Air-conditioning register

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning register used inside a vehicle, which is equipped with a display unit highly visible under a bright environment and capable of presenting various expressions.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning register 1 used inside a vehicle comprises: an upstream ventilation flue 11; first and second downstream ventilation flues 12a and 12b branching downstream of the upstream ventilation flue 11; and a display unit 15 using electronic paper and installed between a blowout port 13a of the first downstream ventilation flue 12a and a blowout port 13b of the second downstream ventilation flue 12b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning register for use in a vehicle cabin. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an automotive air vent lighting device that includes a knob for adjusting the amount of operation of a damper that adjusts the opening and closing degree of a duct for supplying cool or warm air generated by an air conditioner into the vehicle cabin, and a light source that emits light that is irradiated to the outside through a light guide and a diffusion plate (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] According to the automotive air vent lighting device described in Patent Document 1, the color and brightness of the light source change depending on the amount of knob operation, allowing the user to visually confirm the amount of air being supplied into the vehicle cabin through the duct. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104842 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the automotive air vent lighting device described in Patent Document 1 produces visual expressions by changing the color and brightness of the light source, and therefore has low visibility in bright environments and makes it difficult to produce a variety of expressions.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning cash register for use in a vehicle cabin, which has excellent visibility in bright environments and is equipped with a display unit that can display a variety of expressions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides the following air conditioning register.

[0008] [1] An air conditioning register used in a vehicle cabin, comprising: an upstream air duct; a first downstream air duct and a second downstream air duct branching off from the upstream air duct downstream; and a display unit using electronic paper installed between the outlet of the first downstream air duct and the outlet of the second downstream air duct. [2] The air conditioning register described in [1] above, wherein the display content of the display unit includes an image showing the state of the air blown out from either or both of the outlets of the first downstream air duct and the outlets of the second downstream air duct. [3] The air conditioning register according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the image displayed on the display unit is changed when the display unit is turned off. [4] An air conditioning register according to [1] or [2] above, in which an operating unit including a touch sensor for detecting touch operations on the display unit is arranged on top of the display unit. [5] An air conditioning register as described in [4] above, wherein the display content of the display unit includes an image including a mark indicating the position of a switch for operating equipment installed in the vehicle, and the operation unit detects a touch operation on the mark. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning cash register for use in a vehicle cabin, which has excellent visibility in bright environments and is equipped with a display unit that can display a variety of images. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle in which an air conditioning register according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the air-conditioning register according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an air-conditioning register according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing examples of the display screen of the display unit provided in the air conditioning register according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system related to the operation of an air conditioning register according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with an air conditioning register 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning register 1 is an air conditioning register used inside a vehicle, and in the example shown in FIG. 1, it is incorporated into an instrument panel 30 in front of a driver's seat 31 and a passenger seat 32.

[0012] Fig. 2 is an external view of the air-conditioning register 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the air-conditioning register 1.

[0013] The air-conditioning register 1 has an upper air passage 11, and a first lower air passage 12a and a second lower air passage 12b branching off from the upper air passage 11 toward the downstream side, and the outlets of the first lower air passage 12a and the second lower air passage 12b each serve as an air outlet for the air-conditioning register 1.

[0014] 2 and 3, outlet 13a of first downstream-airflow passage 12a and outlet 13b of second downstream-airflow passage 12b are aligned vertically. In the example shown in Fig. 2, outlet 13a and outlet 13b are slit-shaped openings extending horizontally. Note that the alignment direction of outlets 13a and 13b and their respective shapes are not particularly limited.

[0015] In the air-conditioning register 1, the fins 14a arranged in the first downstream air passage 12a can adjust the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 13a, and the fins 14b arranged in the second downstream air passage 12b can adjust the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 13b. The air blown out from the air outlet 13a and the air blown out from the air outlet 13b can also be made to collide with each other to change the direction of the air.

[0016] The air-conditioning register 1 also includes a display unit 15 using electronic paper, which is installed between the outlet 13a of the first downstream airflow duct 12a and the outlet 13b of the second downstream airflow duct 12b.

[0017] The first downstream air passage 12a and the second downstream air passage 12b are branched by a component 100 provided between them, and a display unit 15 is installed on the surface of the component 100 exposed between the air outlet 13a and the air outlet 13b.

[0018] The electronic paper used in the display unit 15 can be any known type of electronic paper, such as an electrophoretic type. For example, electrophoretic type electronic paper contains a large number of microcapsules in which white and black particles are encapsulated together with a transparent fluid. When a voltage is applied between electrodes arranged on either side of the microcapsules, the white and black particles are moved by electrophoresis, thereby producing a black and white display. Color display can also be achieved by using color filters or microcapsules containing colored particles. The particles that are moved by the application of a voltage do not move easily even when the voltage application is stopped, so the displayed image can be maintained even when the display unit 15 is turned off.

[0019] The display unit 15 using electronic paper is gentle on the eyes because it does not emit light itself, and has excellent visibility in bright environments. Furthermore, it consumes little power because it is only powered on when the displayed image is changed. Furthermore, because it can retain the displayed image even when not powered on, it can also be used as a decorative panel.

[0020] 2 and 3, in the air conditioning cash register 1, an operation unit 16 including a touch sensor for detecting a touch operation on the display unit 15 may be disposed on top of the display unit 15. In this case, for example, by performing a touch operation on the display unit 15 on which the operation unit 16 is disposed, the display unit 15 can be switched on and off, or the image displayed on the display unit 15 can be changed.

[0021] The operation unit 16 is made up of a sheet-like touch sensor, such as a film or plate. The operation unit 16 is typically a capacitance-type touch sensor, but may be a touch sensor of other known types. The touch sensor may detect a touch operation when the occupant's hand touches the operation unit 16 or when the hand comes into close proximity to the operation unit 16.

[0022] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing examples of the display screen of the display unit 15 provided in the air conditioning register 1. The display contents of the display unit 15 (multiple images that can be switched and displayed) may include various images such as those exemplified in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c).

[0023] The display image exemplified in FIG. 4(a) includes a mark 151 that visually indicates the state of the wind, and indicates the state of the wind blown out from either or both of the outlet 13a and the outlet 13b.

[0024] Here, the wind condition refers to, for example, wind direction, wind volume, temperature, etc. For example, the wind direction can be indicated by the tilt of mark 151, the wind volume can be indicated by the shape or size of mark 151, and the temperature can be indicated by the color or density of mark 151. Furthermore, letters or numbers can be displayed together with mark 151 to indicate the wind condition.

[0025] Furthermore, when displaying the state of the wind blown out from outlet 13a and the state of the wind blown out from outlet 13b separately, for example, mark 151 may be displayed in the area on the outlet 13a side of the display image (upper area in Figure 4(a)) and in the area on the outlet 13b side (lower area in Figure 4(a)).

[0026] 4(b), the entire display image is dominated by a pattern 152 such as a wood grain pattern. For example, when air is not being blown out from the air conditioning register 1, the image dominated by the pattern 152 can be displayed, and the display unit 15 can be used as a decorative panel.

[0027] Furthermore, when the display unit 15 is turned off, the image displayed on the display unit 15 may be switched to an image dominated by a pattern 152 as shown in FIG. 4(b). Because the display unit 15 uses electronic paper, the displayed image can be maintained even without a power supply. The display unit 15 is turned off, for example, when the engine of the vehicle equipped with the air conditioning register 1 is stopped. Alternatively, the display unit 15 may be configured to be turned off when the air conditioning register 1 is not blowing air.

[0028] The display image illustrated in Figure 4(c) includes marks 153a and 153b indicating the positions of switches for operating equipment such as an air conditioning system installed in the vehicle, and the operation unit 16 can detect touch operations on these switch marks.

[0029] 4(c), mark 153a is a mark indicating the position of a switch for adjusting the volume of air blown out from the air conditioning register 1, and mark 153b is a mark indicating the position of a switch for selecting the air outlet (selecting which of multiple air conditioning registers 1 to blow air from). In addition, marks indicating the position of switches for adjusting the direction and temperature of the air blown out from the air conditioning register 1 may be included.

[0030] 4(c) includes a mark 154a that displays an airbag warning, a mark 154b that displays a seatbelt warning, and a mark 154c that displays a fuel warning. Marks such as these marks 154a to 154c that do not indicate the position of a switch, such as warning displays, may also be included in the image.

[0031] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system related to the operation of an air conditioning register 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the air conditioning register 1 is included in an air conditioner 2, and the display unit 15, operation unit 16, and airflow direction adjustment unit 14 such as fins 14a and 14b included in the air conditioning register 1 are electrically connected to the control unit 3.

[0032] The control unit 3 is a microcomputer that includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to stored programs, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, programs for operating the control unit 3. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results and the like.

[0033] The control unit 3 is included in a vehicle control device such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls devices mounted on the vehicle and controls automatic driving functions, for example.

[0034] The display unit 15 switches the display image by receiving an operation instruction signal S1 transmitted from the control unit 3. For example, when the direction of the air blown out from the air conditioning register 1 is changed by an operation switch of the air conditioner 2 included in the instrument panel 30, the control unit 3 transmits to the display unit 15 an operation instruction signal S1 including an instruction to switch to an image showing the changed air direction, and the display image on the display unit 15 is changed. Furthermore, when the air blowing from the air conditioning register 1 is stopped, the control unit 3 can switch the display image on the display unit 15 and then turn off the power supply to the display unit 15.

[0035] Furthermore, when the occupant performs a touch operation on the display unit 15 on which the operation unit 16 is placed, the operation unit 16 transmits a detection signal S2 of the detected touch operation to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 that receives the detection signal S2 transmits, for example, an operation instruction signal S1 to the display unit 15 to operate the display unit 15 (for example, to switch the displayed image).

[0036] Furthermore, when a touch operation is performed on a switch displayed by mark 153a, mark 153b, etc., the control unit 3 receives the detection signal S2 and transmits operation instruction signals S3 and S4 to the air conditioner 2 to operate the air conditioner 2 in accordance with the information contained in the detection signal S2 (for example, an instruction to adjust the air volume when mark 153a is touched, and an instruction to select the air outlet when mark 153b is touched).

[0037] For example, if the detection signal S2 includes an instruction to adjust the air volume, an instruction to select the air outlet, or an instruction to adjust the air temperature, an operation instruction signal S4 is transmitted to control the operation of the drive units such as the blower fan and air mix damper of the air conditioner 2. Furthermore, if the detection signal S2 includes an instruction to adjust the air direction, an operation instruction signal S3 is transmitted to control the operation of the drive units of the air direction adjustment unit 14 such as the fins 14a and 14b included in the air conditioning register 1.

[0038] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioning cash register 1 can be provided that uses electronic paper and is equipped with a display unit 15 that has excellent visibility in bright environments and is capable of displaying a variety of images.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and it should be noted that not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1. Air conditioning register 11 Upper air flow path 12a First downstream ventilation duct 12b Second downstream ventilation duct 13a, 13b Air outlets 15 Display section 16 Control section Marks 153a and 153b

Claims

1. An air conditioning register for use in a vehicle cabin, An upper ventilation duct, a first downstream air duct and a second downstream air duct branched downstream from the upstream air duct; a display unit using electronic paper, which is installed between an outlet of the first downstream airflow path and an outlet of the second downstream airflow path; Equipped with Air conditioning register.

2. The display content of the display unit includes an image showing a state of air blown out from one or both of the outlets of the first downstream-airflow duct and the outlets of the second downstream-airflow duct.

2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1.

3. When the display unit is turned off, the display image on the display unit is switched.

3. The air conditioning register according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an operation unit including a touch sensor for detecting a touch operation on the display unit is disposed on top of the display unit; 3. The air conditioning register according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the display content of the display unit includes an image including a mark indicating the position of a switch for operating an apparatus mounted on the vehicle, detecting a touch operation on the mark by the operation unit; 5. The air conditioning register according to claim 4.

Images