Abstract:
An air vent includes air-conveying surfaces in a housing arranged to guide separate first and second volumetric flows of air through the housing from an inlet end to a discharge end via respective first and second air channels. The air channels are arranged so that the first and second volumetric flows of air exit an air discharge opening in intersecting directions and collide after exiting the housing. The air vent includes an air flow adjustment element that is movable to change a ratio of the first volumetric flow to the second volumetric flow.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates to an air vent. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various air vents are known from the prior art. By way of example, DE 10 2006 032587 A1 discloses an air vent device for vehicles that comprises an air channel, which, as viewed in a longitudinal or vertical section, has a first upper wall region and an opposite second, lower wall region and which is in fluid connection via an air outlet opening to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Air can be conveyed into the passenger compartment via the air channel and the air outlet opening. At least one lamella-like air-conveying element is arranged between the two wall regions in the region or in the vicinity of the air outlet opening. 
         [0003]    Furthermore, DE 10 2007 019 602 B3 discloses an air vent having a conical air-conveying element, of which the pointed side points towards the air discharge opening. Furthermore, the air vent comprises laminar elements, which are arranged between the surface of the air-conveying element and the surface of the nozzle housing. The nozzle housing and the air-conveying element are configured to produce the Coandä effect, such that a directed air jet exits from the air discharge opening. 
         [0004]    Lastly, FR 2 872 260 A1 presents a fan having an air channel, of which the mouth defines a discharge opening. A convex air-guiding element is arranged movably in the air channel, whereby the cross section of the air discharge and the direction of the exiting air can be changed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an air vent including a housing, a first air-conveying surface located in the housing, a second air-conveying surface located in the housing, and an air flow adjusting element located in the housing. The housing has an inlet end, an opposite discharge end, and an inner wall located between said ends. The first air-conveying surface faces toward and is spaced away from the inner wall to at least partially define a first air channel configured to guide a first volumetric flow of air through the housing from the inlet end to an air discharge opening at the discharge end of the housing. The second air-conveying surface faces toward and is spaced away from the inner wall to at least partially define a second air channel configured to guide a second volumetric flow of air through the housing from the inlet end to the air discharge opening separately from the first volumetric flow of air. The first and second air channels are arranged so that the first and second volumetric air flows exit the housing at the air discharge opening in respective intersecting directions and collide after exiting the housing. The air flow adjusting element is movable to change a ratio of the first volumetric flow to the second volumetric flow, and each of the first and second air-conveying surfaces is in a fixed position with respect to the housing. 
         [0006]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the air flow adjusting element is located in the housing between the inlet end and the first and second air-conveying surfaces and is moveable to change the first volumetric flow of air and/or the second volumetric flow of air to change said ratio. 
         [0007]    In one or more embodiments, the air vent includes an air-conveying element that includes the first and second air-conveying surfaces and a transition region at an end of the air-conveying element facing the inlet end of the housing. The air flow adjusting element is arranged at said end of the air conveying element and bears against the transition region. 
         [0008]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the air flow adjusting element has a symmetrical shape tapering in the direction of the inlet end of the housing and has a shape that is complementary to the transition region where bearing against the transition region. 
         [0009]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, one or both of said air-conveying surfaces has a bulge and the housing has a corresponding bulge formed in the same direction where the respective air-conveying surfaces oppose the inner wall of the housing across the respective air channel. 
         [0010]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the housing has an axis extending between the inlet end and the discharge end, the first and second air-conveying surfaces face in opposite directions, and each bulge is formed in a direction perpendicular with said axis. 
         [0011]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the air flow adjusting element is movable between a first position, in which the first air channel is blocked by the air flow adjusting element, and a second position, in which the second air channel is blocked by the air flow adjusting element. 
         [0012]    In one or more embodiments, the air vent includes a light source located in the housing between the air discharge opening and the air flow adjusting element. 
         [0013]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the air flow adjusting element is pivotable about a pivot axis, and the air vent includes a set of wings. Each wing is pivotable about a different axis perpendicular to said pivot axis, whereby a flow direction of air that flows into the housing from the inlet end can be can be adjusted by pivotable movement of the set of wings. 
         [0014]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the set of wings is located between the air flow adjusting element and the inlet end of the housing. 
         [0015]    In one or more embodiments, the air vent includes a closure element located between the inlet end of the housing and the air flow adjusting element. The closure element is movable between an open position, in which air flow is permitted along an air passage between the inlet and discharge ends, and a closed position, in which air flow along the air passage is blocked. 
         [0016]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the closure element comprises a plurality of plates that are hinged via a common pivot pin on the housing and movement of the closure element between the open position and the closed position is provided via rotation of the plates about the pivot pin. 
         [0017]    In one or more embodiments, the air vent includes a manipulator at the discharge end of the housing, the manipulator being moveable between a first direction and a second direction. The manipulator is mechanically coupled to the air flow adjusting element via a first coupling configured to convert movement of the manipulator in the first or second direction to movement of the air flow adjustment element in the first or second direction. 
         [0018]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the first coupling comprises a first coupling rod coupled to the manipulator for pivotable movement about a first pivot axis and a second coupling rod coupled to the air flow adjustment element for pivotable movement about a second pivot axis. The first coupling rod and the second coupling rod are mechanically coupled to each another via a first sliding guide block. 
         [0019]    In one or more embodiments, the air vent includes a set of wings. Each wing is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to a pivot axis of the air flow adjusting element, and the manipulator is mechanically coupled to the set of wings via a second coupling configured to convert a movement of the manipulator in a direction perpendicular to the first direction to pivoting movement of the set of wings. 
         [0020]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the second coupling comprises a third coupling rod coupled to at least one of the wings of the set of wings. The first coupling rod and the third coupling rod are mechanically coupled via a second sliding guide block to transmit force between the first coupling rod and the third coupling rod. The first sliding guide block is configured to allow movement of the first coupling rod relative to the second coupling rod in the direction perpendicular to the first direction. 
         [0021]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the first coupling is located between the first and second air-conveying surfaces within an air-conveying element that includes the first and second air-conveying surfaces. 
         [0022]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the second air-conveying surface is symmetric to the first air-conveying surface. 
         [0023]    In one or more embodiments, the air vent includes an air-conveying element that includes the first and second air-conveying surfaces. The air-conveying element has a cross-section with a truncated egg shape. 
         [0024]    In one or more embodiments of the air vent, the inner wall of the housing has a rectangular cross-section at least at the inlet end of the housing. 
         [0025]    It is envisaged that any one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or the individual elements thereof can be combined with one another, provided the combinations are not mutually exclusive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    Embodiments of the invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings, wherein similar elements will be denoted by like reference numerals, and wherein: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of the air vent, 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a further schematic view of the air vent of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a side sectional view of an air vent, 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  shows a sectional view of the air vent of  FIG. 3  as viewed from above, and 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the air vent of  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of an air vent  100  having a housing  124 , an air inlet opening  104  located in the axial direction with respect to the housing  124 , and an air discharge opening  102  axially opposite the air inlet opening. An egg-shaped air-conveying element  106  with air-conveying surfaces  140  and  142  opposite one another as viewed in the vertical direction are located in the housing  124 . The air-conveying surfaces  140  and  142  are distanced here from the inner walls of the housing  124 . An air channel  122  is thus created between the air-conveying surface  140  and the inner wall of the housing, and an air channel  120  is thus created between the air-conveying surface  142  and the inner wall of the housing  124 . An airflow can be transported from the air inlet opening  104  to the air discharge opening  102  through the air channels  120  and  122 . 
         [0033]    Further, a wing  108  is arranged movably on the side of the air-conveying element  106  facing the air inlet opening  104 . This wing  108  is pivotable here between different positions about the rear face of the air-conveying element  106 , as can be seen in the comparison between  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In  FIG. 1  the air-conveying element is pivoted fully downwardly, and in  FIG. 2  the air-conveying element is pivoted fully upwardly. As a result of this, in  FIG. 1  air flows exclusively through the air channel  122 , whereas the air channel  120  is blocked by the air-conveying element  108 . By contrast, in  FIG. 2  air flows exclusively through the air channel  120 , whereas the air channel  122  is blocked by the wing  108 . As is indicated by the corresponding arrows in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this means that in  FIG. 1  an airflow directed downwardly exits from the air discharge opening  102 . By contrast, the airflow is directed upwardly in  FIG. 2 . Due to the egg shape of the air-conveying element  106  and the inner walls of the housing  124  running parallel thereto, the purposeful directing of the airflow is intensified. 
         [0034]    If the wing  108  is located in a position between the two positions shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , that is to say if the wing  108  is located in a horizontal position parallel to the axis of the housing  124 , an airflow is thus conveyed simultaneously through the air channels  120  and  122 . As a result, an airflow that is directed substantially straight ahead is thus produced on the air outlet side  102 . 
         [0035]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rear face of the wing  108  bears closely against the rear face of the air-conveying element  106 . In the transition region, in which the first air-conveying surface  140  transitions into the second air-conveying surface  142  on the side facing the air inlet opening  104 , the wing  108  bears fully against the transition region, preferably without any gaps. Said transition region and therefore the rear face of the air-conveying element  106  and the rear face of the wing  108  are thus formed in a complementary manner. 
         [0036]    The wing  108  has a geometric shape tapering in the direction of the air inlet side  104 , wherein this shape simultaneously corresponds to a streamlined shape. Since there is a practically seamless transition between the wing  108  and the air-conveying surfaces  140  and  142 , the air resistance when air flows over the wing  108  or around the wing  108  can be minimised. 
         [0037]    Due to the egg shape of the air-conveying element  106 , the air-conveying surfaces  140  and  142  have corresponding bulges, wherein the walls of the housing  124  follow this shape of the bulges in parallel and at a distance. Due to these bulges, it could be ensured in a particular way that the airflow exiting from the air outlet opening  102  is purposefully directed. 
         [0038]    As viewed in the axial direction of extension of the housing  124 , the housing has a region  126 , in which is has practically a rectangular inner shape. Since, in addition (not visible in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the wing  108  has a plane of symmetry that extends in  FIGS. 1 and 2  inter alia in the plane of the drawing, the wing  108  can bear fully against the inner wall of the housing  124  in the stop positions shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . More specifically, the inner wall is thus sealed off fully to the left and right by the wing  108 . Since, in addition, as viewed in the vertical direction, the air channel  120  or  122  is also fully closed in the stop positions as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is ensured that a maximum airflow can be made possible through the remaining open air channel  120  or  122  respectively. 
         [0039]    In order to then pivot the wing  108  between the end stop positions shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a coupling is provided, which connects a manipulator  110  to the wing  108 . The manipulator  110  is located here on the front face of the air-conveying element  106 , that is to say on the air outlet side  102 . A coupling rod  112  is mounted fixedly on the housing  124  and therefore fixedly on the air-conveying element  106  at a pivot point, for example a pin  118 . The same is true in respect of a coupling rod  114 , which is connected rigidly to the wing  108  and which is likewise mounted via a pin  116  on the housing  124  or the air-conveying element  106 . The two coupling rods  112  and  114  are mechanically coupled to one another via a sliding block guide  128 . If the manipulator  110  is now moved in the direction  502 , that is to say substantially in the vertical direction of the air vent  100 , this thus leads to a corresponding rotational movement of the wing  108  about the pin  116  due to the coupling rods  112  and  114 . If the manipulator is thus moved downwardly as in  FIG. 1  for example, this thus also leads simultaneously to a movement of the wing  108 , likewise downwardly. 
         [0040]    For the sake of clarity only one further coupling rod  200  is indicated in  FIG. 2  and is connected via a further sliding block guide  202  to the coupling rod  112 . This coupling rod  200  is connected to at least one further wing  306 , wherein the wing  306  is arranged in the air inlet region  104  of the housing  124 . This wing is normally constituted by a set of wings  306 , which are all mechanically coupled to one another. These wings  306  can be rotated about a pin  308  in the horizontal direction of the air vent  100 . It is thus made possible for an airflow flowing through the housing to be directed purposefully in the horizontal direction. 
         [0041]    So that the movement of the manipulator  110  in the vertical direction  502  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1 and 2  does not lead to an undesired change of the horizontal position of the wing(s)  306 , the coupling rod  200  is connected via a further sliding block guide  202  to the coupling rod  112 . This sliding block guide  202  is configured here such that a movement of the coupling rods  112  and  200  in the direction  502 , that is to say in the vertical direction, is possible without hindrance, without this leading to a transmission of force between the coupling rods  112  or  200 . Only with a movement of the manipulator  110  into the plane of the drawing or out from the plane of the drawing, that is to say in the horizontal direction, is a force transmitted from the manipulator via the coupling rod  112  to the coupling rod  200  and therefore to the wing(s)  306  due to the sliding block guide. This leads to a pivoting of the wing  306  about the pin  308 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view of a further air vent  100 , which is identical in terms of function to the air vent discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Accordingly, identical reference signs have also been chosen. Due to the manipulator  110  and the integration thereof into the housing  124  (not shown in greater detail), the egg shape of the air-conveying element  106 , which is housed rigidly with respect to the housing, is blunted. The air-conveying element  106  thus has, on the air outlet side  102 , a flattened portion, to which the manipulator  110  is attached. As can be seen clearly in  FIG. 3 , all mechanical components necessary for the movement of the wing  108  are housed fully in the air-conveying element  106 . The air flowing over the air-conveying element therefore is not influenced by said mechanical components. 
         [0043]    Further, the sliding block guides  128  and  202  can be seen slightly more clearly and are provided in the present example in the form of stacked recesses in the coupling rods  200  and  114 , with which complementary pins of the coupling rod  112  engage. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a sectional view of the air vent  100  of  FIG. 3 , as viewed from above, wherein the plurality of wings  306  in the air inlet region  104  are now visible. Each of these individual wings  306  is mounted rotatably about a vertical pin  308 , wherein the wings are coupled via a common mechanical coupling  400 . It is therefore sufficient for the coupling rod  200  to act merely on one of the wings  306  (the middle wing  306  in the example of  FIG. 4 ). A transmission of force from the manipulator  110  via the coupling rod  112  and the coupling rod  200  to this middle wing  306  causes this wing and also all further wings  306  to be rotated about the pin  308 . 
         [0045]    For example, the manipulator  110  can be shifted in the horizontal direction  500 , which causes a torque to be transmitted to the wing  306  via the coupling rod  112 , the sliding block guide  202  and the coupling rod  200 . The wings thus pivot about the pins  308  thereof in the direction  502 , which means that the airflow can be steered in the horizontal direction of the air vent. 
         [0046]    In the perspective view of  FIG. 5 , the air vent in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is shown again in greater detail. A movement of the manipulator  110  in the horizontal direction, that is to say in the direction  500 , means that the coupling rod  112  mounted horizontally displaceably along the pin  118  can likewise be displaced in the horizontal direction  500 . The sliding block guide is formed by a fork-shaped seat of the coupling rod  114 , wherein the coupling rod  112  engages with this seat. The coupling rod  112  is thus displaceable in the horizontal direction  500  in the link. This means that, with a purely horizontal movement of the manipulator  110 , no force is transmitted to the wing  108 . 
         [0047]    By contrast, the sliding block guide  102  is configured such that the coupling rod  200  is connected to the coupling rod  112  such that the horizontal movement in the direction  500  also leads to a corresponding horizontal movement of the coupling rod  200 . However, since this is connected to the wing  306  and the wing  306  is mounted pivotably about the vertical pin  308 , the horizontal movement in the direction  500  leads to a pivoting movement  502  of the wing  306 . 
         [0048]    A vertical or slightly circular movement of the manipulator  110  upwardly or downwardly in the direction  502  leads to a rotation of the coupling rod  112  about the pin  118 . Due to the sliding block guide  202 , however, the coupling rod  112  will rotate here merely in the fork-shaped link of the coupling rod  200 , without this resulting in a movement of the wing  306 . Where applicable, the coupling rod  200  can be configured such that it can follow a slight movement, which may or may not be provided, of the coupling rod  112  in the vertical direction in a compensatory manner. 
         [0049]    The sliding block guide  128 , by contrast, is then embodied such that the tilting movement of the coupling rod  112  about the pin  118  leads to a transmission of force from the coupling rod  112  to the coupling rod  114 . The coupling rod  114  rotates here about its pin  116 . This, in turn, causes the wing  108  arranged on the coupling rod  114  to be moved on the rear side of the air-conveying element  106 . As already described above, it is thus possible to steer the airflow in the vertical direction of the air vent. 
         [0050]    It is to be understood that the foregoing is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0051]    As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” and “like,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.