Air blowout device for vehicle

Abstract

To enhance visibility of wind directions in two directions with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A first louver group 10G and one or more second louvers 20 are rotatably provided in a frame part 40. The second louvers 20 are provided on the downstream side in a blowing direction of the first louver group 10G. The first louver group 10G changes the blowing direction to an X direction, and the second louvers 20 change the blowing direction to a Y direction. A light-emitting part 13 is rotated integrally with first louvers 10, and the light irradiation direction is directed in the blowing direction from the first louver 10. The second louvers 20 can take a first posture where it sandwiches or blocks a first side region LL, a second posture where it sandwiches or blocks a second side region UU, and a neutral posture where it does not sandwich any region. The emitted light from the light-emitting part 13 is emitted to the inner wall of the frame part 40 on a side that is not blocked by the second louvers 20, and thereby the wind direction in the Y direction is visually recognized by an occupant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an air blowing device for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an air blowing device applied to an air conditioner outlet or the like provided in a vehicle is known. In such a device, a device for recognizing the wind direction through vision has been made.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a colored lens piece whose position is changed in conjunction with a vertical fin that switches the blowing direction in the left - right direction is provided, and a plurality of display portions arranged horizontally are provided on the front surface of the bezel. The light of a light source is emitted from the display portion through a lens having a fan - shaped planar shape. At that time, the wind direction in the left - right direction is recognized by the light colored by the colored lens piece. However, the configuration is complicated, and moreover, the wind direction in the up - down direction cannot be known.

[0004] Also, in Patent Document 1 (Example 2), the position in the left - right direction is recognized by irradiating a wind direction adjustment plate below the operation knob with the light from a light guide plate installed in the operation knob. Further, the wind direction in the up - down direction is recognized from the light emitted from the surface (front end surface) of the light guide plate and the inclined state of the above - mentioned wind direction adjustment plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in Patent Document 2, since the distance between the light guide plate and the wind direction adjustment plate is narrow and the irradiation area on the wind direction adjustment plate is also narrow, the wind direction may be difficult to understand. Therefore, there is room for improvement in enhancing the visibility of the wind direction in the vertical and horizontal directions with a simple configuration. In particular, in the future, when a configuration for automatically controlling the wind direction based on gestures or the like is adopted, ensuring the visibility of the wind direction will become even more important.

[0007] The present technology aims to enhance the visibility of the wind direction in two directions with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the air blowing device for a vehicle according to the present technology includes a frame portion, one or more first louvers rotatably provided within the frame portion and changing the blowing direction to a first direction which is one of two directions intersecting each other, one or more second louvers rotatably provided downstream of the first louvers in the blowing direction within the frame portion and changing the blowing direction to a second direction which is the other of the two directions, a light emitting portion integrally rotating with the first louver and having an irradiation direction of light directed to the blowing direction from the first louver. The second louver can take a first posture in which the area on the first side in the second direction is narrowed or blocked, a second posture in which the area on the second side in the second direction is narrowed or blocked, and a neutral posture in which neither the area on the first side nor the area on the second side in the second direction is narrowed. The irradiation light from the light emitting portion is irradiated onto the inner wall of the frame portion on the side not blocked by the second louver in the second direction, so that the wind directions in the two directions are visible to the occupant.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present technology, the visibility of the wind direction in two directions can be enhanced with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air blowing device for a vehicle and its control system according to a first embodiment of the present technology. This blowing device 100 is applied, for example, to the air outlet of an air conditioner at the front part of the passenger compartment (e.g., the instrument panel) of a four-wheel vehicle. The vehicle includes an ECU 41, an operation input unit 42, and a detection unit 43 as main elements involved in the control system of the blowing device 100. The ECU 41 includes a processor and a memory (both not shown) and controls the entire blowing device 100. This control is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. Note that the main body for controlling the blowing device 100 is not limited to the ECU 41 and may be a control unit built into the blowing device 100.

[0013] The blowing device 100 mainly includes a first actuator 44, a first louver group 10G, a second actuator 45, a second louver 20, and a light emitting unit 13. The first actuator 44 includes a motor and drives the first louver group 10G to change its posture. The second actuator 45 includes a motor and drives the second louver 20 to change its posture. The detailed configuration and posture of the first louver group 10G and the second louver 20 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures.

[0014] The operation input unit 42 receives operation inputs from passengers such as the driver and sends the received operation input information to the ECU 41. The detection unit 43 detects the gestures of the passengers and sends the detection information to the ECU 41. The ECU 41 controls the first actuator 44 and the second actuator 45 based on the operation input information or the detection information. Thereby, the blowing direction of the air by the blowing device 100 is automatically controlled. Note that the ECU 41 may control the blowing device 100 based on information other than these.

[0015] Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic views of the main part of the blower device 100. Hereinafter, the directions of each part will be referred to based on the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes shown in Fig. 2 and the like. Here, the vertical direction is the Y direction, the horizontal direction is the X direction, and the front-rear direction is the Z direction. The upper side is the +Y side, the right side as viewed from the occupant is the +X side, and the downstream side in the blowing direction by the blower device 100 is the +Z side.

[0016] The blower device 100 has a frame portion 40. In Fig. 2(a), the upper inner wall 33U and the lower inner wall 33L, which are the upper and lower wall portions of the frame portion 40, are shown, and in Fig. 2(b), the lower inner wall 33L is shown. Note that the illustration of the left and right wall portions of the frame portion 40 is omitted. Therefore, Fig. 2(a) is a schematic side view seen from the +X side, and Fig. 2(b) is a schematic plan view seen from the +Y side with the upper inner wall 33U omitted.

[0017] The first louver group 10G is composed of one or more first louvers 10 arranged in the X direction. The first louver group 10G and one or more second louvers 20 are provided rotatably within the frame portion 40. The second louver 20 is provided on the downstream side in the blowing direction than the first louver group 10G. Note that the number of the first louvers 10 may be more or less than that shown, and in Fig. 2(b), a part or all of the first louver group 10G is shown.

[0018] The first louver group 10G is a plate-like member that changes the blowing direction to one of two directions intersecting each other, namely the "first direction". The second louver 20 is a plate-like member that changes the blowing direction to the other of the above two directions, namely the "second direction". In the present embodiment, among the two directions intersecting each other, the "first direction" is the X direction (horizontal direction), and the "second direction" is the Y direction (vertical direction). Note that the above two directions only need to intersect each other and do not have to be orthogonal to each other.

[0019] The configurations of each of the first louvers 10 are common. Each of the first louvers 10 is rotatable about a rotation center 11 parallel to the Y direction. The -Z side portions of the first louvers 10 are engaged by a common connecting member 12. The connecting member 12 is movable in the X direction. The connecting member 12 is driven in the X direction by a first actuator 44.

[0020] The engagement state between the first louver 10 and the connecting member 12 changes following the movement of the connecting member 12. That is, the angle formed by the first louver 10 and the connecting member 12 as viewed from the +Y side can be changed by the movement of the connecting member 12. By the connecting member 12 moving in the X direction, the plurality of first louvers 10 can rotate simultaneously in the same direction about their respective rotation centers 11 (see FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c)). Note that the mechanism for rotating the plurality of first louvers 10 simultaneously is not limited to the illustrated one.

[0021] In the present embodiment, there is one second louver 20. The second louver 20 has a portion extending at least upstream (-Z side) in the air blowing direction from the rotation axis 22. The second louver 20 can change its posture by rotating about the rotation center 21 of the rotation axis 22 between the inner walls (lower inner wall 33L and upper inner wall 33U) on both sides of the frame portion 40. The rotation center 21, that is, the axial direction of the rotation axis 22 is perpendicular to the Y direction and parallel to the X direction in the present embodiment.

[0022] The second louver 20 can take a first posture, a neutral posture, and a second posture. In FIG. 2(a), the second louver 20 in the neutral posture is shown by a solid line, and the second louvers 20 in the first posture and the second posture are shown by a one-dot chain line.

[0023] The light emitting portion 13 is composed of, for example, a monochromatic LED or an RGB-LED. The light emitting portion 13 only needs to have the function of emitting light, and the adoptable types and configurations are not limited. The light emitting portion 13 rotates integrally with the first louver group 10G, and the light irradiation direction is directed toward the air blowing direction from the first louver group 10G.

[0024] In this embodiment, as an example, the light emitting unit 13 is single and fixed to the first louver 10 located near the center in a specific direction (for example, in the vicinity of the center in the X direction). Note that regardless of the method of fixing the light emitting unit 13, it may be fixed to either side of the first louver 10 or built into the first louver 10. If the irradiation directions are the same, the number of the light emitting units 13 may be two or more, and the light emitting units 13 may be attached to two or more first louvers 10.

[0025] A contact 14 is fixed to the -Y side end of the first louver 10 to which the light emitting unit 13 is fixed, and a semi-circular sliding contact 15 is arranged on the lower inner wall 33L. In the rotation stroke of the first louver 10, the contact 14 is always in contact with the sliding contact 15. The light emitting unit 13 and the contact 14 are wired, and the sliding contact 15 is wired to a power supply unit (not shown). When power is supplied from the power supply unit to the light emitting unit 13 under the control of the ECU 41, the light emitting unit 13 emits light. Note that the configuration for supplying power to the light emitting unit 13 is not limited to the illustrated example. Also, not limited to wired connection, a configuration for supplying power by wireless power feeding may be adopted.

[0026] FIGS. 3(a) to (c) are schematic side views of the blower device 100 when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the first position, and the second position, respectively.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2(a), with the second louver 20 in the neutral position as a reference, the -Y side in the Y direction is defined as the first side, and the +Y side in the Y direction is defined as the second side. Of the regions forming the air passage, the region on the first side in the Y direction is defined as the first side region LL, and the region on the second side is defined as the second side region UU.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the second louver 20 extends in the -Z direction parallel to the Z direction. In this state, neither the first side region LL nor the second side region UU in the Y direction is narrowed. Therefore, the air flow supplied from the -Z side is divided into the first side region LL and the second side region UU as shown by the arrows. In particular, since the rotation axis 22 is located at the central position in the Y direction, an equal air volume flows through the first side region LL and the second side region UU. In the Y direction, the air blows straight out toward the +Z side.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the second louver 20 rotates in the -Y direction (rotates clockwise when viewed from the +X side) to the first position (so-called lower closure), the second louver 20 closes off the first side region LL. Therefore, the air supplied from the -Z side flows only into the second side region UU as shown by the arrows. Moreover, by being guided by the inclination of the second louver 20, in the Y direction, the air blows out toward the +Z side and the +Y side (diagonally upward).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3(c), when the second louver 20 rotates in the +Y direction (rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the +X side) to the second position (so-called upper closure), the second louver 20 closes off the second side region UU. Therefore, the air supplied from the -Z side flows only into the first side region LL as shown by the arrows. Moreover, by being guided by the inclination of the second louver 20, in the Y direction, the air blows out toward the +Z side and the -Y side (diagonally downward).

[0031] Note that when in the first position and the second position, it is not essential for the second louver 20 to completely close off the first side region LL and the second side region UU respectively, and the first side region LL and the second side region UU may be narrowed.

[0032] Also, regarding the irradiation region, it is as follows. As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 irradiates both the lower inner wall 33L and the upper inner wall 33U. The main region on the lower inner wall 33L where the light hits is defined as the irradiation region 34L, and the main region on the upper inner wall 33U where the light hits is defined as the irradiation region 34U.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the second louver 20 is in the first posture, since the first side region LL is blocked, the irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 is irradiated only on the upper inner wall 33U (irradiation region 34U). As shown in FIG. 3(c), when the second louver 20 is in the second posture, since the second side region UU is blocked, the irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 is irradiated only on the lower inner wall 33L (irradiation region 34L).

[0034] That is, the irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 is irradiated on the inner wall of the frame portion 40 on the side not blocked by the second louver 20 in the Y direction. The occupant can know the blowing direction of the wind in the Y direction (diagonally upward, straight, diagonally downward) from the position of the irradiation region in the Y direction. That is, the wind direction in the Y direction is visually recognized by the occupant.

[0035] Particularly, since the rotation axis 22 is located at the central position in the Y direction, when the second louver 20 is in the neutral posture, the lower inner wall 33L and the upper inner wall 33U are irradiated with the same amount of light. Thereby, the vertical irradiation balance in the neutral posture is achieved and the visual recognition accuracy is improved.

[0036] FIGS. 4(a) to (c) are schematic views showing the rotation state of the first louver group 10G. FIGS. 4(a) to (c) are schematic plan views when the first louver group 10G is in the neutral posture, the rightward posture, and the leftward posture as viewed from the +Y side. In FIGS. 4(a) to (c), the illustration of the upper inner wall 33U, the rotation axis 22, the rotation center 11, the sliding contact 15, etc. is omitted. In FIGS. 4(a) to (c), the state when the lower inner wall 33L is irradiated with light is shown.

[0037] In FIG. 4(a), the first louver group 10G is in a neutral posture parallel to the Z direction. In the neutral posture, as shown by the arrow, the blowing direction by the first louver group 10G is the front direction (the +Z direction, straight with respect to the X direction) as viewed from the occupant.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4(b), when the connecting member 12 moves in the -X direction and the first louver group 10G rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the +Y side, the first louver group 10G assumes a right-facing posture. In the right-facing posture, as indicated by the arrow, the air blowing direction by the first louver group 10G is diagonally rightward (in the +X direction and the +Z direction) as viewed from the occupant.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4(c), when the connecting member 12 moves in the +X direction and the first louver group 10G rotates clockwise as viewed from the +Y side, the first louver group 10G assumes a left-facing posture. In the left-facing posture, as indicated by the arrow, the air blowing direction by the first louver group 10G is diagonally leftward (in the -X direction and the +Z direction) as viewed from the occupant.

[0040] When the first louver group 10G is in the neutral posture (Fig. 4(a)), regarding the X direction, since the irradiation direction of the light from the light emitting part 13 is straight, the irradiation area 34L on the lower inner wall 33L is the central area in the X direction. In the right-facing posture (Fig. 4(b)), since the irradiation direction is diagonally rightward, the irradiation area 34L is an area closer to +X than the center in the X direction. In the left-facing posture (Fig. 4(c)), since the irradiation direction is diagonally leftward, the irradiation area 34L is an area closer to -X than the center in the X direction.

[0041] In addition, in Figs. 4(a) to (c), although the irradiation on the lower inner wall 33L was considered, on the upper inner wall 33U as well, the change in the irradiation area in the X direction due to the posture of the first louver group 10G is the same. When the second louver 20 is in the neutral posture (Fig. 3(a)), irradiation areas are generated at the same position in the X direction on both the lower inner wall 33L and the upper inner wall 33U. However, when the second louver 20 is in the first posture (Fig. 3(b)), an irradiation area is generated only on the upper inner wall 33U, and no irradiation area is generated on the lower inner wall 33L. Conversely, when the second louver 20 is in the second posture (Fig. 3(c)), an irradiation area is generated only on the lower inner wall 33L, and no irradiation area is generated on the upper inner wall 33U.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the second louver 20 provided on the downstream side of the first louver group 10G can take a first posture, a second posture, and a neutral posture. The irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 that rotates integrally with the first louver group 10G is irradiated onto the inner wall (upper inner wall 33U and / or lower inner wall 33L) of the frame portion 40 on the side not blocked by the second louver 20 in the Y direction. Thereby, the wind direction in the vertical direction (Y direction) is visually recognized by the occupant. In particular, since the distance between the upper inner wall 33U and the lower inner wall 33L is wide, it is easy to visually recognize whether one or both of the inner walls are irradiated. Further, since it is not necessary to provide LEDs on each of the upper inner wall 33U and the lower inner wall 33L, complication of the configuration and increase in the number of parts are avoided. Therefore, the visibility of the wind direction in the vertical direction can be enhanced with a simple configuration. Moreover, since only one light emitting portion 13 is required, the configuration is further simplified.

[0043] Also, when the second louver 20 is in the neutral posture, the lower inner wall 33L and the upper inner wall 33U are irradiated with the same amount of light, so that the irradiation balance can be taken and the visual recognition accuracy can be enhanced.

[0044] In this embodiment, an operation knob for manually operating the first louver group 10G and the second louver 20 is not provided, and a configuration for automatically controlling the air blowing direction by controlling the actuators 44 and 45 is disclosed. In recent years, air conditioner outlets that do not expose the opening are increasing in consideration of the design of the vehicle interior. In such a configuration, it is not easy to provide an operation knob, so the above automatic control is often suitable. In a configuration without such an operation knob, since the orientation of each louver cannot be seen, a technique for allowing the occupant to visually recognize the orientation of the louver becomes even more important. Therefore, it is expected that this problem will be solved by this technology. However, this technology is also applicable to a blowing device provided with an operation knob. Note that, as long as it is from the viewpoint of enhancing the visibility of the wind direction, this technology may also be applied to a blowing device in which the first louver group 10G and the second louver 20 do not have an automatic driving function and the louvers are operated only by an operation knob.

[0045] (Second Embodiment) Figs. 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic side views of the air blowing device 100 when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the first position, and the second position, respectively, in the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0046] In the present embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the difference is that the light guides 35L and 35U are provided, and the other configurations are the same. In particular, the air flow in each posture of the first louver group 10G and the second louver 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment (Figs. 3 and 4). Also, the change in the irradiation region in the X direction accompanying the posture change of the first louver group 10G is the same as that in the first embodiment (Fig. 4).

[0047] As shown in Fig. 5(a) and the like, the light guide 35L is disposed on the lower inner wall 33L, and the light guide 35U is disposed on the upper inner wall 33U. The light guides 35L and 35U are optical members capable of transmitting light.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5(a), when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 enters both the light guides 35L and 35U. The light entering the light guides 35L and 35U from the light emitting portion 13 is shown as light 36L and light 36U, respectively. The light guides 35L and 35U guide the irradiation light (light 36L and light 36U) from the light emitting portion 13 to positions where the occupant can visually recognize it. For example, the light that enters the light guides 35L and 35U from the end face on the -Z side or the inner face in the Y direction is emitted mainly from the end face on the +Z side of the light guides 35L and 35U. The occupant can mainly visually recognize the light from the end face on the +Z side of the light guides 35L and 35U. In the neutral position, since the occupant can visually recognize the light from both the light guides 35L and 35U, it can be recognized that the air is blown straight in the +Z direction with respect to the Y direction.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 5(b), when the second louver 20 is in the first position, since the first side region LL (Fig. 2(a)) is blocked, the irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 enters only the light guide 35U. Therefore, since the occupant can visually recognize the light only from the light guide 35U, it can be recognized that the air is blown in the +Z side and the +Y side (diagonally upward) with respect to the Y direction.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5(c), when the second louver 20 is in the second posture, since the second side region UU (FIG. 2(a)) is blocked, the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 enters only the light guide 35L. Therefore, since the occupant visually recognizes the light only from the light guide 35L, it can be recognized that air is blown out in the +Z side and -Y side (diagonally downward) with respect to the Y direction.

[0051] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the first embodiment with respect to enhancing the visibility of the wind direction in the vertical direction with a simple configuration.

[0052] In particular, by providing the light guides 35L and 35U, the irradiation light can be visually recognized more clearly, so that the visibility of the wind direction can be further enhanced.

[0053] (Third Embodiment) FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic side views of the blowing device 100 when the second louver 20 is in the neutral posture, the first posture, and the second posture, respectively, in the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0054] In the present embodiment, different from the second embodiment (FIG. 5), light reflecting surfaces are provided on both surfaces of the second louver 20, and other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6(a) and the like, a reflecting material 23L is provided on the -Y side surface of the second louver 20, and a reflecting material 23U is provided on the +Y side surface of the second louver 20. The reflecting materials 23L and 23U function as reflecting surfaces in the second louver 20. Note that the reflecting materials 23L and 23U may be plate-like members attached to both surfaces of the second louver 20, or may be coating agents applied to both surfaces of the second louver 20. Hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to simply as the reflecting surface.

[0056] The reflecting surface of the second louver 20 guides the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 to enter the light guide on the side not blocked by the second louver 20 in the Y direction.

[0057] For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 is reflected by the reflector 23L and enters the light guide 35L (light 36L), and is also reflected by the reflector 23U and enters the light guide 35U (light 36U). Therefore, since the occupant can visually recognize the light from both the light guides 35L and 35U, it can be recognized that the air is blowing straight out in the +Z direction with respect to the Y direction.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 6(b), when the second louver 20 is in the first position, the irradiation light from the light emitting portion 13 is reflected by the reflector 23U and enters the light guide 35U (light 36U), but does not hit the reflector 23L, so it does not enter the light guide 35L. Therefore, since the occupant can visually recognize the light only from the light guide 35U, it can be recognized that the air is blowing in the +Z direction and the +Y direction (diagonally upward) with respect to the Y direction.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 6(c), when the second louver 20 is in the second position, it is reflected by the reflector 23L and enters the light guide 35L (light 36L), but does not hit the reflector 23U, so it does not enter the light guide 35U. Therefore, since the occupant can visually recognize the light only from the light guide 35L, it can be recognized that the air is blowing in the +Z direction and the -Y direction (diagonally downward) with respect to the Y direction.

[0060] According to the present embodiment, with a simple configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the first and second embodiments in enhancing the visibility of the wind direction in the vertical direction.

[0061] In particular, by providing the reflectors 23L and 23U, the light guiding efficiency of the light to the light guides 35L and 35U is increased. Therefore, since the irradiation light can be visually recognized more clearly, the visibility of the wind direction can be further enhanced.

[0062] Note that when providing a reflecting surface on the second louver 20, it is not essential to make the second louver 20 triangular in side view as shown in Fig. 6, and a reflecting surface may be provided on both surfaces of the plate-like shape shown in Fig. 5.

[0063] Alternatively, a reflecting surface may be provided on the second louver 20 without providing the light guides 35L and 35U. That is, reflecting surfaces for reflecting the irradiated light may be provided on both surfaces of the second louver 20 on the inner walls (upper inner wall 33U and / or lower inner wall 33L) of the frame portion 40 on the side not blocked by the second louver 20 in the Y direction. Even in this case, compared with the case where there is no reflecting surface, the amount of irradiated light to the upper inner wall 33U and / or the lower inner wall 33L increases, so that the effect of being able to visually recognize the irradiated light more clearly can be obtained.

[0064] (Fourth Embodiment) Figs. 7(a) to 7(d) are schematic side views of the blowing device 100 when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the first position, the second position, and the closed position in the fourth embodiment of the present technology, respectively.

[0065] In the first to third embodiments, the second louver 20 is configured to extend upstream from the rotation axis 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second louver 20 may be configured to extend downstream. That is, the second louver 20 may be configured to be able to take a first position in which the first side region LL is narrowed or blocked, a second position in which the second side region UU is narrowed or blocked, and a neutral position in which neither the first side region LL nor the second side region UU is narrowed, by rotation. Such an example will be described with reference to Figs. 7(a) to 7(d). The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0066] First, as shown in FIG. 7(a) and the like, two louvers (a first side louver 20L and a second side louver 20U) are provided as the second louver 20. The first side louver 20L is disposed on the lower inner wall 33L, and the second side louver 20U is disposed on the upper inner wall 33U. The first side louver 20L has a portion extending downstream from the rotation axis 22L, and its posture is variable by rotating about the rotation center of the rotation axis 22L. The second side louver 20U has a portion extending downstream from the rotation axis 22U, and its posture is variable by rotating about the rotation center of the rotation axis 22U. The rotation centers of the rotation axes 22L and 22U are parallel to the X direction in the same manner as the rotation center 21. Note that two actuators corresponding to the second actuator 45 (FIG. 1) are provided corresponding to the first side louver 20L and the second side louver 20U.

[0067] In the neutral posture in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the first side louver 20L does not narrow the first side region LL, and the second side louver 20U does not narrow the second side region UU.

[0068] Further, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the first posture is a posture in which the first side louver 20L narrows the first side region LL and the second side louver 20U does not narrow the second side region UU. As shown in FIG. 7(c), the second posture is a posture in which the second side louver 20U narrows the second side region UU and the first side louver 20L does not narrow the first side region LL.

[0069] Note that, as shown in FIG. 7(d), it is also possible to take an occlusion posture in which the first side louver 20L narrows the first side region LL and the second side louver 20U narrows the second side region UU. This occlusion posture can be used as a simple function for stopping the air blowing. However, it is not essential to be able to take this occlusion posture, and it may not be taken in terms of control.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, with a simple configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved in enhancing the visibility of the wind direction in the vertical direction.

[0071] A modification in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0072] Figs. 8(a) to 8(d) are schematic side views of the blower device 100 when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the first position, the second position, and the closed position, respectively, in a modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0073] In this modification, compared with the configuration of Figs. 7(a) to 7(d), the lengths of the first side louver 20L and the second side louver 20U are set to be longer, and either one of them can close both the first side region LL and the second side region UU (Fig. 8(d)). In Fig. 8(d), it is closed by the second side louver 20U, but it may be closed by the first side louver 20L. Also, it is not essential to be able to take this closed position, and it may be set not to take it in terms of control. Other points are that only the rotation angles of the first side louver 20L and the second side louver 20U in each position are different, and the other configurations are the same as those shown in Fig. 7.

[0074] (Fifth Embodiment) Figs. 9(a) to 9(c) are schematic side views of the blower device 100 when the second louver 20 is in the neutral position, the first position, and the second position, respectively, in the fifth embodiment of the present technology.

[0075] The second louver 20 includes a first side louver 20L and a second side louver 20U, similar to the fourth embodiment (Fig. 7). Also, light guides 35L2 and 35U2 corresponding to the light guides 35L and 35U shown in the second embodiment (Fig. 5) are provided on the lower inner wall 33L and the upper inner wall 33U. Further, a light guide 35L1 is provided on the +Y side surface of the first side louver 20L, and a light guide 35U1 is provided on the -Y side surface of the second side louver 20U.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), when the second side louver 20U is parallel to the Z direction (neutral position or first position), the light guide 35U1 and the light guide 35U2 are arranged in the Z direction, and light can efficiently pass between them. As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(c), when the first side louver 20L is parallel to the Z direction (neutral position or second position), the light guide 35L1 and the light guide 35L2 are arranged in the Z direction, and light can efficiently pass between them. Other configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 7).

[0077] In the neutral position (FIG. 9(a)), the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 enters the light guide 35U1, passes through the light guide 35U2, and is emitted from the +Z side end of the light guide 35U2. Also, the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 enters the light guide 35L1, passes through the light guide 35L2, and is emitted from the +Z side end of the light guide 35L2. Therefore, the occupant can recognize that air is blowing straight out in the +Z direction in the Y direction because the occupant can visually recognize the light from both the light guides 35L2 and 35U2.

[0078] In the first position (FIG. 9(b)), the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 enters the light guide 35U1, passes through the light guide 35U2, and is emitted from the +Z side end of the light guide 35U2. On the other hand, the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 enters the light guide 35L1 but does not enter the light guide 35L2. Therefore, the occupant can recognize that air is blowing out in the +Z side and +Y side (diagonally upward) in the Y direction because the occupant mainly visually recognizes the light from the light guide 35U2.

[0079] Note that the light emitted from the light guide 35L1 may be visually recognized by the occupant. Even in this case, since the light guide 35L1 is farther away from the occupant, the occupant feels the light from the light guide 35U2 more strongly than from the light guide 35L1. Therefore, it is recognized that air is blowing out in the +Z side and +Y side (diagonally upward).

[0080] In the second posture (Fig. 9(c)), the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 enters the light guide 35L1, passes through the light guide 35L2, and is emitted from the +Z side end of the light guide 35L2. On the other hand, the irradiation light from the light emitting unit 13 enters the light guide 35U1 but does not enter the light guide 35U2. Therefore, since the occupant mainly visually recognizes the light from the light guide 35L2, it can be recognized that air is blown out in the +Z side and -Y side (diagonally downward) with respect to the Y direction.

[0081] Note that the light emitted from the light guide 35U1 may be visually recognized by the occupant. Even in this case, since the light guide 35U1 is recessed as seen from the occupant, the light from the light guide 35L2 is felt stronger than that from the light guide 35U1. Therefore, it is recognized that air is blown out in the +Z side and -Y side (diagonally upward).

[0082] According to the present embodiment, with a simple configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved in enhancing the visibility of the wind direction in the vertical direction.

[0083] In particular, since the light guides 35L1, 35L2 and the light guides 35U1, 35U2 having a connection relationship according to the posture are provided, the irradiation light can be visually recognized more clearly, so that the visibility of the wind direction can be further enhanced.

[0084] Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of the blowing device 100 when the second louver 20 is in the second posture in a modification of the first to third embodiments.

[0085] In the first to third embodiments, as shown in Fig. 10, the second louver 20 may be configured to include a portion 20-1 extending upstream from the rotation axis 22 and a portion 20-2 extending downstream. According to such a configuration, the air rectifying function in the Y direction can be strengthened.

[0086] Note that, as described above, in each of the above embodiments, the blowing directions of the first louver group 10G and the second louver 20 may be in directions intersecting each other. Therefore, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the first louver group 10G changes the blowing direction in the Y direction and the second louver 20 changes the blowing direction in the X direction. Also, the axial direction of the rotation axis 22 of the second louver 20 does not have to be parallel to the arrangement direction of the first louver group 10G.

[0087] Note that, in each of the above embodiments, the emission color and emission mode (such as light quantity and blinking) of the light emitting unit 13 may be changed according to the posture of each louver. Also, the emission color and emission mode of the light emitting unit 13 may be changed according to the air volume and the target set temperature. For example, the luminance may be increased as the air volume increases. Also, when the target set temperature is low, medium, or high, the emission color may be changed to blue, green, and red, respectively.

[0088] Note that, in the first to third embodiments, it is preferable to make the position of the light emitting unit 13 in the Y direction coincide with the position of the rotation axis 22 in the Y direction, but this is not essential. Also, it is preferable to make the position of the light emitting unit 13 or the position of the rotation axis 22 in the Y direction the central position in the Y direction, but this is not essential.

[0089] Note that, in each of the above embodiments, in terms of control, the second louver 20 may be able to take a posture between the neutral posture and the first posture, or a posture between the neutral posture and the second posture. Also, in terms of control, the first louver group 10G may be able to take a posture between the neutral posture and the rightward posture, or a posture between the neutral posture and the leftward posture.

[0090] Note that, in each of the above embodiments, it is not essential for the light emitting unit 13 to have a light emitting function by itself, and it may emit light guided from a separate light emitting unit via a light guide.

[0091] As described above, the present technology has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments. However, the present technology is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope without departing from the gist of this technology are also included in the present technology. Some of the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0092] 10 First louver, 10G First louver group, 13 Light emitting portion, 20 Second louver, 33L Lower inner wall, 33U Upper inner wall, 40 Frame portion, LL First side region, UU Second side region

Claims

1. a frame part, one or more first louvers rotatably provided within the frame part and configured to change the blowing direction to one of two directions that intersect each other, namely the first direction, one or more second louvers rotatably provided downstream of the first louvers in the blowing direction within the frame part and configured to change the blowing direction to the second direction, which is the other of the two directions, a light emitting part that rotates integrally with the first louver and has the irradiation direction of light directed toward the blowing direction from the first louver, the second louver is capable of taking a first posture in which it narrows or closes the region on the first side in the second direction by rotation, a second posture in which it narrows or closes the region on the second side in the second direction by rotation, and a neutral posture in which it does not narrow either the region on the first side or the region on the second side in the second direction, a vehicle air blowing device in which the irradiation light from the light emitting part is irradiated onto the inner wall of the frame part on the side not blocked by the second louver in the second direction, so that the wind directions in the two directions are visible to the occupant.

2. The vehicle air blowing device according to claim 1, wherein when the second louver is in the neutral posture, the inner walls on both sides of the frame part in the second direction are irradiated with the same amount of light by the irradiation light from the light emitting part.

3. The second louver is single and changes its posture by rotating about a rotation center perpendicular to the second direction between the inner walls on both sides of the frame part in the second direction, The vehicle air blowing device according to claim 2, wherein the second louver has a portion extending at least upstream in the blowing direction from the rotation center.

4. The vehicle air blowing device according to claim 3, wherein the light emitting part is single.

5. The vehicle air blowing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein reflecting surfaces for reflecting the irradiation light from the light emitting part onto the inner wall of the frame part on the side not blocked by the second louver in the second direction are provided on both surfaces of the second louver.

6. Light guides for guiding the irradiation light from the light emitting part to a position where the occupant can visually recognize it are further arranged on the inner walls on both sides of the frame part in the second direction. On both surfaces of the second louver, there are provided reflecting surfaces for guiding the irradiation light from the light emitting portion to enter the light guide on the side not blocked by the second louver in the second direction. The air blowing device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The second louver includes a first side louver provided on the inner wall on the first side among the inner walls on both sides of the frame portion in the second direction, and a second side louver provided on the inner wall on the second side among the inner walls on both sides. The first side louver and the second side louver are variable in their postures by rotating about a rotation center perpendicular to the second direction. The first side louver and the second side louver have portions extending from the rotation center to the downstream side in the air blowing direction. The first posture is a posture in which the first side louver narrows the area on the first side and the second side louver does not narrow the area on the second side. The second posture is a posture in which the second side louver narrows the area on the second side and the first side louver does not narrow the area on the first side. The neutral posture is a posture in which the first side louver does not narrow the area on the first side and the second side louver does not narrow the area on the second side. The air blowing device for a vehicle according to claim 2.

8. The light emitting portion is single. The air blowing device for a vehicle according to claim 7.

9. On the inner walls on both sides of the frame portion in the second direction, light guides for guiding the irradiation light from the light emitting portion to a position where it can be visually recognized by the occupant are further arranged. The air blowing device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7, and 8.

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