Air outlet mechanism for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an air outlet device (2) for a vehicle, comprising: a housing (3) having a channel (3.1) through which air can flow and which can supply air to the vehicle interior; at least one air guide (4) which can swing relative to the housing (3) about a swing axis (S1) extending transversely to a flow direction predetermined by the channel (3.1); at least one light source (9; 10) arranged outside the air guide (4); and at least one light guide (11; 12) optically connected to the light source (9; 10). According to the invention, a first portion (11.1; 12.1) of the light guide (11; 12) extends from the outside of the air guide (4) through its wall to the inside in the region of the swing axis (S1), and the light guide (11; 12) extends coaxially with the swing axis (S1) in the portion (11.1; 12.1). Outside the air guide (4), the second part (11.2; 12.2) of the light guide (11; 12) is connected to the first part (11.1; 12.1) of the light guide (11; 12) in the direction of the light source (9; 10), wherein the first part (11.1; 12.1) is bent at an angle (α) of 90° relative to the second part (11.2; 12.2), and a chamfered surface (11.3; 12.3) is formed on the outer side of the bent portion, and the chamfered surface includes a reflecting surface (F) pointing to the inner side of the bent portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an air outlet device for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] DE 10 2016 003 974 A1 discloses an air outlet mechanism for a vehicle. The air outlet mechanism comprises a housing having a channel through which air can flow, and the air can be delivered into the vehicle interior through the channel. In addition, an air guide member movable relative to the housing for guiding air is provided, and a lighting member fixed to the housing is provided, by means of which light for illuminating the air guide member can be provided. A partial area of ​​the air guide member movable relative to the lighting member is designed as a light guide, and the provided light can be coupled into the light guide.

[0003] JP 2010 143 338 A describes an air outlet mechanism for a vehicle, which has a channel and a plurality of air guides, each of which can swing relative to a housing and around a swing axis extending transversely to a flow direction predetermined by the channel. The air guide is connected to a light guide, which extends coaxially with the swing axis in the air guide and is connected to a light source arranged outside the air guide.

[0004] US 2009 / 0298406 A1 discloses an air outlet mechanism, which has a base and an air door connected to the base, the air door is designed to influence the direction of the fluid guided through the air outlet mechanism. The air outlet mechanism also includes one or more light sources connected to the base for illuminating the air outlet mechanism.

[0005] DE 10 2014 018 302 A1 describes a ventilation device for motor vehicles, which has a housing, and the housing has a ventilation duct and an air outlet. An air guide for adjusting the air flow is provided in a movable manner in the housing, wherein the air guide has a visible side with a luminous surface. In addition, a light-emitting part is provided, whereby the luminous surface of the air guide can be illuminated. The housing has a support with a bearing surface, on which the air guide is placed in a rotatable and swingable manner. The support has a light output area. The air guide is partially composed of a light-conducting material, and it has a light input area connected to the luminous surface light guide, wherein the light input area of ​​the air guide and the light output area of ​​the support are arranged relative to each other so that light can be coupled from the light output area of ​​the support to the light input area of ​​the air guide. Here, the ventilation device is designed as a spherical mouth, wherein a support column is provided in the housing, which is used to support the shaft extending along the axis of symmetry. The support member is arranged at one end of the shaft facing the air outlet, and the air guide member is mounted on the support member in a rotatable and swingable manner. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an air outlet device for a vehicle which is improved compared to the prior art.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of an air outlet device having the features of claim 1 .

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] An air outlet mechanism for a vehicle includes a housing having a passage through which air can flow and which can deliver air to an interior of the vehicle. The air outlet mechanism also includes: at least one air guide member, which can swing relative to the housing around a swing axis extending transversely to a flow direction predetermined by the passage; at least one light source arranged outside the air guide member and at least one light guide optically connected to the light source. Here, a first portion of the light guide passes from the outside of the air guide member through its wall to the inside in the region of the swing axis, and the light guide extends coaxially with the swing axis in this portion. Outside the air guide member, a second portion of the light guide is connected to the first portion of the light guide in the direction of the light source, wherein the first portion is bent at an angle of 90° relative to the second portion, and a chamfer is formed on the outside of the bent portion, and the chamfer includes a reflecting surface / mirror surface pointing to the inside of the bent portion.

[0010] Since the light guide is formed in a bent shape, the light guide can lead to the inner side of the air guide in the swing axis area without limiting the swing range of the air guide. By arranging the reflective surface in the chamfer area, it is allowed to deflect the light at the bend at least approximately without loss. The light guide now allows to illuminate the air outlet mechanism or part thereof, for example indirectly, without allowing the passengers to see the light source. In this case, the light can be emitted, for example, in a color that is associated with a change in the expected temperature. For example, blue light is emitted when the expected temperature drops as expected, and red light is emitted when the expected temperature rises as expected. The light color can also be selected to influence the feeling of the passengers.

[0011] According to the present invention, the air guide is designed as a cylindrical outer air guide, the wall of which surrounds the wall of a cylindrical inner air guide. In this arrangement, the inner air guide can be illuminated by means of a light guide.

[0012] In a possible design of the air outlet mechanism, the chamfered surface is arranged at an angle of 45° relative to the light guide portions respectively connected to the chamfered surface, which allows light to be effectively redirected within the light guide.

[0013] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, at least one third portion of the light guide is connected to the first portion within the air guide, wherein the third portion at least partially has a light output surface. The third portion allows light to be outputted from the inner side of the air guide or from the air guide.

[0014] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, the at least one third portion extends at least substantially parallel to the inner periphery or inner peripheral portion of the wall of the air guide, so that light can be uniformly output along the inner periphery or inner peripheral portion.

[0015] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, the at least one third part is connected to the first part by means of a hinge and can swing around the swing axis of the air guide. This allows the at least one third part to swing together with the air guide, so that the movement of the air guide is not restricted. For this purpose, the at least one third part is, for example, fixed to the inner side of the wall of the air guide and is thus forcibly guided by it during the swing of the air guide.

[0016] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, on the side of the air guide member opposite to the light guide, another light guide configured similarly thereto and optically connected to the light source or another light source is provided, the first part of which passes through the wall from the outside of the air guide member to the inside in the swing axis region and extends coaxially with the swing axis. This arrangement of the other light guide allows the air outlet mechanism to be illuminated at multiple positions and to emit light uniformly and over a large area.

[0017] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, the inner air guide can be swung relative to the outer air guide and the housing about a swivel axis extending transversely to the flow direction predetermined by the channel, wherein the swivel axis extends perpendicularly to the swivel axis of the outer air guide. In this case, the inner air guide is particularly swivelably mounted on the outer air guide. For the vehicle occupants, this design allows a wide variety of possible adjustment options with respect to the air supply and outflow direction. For example, the swivel axis of the outer air guide extends in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis in this case, and the swivel axis of the inner air guide extends in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0018] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, at least one third portion of the at least one light guide outputs light toward the outside of the inner air guide, thereby producing indirect illumination of the inner air guide, which in particular allows passengers to easily find and operate the air outlet mechanism in the dark.

[0019] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, the wall of the outer air guide member is mirror-reflective on its inner side, thereby achieving special light effects, especially very uniform light emission.

[0020] In another possible design of the air outlet mechanism, the inner air guide is designed to be transparent or at least reflective on the outer side of the wall. This also allows for special lighting effects, such as very uniform lighting or self-luminescence of the inner air guide. Thus, for example, the inner air guide can be used as a light source or appear to be a light source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A front view schematically showing the air outlet structure of the air outlet mechanism,

[0023] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view schematically shows the air outlet mechanism,

[0024] Figure 3 Schematically shows the Figure 2 An enlarged section of the cross-sectional view of

[0025] Figure 4 Schematically shows the Figure 2 The light guide part of the air outlet mechanism,

[0026] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing the non-swiveled position according to Figure 2 A perspective view of the lighting device and air guide of the air outlet mechanism,

[0027] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing the non-swiveled position according to Figure 5 A perspective view of the lighting fixture,

[0028] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing the swing position according to Figure 5 A perspective view of the lighting device and the air guide,

[0029] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the swing position according to Figure 7 A perspective view of a lighting fixture.

[0030] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] exist Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2 A front view of a possible embodiment of an air outlet structure 1 of an air outlet mechanism 2 for a vehicle is shown. Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the air outlet mechanism 2 of the air outlet structure 1, Figure 3 Show according to Figure 2 An enlarged portion of the cross-sectional view.

[0032] The air outlet device 2 comprises a housing 3 which has a channel 3 . 1 through which air can flow and via which the air can be fed into the vehicle interior.

[0033] An air outlet structure 1 is provided inside the housing 3 , and includes a cylindrical outer air guide member 4 and a cylindrical inner air guide member 5 .

[0034] The outer air guiding element 4 can be pivoted relative to the housing 3 about a pivot axis S1 extending transversely to the flow direction predetermined by the channel 3 . 1 .

[0035] The inner air guide 5 can be swung relative to the outer air guide 4 and the housing 3 about a swung axis S2 extending transversely to the flow direction predetermined by the channel 3.1. The extension direction of the swung axis S2 is perpendicular to the swung axis S1 of the outer air guide 4, wherein the inner air guide 5 is mounted in the outer air guide 4 in a swung manner. The swung air guides 4, 5 cause the air outflow direction to change.

[0036] In order to operate the air guiding elements 4 , 5 , they are connected to a central control element 6 , wherein a rotational movement of the control element 6 causes a corresponding pivoting movement of the air guiding elements 4 , 5 .

[0037] Furthermore, the control element 6 is connected to a valve arrangement 7 , wherein a rotation of the control element 6 about its axis A causes the valve arrangement 7 to be actuated and thus changes the free cross section of the channel 3 . 1 .

[0038] In addition, the air outlet mechanism 2 includes Figure 5-8 The lighting device 8 shown in detail in the figure is designed to emit light L from the outer air guiding member 4 toward the inner air guiding member 5 and thus indirectly illuminate the inner air guiding member 5.

[0039] For this purpose, the lighting device 8 includes two light sources 9, 10, such as light emitting diodes, arranged outside the outer air guide 4. The light sources 9, 10 are designed to emit light L in multiple colors. The color of the light L is automatically set or can be freely selected by the passengers.

[0040] In order to emit the light L of the light sources 9, 10 toward the inner air guide 5, the lighting device 8 includes two light guides 11, 12, which are optically connected to a corresponding one of the light sources 9, 10. The light sources 9, 10 emit the light L into the connected corresponding light guides 11, 12.

[0041] In order to guide the light guides 11, 12 from the outside of the outer air guide 4 through its wall to the inside, the light guides 11, 12 include corresponding first parts 11.1, 12.1, which respectively extend from the outside of the outer air guide 4 through its wall to the inside in the region of the swing axis S1 of the outer air guide 4 and extend coaxially with the swing axis S1.

[0042] This is in Figure 4 1 is shown in detail for the light guide 11 and applies analogously to the light guide 12 .

[0043] Outside the outer wind guide 4, the second parts 11.2, 12.2 of the light guides 11, 12 are connected to the corresponding first parts 11.1, 12.1 of the light guides 11, 12 in the direction of the corresponding light sources 9, 10, and the second parts are optically connected to the corresponding one of the light sources 9, 10. In order to deflect the light guides 11, 12, the first parts 11.1, 12.1 are bent at an angle α of 90° relative to the corresponding second parts 11.2, 12.2.

[0044] On the outside of the bend, a corresponding chamfer 11.3, 12.3 is formed on each light guide 11, 12. The chamfers 11.3, 12.3 are arranged at an angle β of 45° to the adjoining parts 11.1, 11.2, 12.1, 12.2 of the corresponding light guide 11, 12.

[0045] In order to prevent the light L from being output in the bending region, the chamfered surfaces 11.3, 12.3 each include a reflection surface F directed toward the inside of the bending portion.

[0046] Within the outer air guide 4, two third parts 11.4, 12.4 of the light guides 11, 12 are connected to the corresponding first parts 11.1, 12.1 of the light guides 11, 12. The connection is realized by means of hinges 11.5, 12.5, so that the third parts 11.4, 12.4 can be swung about the swivel axis S1 of the outer air guide 4.

[0047] The third part 11.4, 12.4 extends substantially parallel to the inner peripheral part of the wall of the outer air guide 4, in particular parallel to the inner peripheral part corresponding to about one quarter of the inner periphery of the outer air guide 4. Here, the third part 11.4, 12.4 is fixed to the outer air guide 4.

[0048] The third parts 11 . 4 , 12 . 4 of the light guides 11 , 12 each have a light emission surface, so that they emit the light L at least approximately completely toward the outside of the inner air guiding element 5 .

[0049] In order to produce special light effects, for example, to form a self-luminous appearance of the inner air guide 5 so that it looks like a luminous body, the inner air guide 5 is designed to be transparent, for example, as a glass body in a possible design scheme. Alternatively, the inner air guide 5 is mirror-reflective on its illuminated outer side.

[0050] The outer air guiding element 4 is also mirror-reflective on its inner side, for example.

[0051] Figure 5 Shown in the unswiveled position Figure 2 A perspective view of the lighting device 8 and the outer air guide member 4 of the air outlet mechanism 2. Figure 6 Shown in the unswiveled position Figure 5 A perspective view of the lighting device 8 is shown.

[0052] The two light sources 9 , 10 are electrically and data-connected to one another via a first cable connection 13 and are electrically and data-connected to a control unit (not shown) via a second cable connection 14 .

[0053] Figure 7 Shows the basis in the swing position Figure 2 A perspective view of the lighting device 8 and the outer air guide member 4 of the air outlet mechanism 2. Figure 8 Shows the basis in the swing position Figure 7 A perspective view of the lighting device 8 is shown.

[0054] Here, the outer air guiding element 4 and the third parts 11 . 4 , 12 . 4 of the light guides 11 , 12 are pivoted about the pivot axis S1 by an angle γ. For example, a pivoting of + / −25° is possible.

[0055] The joint swinging of the outer air guide member 4 and the third parts 11.4, 12.4 is achieved by hinges 11.5, 12.5, wherein the third parts 11.4, 12.4 are fixed on the outer air guide member 4 and are forcibly guided by the outer air guide member when they swing.

Claims

1. An air outlet mechanism (2) for a vehicle, comprising: a housing (3) having a channel (3.1) through which air can flow and through which air can be supplied to the interior of the vehicle, at least one air guide (4) which is pivotable relative to the housing (3) about a pivot axis (S1) extending transversely to the flow direction predetermined by the channel (3.1), - at least one light source (9; 10) arranged outside the air guide (4), - at least one light guide (11; 12) optically connected to the light source (9, 10), wherein - a first portion (11.1; 12.1) of the light guide (11; 12) leads from the outside of the air guide (4) through the wall of the air guide to the inside in the region of the swing axis (S1), and the light guide (11; 12) extends coaxially with the swing axis (S1) in the first portion (11.1; 12.1), - outside the air guide (4), the second part (11.2; 12.2) of the light guide (11; 12) is connected to the first part (11.1; 12.1) of the light guide (11; 12) in the direction of the light source (9; 10), - the first portion (11.1; 12.1) is bent at an angle (α) of 90° relative to the second portion (11.2; 12.2), and - a chamfered surface (11.3; 12.3) is formed on the outer side of the bent portion, the chamfered surface including a reflecting surface (F) pointing to the inner side of the bent portion, The invention is characterized in that the air guide member (4) is designed as a cylindrical outer air guide member (4), and the wall of the outer air guide member (4) surrounds the wall of the cylindrical inner air guide member (5); wherein, within the air guide (4), at least one third part (11.4; 12.4) of the light guide (11; 12) is connected to the first part (11.1; 12.1), wherein the third part (11.4; 12.4) at least partially has a light output surface; the at least one third part (11.4; 12.4) is connected to the first part (11.1; 12.1) by means of a hinge (11.5; 12.5) and is capable of swinging around a swing axis (S1) of the air guide (4); and the at least one third part (11.4; 12.4) is fixed to the inner side of a wall of an outer air guide (4).

2. The air outlet mechanism (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chamfered surface (11.3; 12.3) is arranged at an angle (β) of 45° relative to a corresponding portion (11.1, 11.2; 12.1, 12.2) of the light guide (11; 12) adjoining the chamfered surface (11.3; 12.3).

3. The air outlet mechanism (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one third portion (11.4; 12.4) extends at least substantially parallel to the inner circumference or inner circumference section of the wall of the air guiding element (4).

4. The air outlet device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: On the side of the air guide (4) opposite to the light guide (11; 12), another light guide (12; 11) is provided which is constructed similarly to the light guide and is optically connected to the light source (9; 10) or another light source (10; 9), wherein a first portion (12.1; 11.1) of the other light guide extends from the outside of the air guide (4) through the wall of the air guide to the inside in the region of the swing axis (S1) and is coaxial with the swing axis (S1).

5. The air outlet device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The inner air guide member (5) is capable of swinging relative to the outer air guide member (4) and the housing (3) about a swing axis (S2), wherein the swing axis (S2) extends transversely to a flow direction predetermined by the channel (3.1) and perpendicularly to a swing axis (S1) of the outer air guide member (4).

6. The air outlet mechanism (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The at least one third portion (11.4; 12.4) of the at least one light guide (11; 12) emits light (L) in the direction of the outside of the inner air guide (5).

7. The air outlet device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The wall of the outer air guide (4) is mirror-reflective on its inner side, and / or The inner air guide (5) is designed to be transparent or at least to be mirror-reflective on the outer side of the wall.

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