Air outlet for a vehicle's air duct

Abstract

An outlet (1) for an air duct of a vehicle, comprising an outlet opening (3), a housing (5) limiting the outlet opening (3), and an optical indicator device (10) which includes an optical marker (12) and is configured to indicate a set outlet direction of an airflow exiting the outlet opening (3), wherein the optical indicator device (10) comprises at least one limiting means (14) configured to limit a viewing area (16) of the optical marker (12) such that it corresponds to an inflow area of ​​the airflow exiting the outlet opening (3) in the seating area of ​​a user (2), wherein the optical marker (12) is visible to the user (2) when the user is seated in the direct airflow exiting the outlet opening (3), and wherein the optical marker (12) is not visible to the user (2) when the user is seated outside the direct airflow exiting the outlet opening (3).and wherein the at least one limiting means (14) is designed as a tapered recess (14A, 14B) at the bottom of which the optical marker (12) is arranged, wherein an inclination angle (a) of the recess (14A, 14B) defines the limits of the viewing area (16) of the optical marker (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air outlet for an air duct of a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such an air outlet.

[0002] Air vents for vehicle air ducts are known in numerous variations. The way these vents are adjusted has remained virtually unchanged for decades. They consist of louvers that direct the airflow exiting the vent. These louvers can be horizontal or vertical and are manually adjusted by the user. The familiar controls for adjusting the louvers typically provide no visual indication to the user of the direction in which the current louver setting directs the airflow. Especially at low airflow settings, there is no real way for the user to verify this; there is no concrete visual cue. The often two-layered louvers are difficult to see because they are black on black and arranged one behind the other.In particular, to identify a setting of the louvers with which the outflow can be directed to the left or right, a second, more precise and therefore longer look at the actual louver inclination of the rear vertical louvers is required.

[0003] From DE 10 2009 043 956 B3, an air outlet for a vehicle's air duct is known. The air outlet, designed to direct airflows, particularly in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems in motor vehicles, is a round nozzle and comprises a housing with at least one cylindrical opening with attached air deflectors, and an adjusting ring for adjusting the air deflectors, which is rotatably mounted on the opening wall of the housing. At least two air deflectors are provided as air deflectors, which are fixed to an axis or shaft or deflected longitudinally along the axis or shaft, and arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically relative to each other in a rotationally secure manner.The air deflector discs have a contour such that by rotating the shaft around its longitudinal axis or by rotating the adjusting ring with its transversely inserted axis, the air deflector discs assume different deflection positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and / or housing, thus causing different flow deflections. A cover can be fitted to the round nozzle, which can serve as finger protection. The cover has air passage openings, formed, for example, by holes or ribs. An airflow direction indicator can also be integrated into the cover. This airflow direction indicator consists of a guide channel integrated into the inside of the domed cover, in which an indicator element, operatively connected to an air deflector disc, is slidably mounted.Depending on its position and direction of rotation, the indicator element is moved left or right within the approximately 90° arc-shaped channel. The angle covered depends on the angle of the air deflectors. Symbols in the form of cutouts are incorporated into the outer surface of the channel's base plate, making the indicator element's position clearly visible. The indicator element is guided by the movement of the air deflectors, which rest against the inner contour of the cover, and moves with each deflector in the direction of their movement. The airflow direction indicator can be installed in the cover in a horizontal, vertical, and / or inclined position, thus enabling all direction indications. The indicator element can be colored, with its color contrasting with the cover.

[0004] From DE 12 19 346 A, a device for ventilating the interior of vehicles is known, in which a nozzle body, adjustable from inside by the passenger, is provided within a spherically shaped holder, which is also adjustable within a ceiling mounting ring, for guiding and regulating the airflow. A light source is also provided within the nozzle body.

[0005] From DE 25 07 856 A1, a spherical fan, particularly for seat ventilation in motor vehicles, is known, comprising a fan body with an externally spherical surface, which is mounted in a manner similar to a ball joint and is equipped with means for regulating the airflow. A control cam is associated with the fan body, which converts a rotary movement of an actuating element into a transverse movement of a substantially smooth-surfaced and solid-walled valve body, thus changing the air cross-section. Furthermore, the fan body is supported only by a single-piece spherical ring, which covers substantial portions of its surface and whose at least one opening is variable in diameter. The fan body serves as a receptacle for a lamp socket, and an insert serves as a terminal contact holder and contactor, as well as a receptacle for an optical lens.

[0006] From DE 10 2018 219 697 A1, an air outlet for a vehicle is known, comprising a housing with an outlet opening, at least one airflow control element arranged in the housing and pivotable about an axis for changing the direction of airflow from the outlet opening, and a pivotable holding device with a light source. The holding device is coupled to the airflow control element in such a way that a pivoting movement of the airflow control element results in a movement of the light source.

[0007] From US patent 2008 / 0112155A1, a personal air outlet for a passenger vehicle with an integrated reading light is known. The air outlet comprises a housing mounted within the vehicle, containing an air nozzle and a ring of LEDs attached to the housing surrounding the air nozzle. The housing is pivotally mounted to align a primary axis for directing a beam of light from the ring, and the air nozzle can be pivoted separately within the housing to align a secondary axis for directing the airflow from the nozzle.

[0008] A disadvantage of the known air vents is that it is not immediately obvious to the customer, either at a glance or in the corner of their eye, how the vents are adjusted. It is not directly apparent whether the airflow from the vent is directed towards the user, or, as desired, directed away from the user.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing an air outlet for an air duct of a vehicle and a vehicle with such an air outlet, which enables a user to quickly and intuitively visualize the set outflow direction of an airflow emanating from an outflow opening of the air outlet, in order to recognize whether he is sitting in the direct airflow or not.

[0010] This problem is solved by an air outlet for an air duct of a vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle with the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] To provide an air outlet for a vehicle's air duct that allows a user to quickly and intuitively visually determine the set direction of an airflow exiting the outlet, in order to ascertain whether or not they are sitting directly in the airflow, the optical indicator device comprises at least one limiting means configured to restrict the viewing area of ​​the optical marker such that it corresponds to the area of ​​approach to the airflow exiting the outlet in the seating area of ​​a user. The optical marker is visible to the user when they are sitting directly in the airflow exiting the outlet, and not visible to the user when they are sitting outside the direct airflow exiting the outlet.For this purpose, at least one limiting element is designed as a tapered recess, at the bottom of which the optical marker is positioned. The angle of inclination of the recess defines the boundaries of the optical marker's field of view. This mechanical solution allows for a simple and cost-effective implementation of the limiting element.

[0012] Furthermore, a vehicle with an air conditioning system and at least one air duct is proposed, at the end of which facing an interior space of the vehicle such an air outlet according to the invention is arranged.

[0013] The term "air outlet for a vehicle air duct" is understood below to mean an assembly comprising an outlet opening, a housing limiting the outlet opening, and an optical display device designed to indicate a set outflow direction of an airflow exiting the outlet opening.

[0014] In embodiments of the air outlet according to the invention, the user can intuitively and quickly recognize whether or not they are sitting in the direct airflow. Furthermore, the direction of the airflow can also be directly read in the user's peripheral field of vision.

[0015] In an advantageous design of the air outlet, the optical marker can be implemented as an active lighting element. This design allows the optical marker to be detected even at night. The active lighting element can be configured to provide visual feedback on at least one other set parameter of the airflow exiting the outlet by modulating its light color and / or brightness. This feedback could include, for example, temperature, airflow intensity, and / or air purity. A cool color, such as a blue tone, could indicate active cooling operation of the air conditioner. A warm color, such as a red tone, could indicate active heating operation of the air conditioner.Feedback on whether a set desired temperature has already been reached or is still being pursued can also be provided, for example, by a pulsating brightness compared to a constant brightness of the light element.

[0016] Alternatively, the optical marker can be designed as a colored marker. The marker can be applied in signal colors such as yellow or red, or in other colors suitable for contrast with the surrounding installation. This passive design of the optical marker eliminates the need for a power supply or additional mechanical components. This allows for a particularly cost-effective and simple implementation of the optical indicator device. Furthermore, existing air vents can be easily retrofitted. By using appropriate materials, such as phosphorescent material, the optical marker is also visible at night.

[0017] Additionally, at least one limiting element can be designed as output optics, which define the boundaries of the optical marker's field of view. For this purpose, the output optics can, for example, comprise a lens and / or a privacy film and / or a shading grating and / or an optical fiber and / or a refractive or diffractive optical element.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the diffuser, the direction of the airflow exiting the outlet opening can be adjusted via at least one adjustable air guide element and an actuating element. The at least one adjustable air guide element can, for example, be designed as a louver rotatably mounted in the housing. The actuating element can, for example, be designed as a lever and arranged on an adjustable louver. Alternatively, the at least one adjustable air guide element can be designed as a circular grid structure rotatably mounted in the housing. The actuating element can, for example, be arranged as a rotary knob in the center of the circular grid structure and connected to a circular edge of the grid structure via webs. In this case, the optical indicator device can be integrated into the actuating element.

[0019] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0020] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawing, identical reference numerals denote components or elements that perform the same or analogous functions. Here, the following are shown: Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective representation of a first embodiment of an air outlet according to the invention for an air duct of a vehicle in a first position in which a user is not sitting in an airflow flowing out of an outlet opening of the air outlet; Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective representation of the outlet according to the invention for an air duct of a vehicle made of Fig. 1 in a second position in which the user sits in an airflow emanating from an outlet opening of the diffuser; Fig. 3 a sectional view of a control element of the inventive air outlet for an air duct of a vehicle made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a schematic and perspective representation of a first embodiment of an air outlet according to the invention for an air duct of a vehicle in a first position in which a user is not sitting in an airflow flowing out of an outlet opening of the air outlet; Fig. 5 a schematic and perspective representation of the inventive outlet for an air duct of a vehicle made of Fig. 2 in a second position in which the user is sitting in an airflow emanating from an outlet opening of the diffuser; and Fig. 6 a sectional view of a control element of the inventive air outlet for an air duct of a vehicle made of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0021] As from Fig. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 6, the illustrated embodiments of an outlet 1, 1A, 1B for an air duct of a vehicle each have an outlet opening 3, a housing 5, 5A, 5B limiting the outlet opening 3 and an optical display device 10, 10A, 10B which includes an optical marker 12 and indicates a set outlet direction of an airflow exiting the outlet opening 3.

[0022] The optical display device 10, 10A, 10B comprises at least one limiting means 14, which limits a viewing area 16, 16A, 16B of the optical marker 12 such that it corresponds to an approach area of ​​the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 in the seating area of ​​a user 2. The optical marker 12 is visible to the user 2 when the user is seated directly within the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3. The optical marker 12 is not visible to the user 2 when the user is seated outside the direct airflow exiting the outlet opening 3.

[0023] Embodiments of the air outlet 1, 1A, 1B according to the invention are preferably used in vehicles with an air conditioning system and at least one air duct. In this case, the individual air outlets 1, 1A, 1B are each arranged at one end of the at least one air duct facing the interior of the vehicle. As shown in the figure below... Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 5, the housing 5, 5A, 5B has a frame 5A at its opening facing an interior of the vehicle, which surrounds an edge of the outlet opening 3.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiments, the optical marker 12 is configured as an active light element 12A. Therefore, the active light element 12A provides visual feedback on at least one further set parameter of the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 by modulating the light color and / or brightness. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, different shades of blue indicate active cooling operation of the air conditioning system, with darker shades of blue indicating a lower temperature than lighter shades. Similarly, different shades of red indicate active heating operation of the air conditioning system, with darker shades of red indicating a higher temperature than lighter shades. Furthermore, a constant brightness of the light element 12A indicates that a set desired temperature has not yet been reached.A pulsating brightness of indicator light 12A indicates that the set desired temperature has been reached. Furthermore, the brightness of indicator light 12A indicates the set fan speed of the air conditioner, with a high brightness level indicating a high fan speed and a low brightness level indicating a low fan speed. Of course, other colors and output scenarios can also be used to indicate the heating or cooling operation of the air conditioner.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment of the diffuser 1 (not shown), the optical marker 12 is designed as a colored marker. A phosphorescent material is used to enable readability in the dark.

[0026] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figures 1 to 6, the direction of the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 can be adjusted in each of the illustrated embodiments by means of at least one adjustable air guide element 9 and an actuating element 7. In these embodiments, the optical indicator device 10, 10A, 10B is integrated into the respective actuating element 7 of the outlet 1, 1A, 1B.

[0027] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 6, the at least one limiting element 14 in the illustrated embodiments is designed as a tapered recess 14A, 14B, which is incorporated into the respective actuating element 7. The optical marker 12 is arranged at the bottom of the respective tapered recess 14A, 14B. Here, an angle of inclination α, α1, α2 of the recess 14A, 14B defines the limits of the viewing area 16, α1, α2 of the optical marker 12 for the user 2, as can be seen in particular from Figures 1 to 6. Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 is evident.

[0028] In alternative embodiments of the outlet 1 not shown, the at least one limiting means 14 is additionally designed as output optics, which define the limits of the viewing area 16 of the optical marker 12. The output optics comprise a lens and / or a privacy film and / or a shading grid and / or an optical fiber and / or a refractive or diffractive optical element.

[0029] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the housing 5A in the illustrated first embodiment of the outlet 1A has a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, the at least one adjustable air guide element 9 in the illustrated first embodiment of the outlet 1A is designed as a lamella 9A, 9B, which is rotatably mounted in the housing 5A. As can be seen from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 2, three horizontally extending louvers 9A, which can deflect the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 upwards or downwards, and three vertically extending louvers 9B, which deflect the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 to the left and right, are rotatably arranged in the housing 5A. The actuating element 7 is designed as a rider 7A and is arranged on a central horizontally extending louver 9A. The rider 7A is coupled to the other horizontally extending louvers 9A and the vertically extending louvers 9B via concealed deflection means, so that these move along with the rider 7A when it is actuated, thus directing the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 in the desired direction.

[0030] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the tapered recess 14A in the illustrated embodiment has a truncated pyramid shape with a rectangular base. Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 3, the inclination angle a1 of the recess 14A defines the limits of the viewing area 16A of the optical marker 12 for the user 2. In the illustration in Fig. In position 1, user 2, who corresponds to the observer here, is located outside the area of ​​approach of the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3, so that the optical marker 12 is not visible to user 2 or the observer. In the representation in Fig. 2 the user 2 or viewer is located within the area of ​​approach of the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3, so that the optical marker 12 is visible to the user 2 or viewer.

[0031] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figures 4 to 6, the housing 5B in the illustrated second embodiment 2A has a cylindrical shape with a round cross-section. Furthermore, the at least one adjustable air guide element 9 in the illustrated second embodiment of the outlet 1B is designed as a round grid structure 9C, which is rotatably mounted in the housing 5B. The actuating element 7 is designed as a rotary knob 7B and is arranged in the center of the round grid structure 9B. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary knob 7B is connected to a circular rim 9.2 of the grid structure 9B via eight webs 9.1. The grid structure 9B can be rotated or tilted in various directions within the housing 5B to direct the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 upwards or downwards, or to the left or right. The webs 11 also act as guide elements for the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3.The rotary knob 7B allows the grid structure 9B to be rotated or tilted in order to direct the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3 in the desired direction.

[0032] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figures 4 to 6, the tapered recess 14B in the illustrated embodiment has a truncated cone shape with a round base. Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 6, the inclination angle a2 of the recess 14B defines the limits of the viewing area 16B of the optical marker 12 for the user 2. In the representation in Fig. In position 4, user 2, who corresponds to the observer here, is located outside the area of ​​approach of the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3, so that the optical marker 12 is not visible to user 2 or the observer. In the representation in Fig.5 the user 2 or viewer is located within the area of ​​approach of the airflow exiting the outlet opening 3, so that the optical marker 12 is visible to the user 2 or viewer. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1, 1A, 1B air vents 2 users 3. Outflow opening 5, 5A, 5B Housing 5.1 Frame 7 Actuating element 7A Rider 7B central rotary knob 9 Air guide element 9A, 9B lamella 9C Lattice structure 9.1 Footbridge 9.2 Margin 10, 10A, 10B optical display device 12 optical markers 12A active lighting element 14 Limiting devices 14A, 14B Advanced Level 16, 16A, 16B Viewing area a, a1, a2 angle of inclination

Claims

[1] An air outlet (1) for an air duct of a vehicle, comprising an outlet opening (3), a housing (5) limiting the outlet opening (3), and an optical indicator device (10) which includes an optical marker (12) and is configured to indicate a set outlet direction of an airflow exiting the outlet opening (3), wherein the optical indicator device (10) includes at least one limiting means (14) configured to limit a viewing area (16) of the optical marker (12) such that it corresponds to an inflow area of ​​the airflow exiting the outlet opening (3) in the seating area of ​​a user (2), wherein the optical marker (12) is visible to the user (2) when the user is sitting in the direct airflow exiting the outlet opening (3), and wherein the optical marker (12) is not visible to the user (2) when the user is sitting outside the direct airflow exiting the outlet opening (3).and wherein the at least one limiting means (14) is designed as a tapered recess (14A, 14B) at the bottom of which the optical marker (12) is arranged, wherein an inclination angle (a) of the recess (14A, 14B) defines the limits of the viewing area (16) of the optical marker (12). [2] Outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the optical marker (12) is designed as an active luminescent element (12A) or as a colored marker. [3] Outlet (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the active lighting element (12A) is designed to provide optical feedback on at least one other set parameter of the airflow exiting the outlet opening (3) by modulating the light color and / or brightness. [4] Outlet (1) according to claim 3, characterized by, that at least one further parameter of the airflow exiting the outlet opening (3) is optically reportable, namely temperature and / or strength and / or air purity. [5] Outlet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that at least one limiting means (14) is designed as output optics which defines the limits of the viewing area (16) of the optical marker (12). [6] Outlet (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the output optics include a lens and / or a privacy film and / or a shading grid and / or an optical fiber and / or a refractive or diffractive optical element. [7] Outlet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the outflow direction of the airflow exiting the outlet opening (3) is adjustable via at least one adjustable air guide element (9) and one actuating element (7). [8] Outlet (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the at least one adjustable air guide element (9) is designed as a lamella (9A, 9B) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (5), wherein the actuating element (7) is arranged as a rider (7A) on an adjustable lamella (9A). [9] Outlet (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the at least one adjustable air guide element (9) is designed as a round grid structure (9C) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (5), wherein the actuating element (7) is arranged as a rotary knob (7B) in the center of the round grid structure (9C) and is connected via webs (9.1) to a circular edge (9.2) of the grid structure (9C). [10] Outlet (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the optical display device (10) is integrated into the actuating element (7). [11] Vehicle with an air conditioning system and at least one air duct, at the end of which facing an interior space of the vehicle an outlet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 is arranged,

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