can be rotated in a first and second rotational direction. The two pin-shaped elements65are arranged so as to lie opposite one another on the outer face of the second output shaft62. Furthermore, in a region, by way of which it is mounted on the second output shaft62, the air guiding element66has two pin-shaped elements67which mount the annular element63such that it can be rotated in a first and second rotational direction. Said two pin-shaped elements67are also arranged so as to lie opposite one another.

In the position which is shown inFIG. 18, the air guiding element67is arranged in a non-adjusted or non-manipulated state in an air vent102. The electric motor drive3drives the disk or the gear60in a first direction, with the result that the annular element63slides along the beveled end face of the first output shaft61. Here, the second output shaft62is decoupled from the rotational movement of the first output shaft61via the freewheel64. If the electric motor drive3has rotated the disk or the gear60, for example, at an angle of 90°, the annular element63and therefore also the air guiding element66are inclined toward one side in a manner which is dependent on the angle of the beveled end face and the rotary angle of the disk or the gear60. If the disk or the gear62is rotated, for example, at a smaller angle than 90°, the air guiding element66is inclined toward the side to a correspondingly lesser extent. Therefore, combined, multiple-axle tilting of the air guiding element66about the elements65of the second output shaft62and the elements67of the air guiding element66can therefore be produced via an adjustment or rotation of the disk or the gear60by between 0° and 90°.

If the desired (lateral) deflection of the air guiding element66is set, the rotational direction of the motor can be changed, and the disk or the gear60rotates in the second rotational direction. In this case, the second output shaft62is coupled via the freewheel64to the first output shaft61, and the entire arrangement consisting of disk or gear60, first output shaft61, second output shaft62, annular element63, freewheel64and air guiding element66is adjusted or rotated until a desired orientation or direction of the air guiding element66is reached. Therefore, the drive unit1allows first of all a lateral deflection angle of the air guiding element66to be set by means of the introduction of a torque in the first rotational direction, and subsequently the air guiding element66to be adjusted or to be rotated in a further direction by means of the introduction of a torque in the second rotational direction, with the result that an air flow can flow out of the air vent102in a provided direction in a targeted manner.

FIGS. 19 and 20show embodiments of the drive unit1, in particular of the control element13of the switching mechanism. For reasons of clarity, merely the components or elements which are relevant for the functionality are provided with designations in the figures. The control element13is configured as a cam disk in the two embodiments. The cam disks which are shown inFIGS. 19 and 20are to be used, in particular, in conjunction with the embodiment which is described inFIG. 15. It is fundamentally also conceivable, however, for said cam disks to be used in all embodiments of the drive unit according to the invention.

Via the use of the cam disks which are shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, it is possible to couple only precisely one distribution gear or bevel gear12to the bevel gear16, to couple or decouple more than one distribution gear or bevel gear12, preferably two, particularly preferably two distribution gears or bevel gears12which lie opposite one another, to/from the bevel gear16, or else to decouple all distribution gears or bevel gears12from the bevel gear16.

InFIG. 19, the cam disk is formed or configured in such a way that it has a flattened side13.1on its at least substantially cylindrical circumferential face. In that position of the cam disk which is shown inFIG. 19, all distribution gears or bevel gears12are decoupled from the bevel gear16. If the cam disk is moved out of the illustrated position, in particular by 45°, one of the distribution gears or bevel gears12can be brought into engagement with the bevel gear16, the other distribution gears or bevel gears12still being decoupled from the bevel gear16. A position of the cam disk, in which position all distribution gears or bevel gears12are decoupled from the bevel gear16, is to be considered advantageous, in particular, if a manual adjustment of air guiding elements in the air vent or in the air vents is also still to be provided despite the motorized adjustment.

InFIG. 20, the cam disk is formed or configured in such a way that it has a plurality of flattened sides13.2,13.3on its at least substantially cylindrical circumferential face. As a result, it is possible not only to couple or to decouple precisely one distribution gear or bevel gear12to/from the bevel gear16, but rather also to couple or to decouple a plurality of distribution gears or bevel gears12, in particular in the case of a rotation of the cam disk by 45°. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, two distribution gears or bevel gears12which lie opposite one another can be coupled and decoupled to/from the bevel gear16via said cam disk. In the position which is shown inFIG. 20, one of the distribution gears or bevel gears12is situated in a position in which it is coupled to the bevel gear16. If the cam disk is rotated in the clockwise direction, for example, by 45°, the coupled distribution gear or bevel gear12remains coupled, whereas the distribution gear or bevel gear12which lies opposite it is coupled to the bevel gear16, by being displaced in the direction of the flattened side of the cam disk. As a result, it is possible, in the case of the use of two air vents which are adjacent with respect to one another, for air guiding elements in said air vents to be moved synchronously, for example in a wagging manner.

It is fundamentally also possible, by way of the above-described embodiment which is shown inFIG. 19, to combine both the decoupling of all distribution gears or bevel gears12(as shown inFIG. 19) and possible coupling of further distribution gears or bevel gears12(as shown inFIG. 20). Here, the cam disk would have to be moved further by 30° in its functional position, in which precisely one distribution gear or bevel gear12is coupled. If it is rotated further by 30° again out of said position, in which two distribution gears or bevel gears12are coupled, it passes into a position, in which all distribution gears or bevel gears12are decoupled from the bevel gear16. If all distribution gears or bevel gears12are moved or coupled and decoupled by way of the same stroke, the size or the diameter of the cam disk is possibly to be adapted, in order to assure the above-described synchronous running of the distribution gears or bevel gears12with the cam disk fromFIG. 19.