Air regulator

Abstract

The transmission shaft (65) of the damper (10) and the adjustment operation knob (21) are connected by a universal joint, and the transmission shaft (65) and the hub member (73) are connected by a universal joint. Rotation of the adjustment operation knob (21) is transmitted to the damper (19) via the transmission shaft (65), the hub member (73), and the cam member (75). The housing member (74) holds the hub member (73) and the cam member (75) so as to be rotatable. The hub shaft (74F) of the hub member (73) is offset from the cam shaft (75B) of the cam member (75) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hub shaft (74F). Therefore, the cam member (75) rotates with a rotational center eccentric with respect to the hub member (73) in correspondence with rotation of the hub member (73), and the damper (19) is opened and closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to air conditioners used for air outlets for ventilation and air conditioning, and to dampers for opening and closing ventilation ducts. Background Technology

[0002] For example, one type of air regulator used as an air outlet is a vehicle dashboard air regulator used to blow out conditioned air from an air conditioning unit. In the air regulator of Patent Document 1 described below, an air outlet, horizontal fins, vertical fins, and a damper are arranged sequentially from downstream to upstream of the ventilation duct. This air regulator includes: a transmission shaft that transmits the rotational action of an operating knob to the damper; and a rotation conversion mechanism connected to the transmission shaft and opening and closing the damper. The transmission shaft and the operating knob, and the transmission shaft and the rotation conversion mechanism, are connected via joint mechanisms such as universal joints and ball joints.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: German Patent Application Publication No. 102015101116 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In air conditioners using the aforementioned joint mechanism, there is a concern that increased rotational deviation between the operating knob and the transmission shaft axis, and between the transmission shaft and the rotational conversion mechanism axis, could lead to larger deviations in rotation. Therefore, for example, there is a possibility that even when the operating knob is rotated towards closing the ventilation duct, the damper may not turn to the closed position, resulting in the ventilation duct not closing, or that excessive rotation may cause interference between the damper and the retainer. Furthermore, even when the operating knob is rotated towards opening the ventilation duct, there is a possibility that the damper may improperly turn due to the aforementioned rotational deviations.

[0008] This application was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an air conditioner that can eliminate excessive and insufficient damper movement.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] This application discloses a damper with a damper drive mechanism. For a damper that flips between an open position (open ventilation duct) and a closed position (closed ventilation duct), the damper drive mechanism changes the direction of rotation of an operating knob transmitted via a transmission shaft and transmits this change to the damper, causing the damper to flip between the open and closed positions. The damper drive mechanism includes: a hub member connected to the operating knob via the transmission shaft; a housing member holding the hub member so that it can rotate around its hub shaft; and a cam mechanism. The cam member, held by the housing member, is rotatable around its camshaft. The cam member is connected to the hub member and rotates accordingly to actuate the damper. The transmission shaft and the operating knob are connected via a joint mechanism. The housing member holds the camshaft at a position offset from a straight line along the axial direction of the hub shaft to a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hub shaft. The cam member rotates accordingly with respect to the rotation of the hub member using the eccentrically positioned camshaft.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the air regulator of this application, when the rotation of the operating knob is transmitted to the damper via the transmission shaft, the hub member, and the cam member, the cam member rotates around a cam shaft that is held at a position offset from the hub shaft, which is the rotation center of the hub member. Therefore, by rotating the cam member around an axis eccentric to the hub member, the rotational shape of the cam member relative to the hub member can be adjusted, eliminating excessive or insufficient damper agitation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the air conditioner in this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 The diagram shows the adjustment knob viewed from the front, and also indicates... Figure 1 The sectional view is obtained by cutting along line AA.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing a portion of the components of the air conditioner.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing a portion of the components of the air conditioner.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view obtained by observing the adjustment knobs, transmission shafts, etc. from the upstream side.

[0018] Figure 6This is a three-dimensional view obtained from the downstream side, showing the assembly of various components on the damper support structure.

[0019] Figure 7 Is with Figure 2 The corresponding figures are the front view after rotating the adjustment knob 90 degrees, and the sectional view showing the damper in the closed position.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view obtained from the downstream side, showing the damper drive mechanism assembled with the holding components.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a side view obtained by observing the damper drive mechanism assembled with the retaining component from the left side.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the shell components observed from the upstream side.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the shell components observed from the downstream side.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a rear view obtained by observing the shell components from the upstream side.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of the hub component obtained from the upstream side.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional view of the hub component obtained from the downstream side.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional view of the cam component obtained from the downstream side.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a side view of the cam component.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a front view obtained by observing the cam component from the downstream side.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional view of the cam component obtained from the upstream side.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a three-dimensional view of the gear components obtained from the upstream side.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional view of the gear components obtained from the downstream side.

[0033] Figure 21 It means to Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the cross-section obtained by cutting along the BB line is a diagram showing the state with the adjustment knob in the open position.

[0034] Figure 22 Therefore Figure 2 The cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the CC line shown is a diagram showing the adjustment knob in the open position.

[0035] Figure 23 It means self Figure 21 The diagram shows the state after the transmission shaft has been rotated 40 degrees.

[0036] Figure 24 It means self Figure 22 The diagram shows the state after the transmission shaft has been rotated 40 degrees.

[0037] Figure 25 It means self Figure 21 The diagram shows the state after the transmission shaft has been rotated 90 degrees.

[0038] Figure 26 It means self Figure 22 The diagram shows the state after the transmission shaft has been rotated 90 degrees.

[0039] Figure 27 It means self Figure 21 The diagram shows the state after the transmission shaft has been rotated 100 degrees.

[0040] Figure 28 It means self Figure 22 The diagram shows the state after the transmission shaft has been rotated 100 degrees. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the air conditioner of this application, specifically an air conditioner 10, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This air conditioner 10 is disposed on a dashboard located at the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, such as an automobile, and blows conditioned air, adjusted by an air conditioning unit, into the passenger compartment. Furthermore, some figures used in the description may contain generalized illustrations, and the shapes of these parts may not always be precise. Additionally, in the following description, if... Figure 1 As shown, the downstream side (i.e., the passenger compartment side) of the air supply direction of the air conditioner 10 in this embodiment will be described as the front, and the upstream side (i.e., the air conditioning unit side) will be described as the rear. Furthermore, in the following description, the vertical and horizontal directions will be defined from the viewpoint of a user directly facing the air conditioner 10. Figure 1 The diagram shows a state where the downstream fin assembly 15 is aligned vertically and the upstream fin assembly 17 is aligned horizontally without changing the direction of the air conditioning airflow (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the intermediate state). Additionally, Figure 1 The state of the adjustment operation knob 21 is shown with the damper 19 in the open position.

[0042] Inside the vehicle compartment, for example, an instrument panel (not shown) is installed in front of the front seats (driver's seat and front passenger seat). An air conditioner 10 is installed in the center or side of the instrument panel in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction). In the air conditioner 10, the downstream fin assembly 15 and the upstream fin assembly 17 are used to change the direction of the air conditioning air supplied from the air conditioning unit (not shown) and blow it into the vehicle compartment from the air outlet 13A. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 uses a damper 19 to adjust the amount of air conditioning air blown out. The adjustment of the airflow amount in this application refers to a situation where the damper 19 is in the closed position to block the airflow.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 10 includes a retainer 11, a frame 13, a downstream fin assembly 15, an upstream fin assembly 17, a damper 19, and an adjustment knob 21. The air conditioner 10, except for some components such as the leaf spring 62 described later, is made of, for example, synthetic resin (polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), ABS resin, etc.). The retainer 11 is cylindrical, extending in the front-to-back direction. A ventilation duct 23 is formed inside the retainer 11. The rear end of the retainer 11 is connected to an air conditioning unit via the ventilation duct 23. In the intermediate state, air conditioning air supplied from the air conditioning unit is directed in the front-to-back airflow direction 25 within the ventilation duct 23. The ventilation duct 23, obtained by cutting a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, is approximately rectangular in shape, longer in the vertical direction. The ventilation duct 23 is surrounded by four side walls of the retainer 11. These four walls are a pair of side walls 27 facing each other in the left-to-right direction and a pair of side walls 28 facing each other in the vertical direction.

[0044] The frame 13 is mounted on the lower end of the retainer 11. An air outlet 13A, which is generally rectangular and elongated in the vertical direction, is formed on the frame 13. The downstream end face of the frame 13, and the portion surrounding the air outlet 13A, forms the exterior surface of the air conditioner 10. The retainer 11 communicates with the air outlet 13A, and supplies conditioned air to the air outlet 13A along the airflow direction 25. Furthermore, in the following description, the air conditioning unit side of the airflow direction 25 will be referred to as "upstream," and the side of the frame 13 or the side forward of the frame 13 will be referred to as "downstream."

[0045] (Downstream fin group 15)

[0046] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of some components of the air conditioner (downstream fin assembly 15, upstream fin assembly 17) is shown. Figures 1-3As shown, the downstream fin assembly 15 is disposed inside the connection portion between the frame 13 and the retainer 11. The downstream fin assembly 15 has two downstream fins 31 and a downstream fin 32 disposed between the two downstream fins 31 in the left-right direction. As for the downstream fin 32, except for the mounting hole 33 and the limiting pin 32D described later, it has the same structure as the downstream fin 31. The downstream fins 31 and 32 are arranged in a state of separation from each other in the left-right direction. The downstream fin 31 has a predetermined thickness in the left-right direction and is in the shape of a generally rectangular plate that is longer in the vertical direction. In the downstream fin 32, the two sides in the vertical direction are formed into a generally rectangular plate shape, and a mounting hole 33 is formed in the center in the vertical direction. In the portion of the downstream fin 32 where the mounting hole 33 is formed, the thickness in the left-right direction increases, and it is in the shape of expanding (extending) towards the downstream fin 31. The downstream fin shafts 31A and 32A of the downstream fins 31 and 32 are held by bearing members 35 mounted on a pair of sidewalls 27 and are held to be rotatable relative to the retainer 11. The downstream fins 31 and 32 rotate about a rotation axis in the vertical direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the limiting pins 31B of the downstream fin 31 and 32B of the downstream fin 32 are connected by a connecting rod 37. Therefore, in sync with the rotation of any one of the downstream fins 32 and 31, the remaining downstream fins also rotate. In the downstream fin assembly 15, corresponding to the operation of moving the adjustment knob 21 mounted on the downstream fin 32 to the left or right, the downstream fins 31 and 32 rotate to the left or right, changing the direction of air conditioning air blowing out of the air outlet 13A in the left or right direction.

[0048] The adjustment knob 21 can slide vertically within the mounting hole 33 while supported by the downstream fin 32. Furthermore, a limiting pin 32D is provided at the upper end of the downstream fin 32, which is inserted into a limiting hole (not shown) in the upper bearing member 35. By inserting the limiting pin 32D into the limiting hole, the rotation range of the downstream fin 32 is limited. Therefore, the left-right rotation range of the downstream fin assembly 15 is limited to a predetermined range.

[0049] (Upstream fin group 17)

[0050] The upstream fin assembly 17 is located upstream of the downstream fin assembly 15 and is within the retainer 11. The upstream fin assembly 17 has a plurality of (five in this embodiment) upstream fins 39 and auxiliary fin members 41. The five upstream fins 39 and the auxiliary fin members 41 are arranged in a state of separation from each other in the vertical direction. Three upstream fins 39 are arranged above the auxiliary fin members 41, and two upstream fins 39 are arranged below the auxiliary fin members 41. The upstream fins 39 are plate-shaped and generally rectangular, having a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction and being longer in the horizontal direction. The auxiliary fin members 41 are cylindrical and rectangular, being longer in the horizontal direction when viewed from the front, and have a through hole 41A extending in the front-rear direction. The through hole 41A is cut with a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction, resulting in a shape that is generally rectangular and longer in the horizontal direction. The upstream fin shaft 39A of the upstream fin 39 and the upstream fin shaft 41B of the auxiliary fin member 41 are held by bearing members 45 provided on each of the sidewalls 27 of a pair of sidewalls 27, and are held so as to be rotatable relative to the retainer 11. The upstream fin 39 and the auxiliary fin member 41 rotate about a rotation axis in the left-right direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the limiting pin 39B of the upstream fin 39 and the limiting pin 41D of the auxiliary fin member 41 are connected by a connecting rod 47. Therefore, in synchronization with the rotation of any one of the auxiliary fin member 41 and the five upstream fins 39, the remaining fins also rotate. Regarding the upstream fin group 17, when the adjustment knob 21 of the downstream fin 32 moves vertically, the action of the adjustment knob 21 is transmitted via the transmission shaft 65 (see below)... Figure 4 The airflow is transmitted to the annular member 49 of the auxiliary fin member 41, causing the upstream fin 39 and the auxiliary fin member 41 to rotate in the vertical direction. The auxiliary fin member 41 has a through hole 41A and its opposing walls in the vertical direction are thinner plates, functioning as a fin to change the flow of air conditioning air. As for the upstream fin group 17, rotating the upstream fin 39 and the auxiliary fin member 41 in the vertical direction changes the direction in which the air conditioning air is blown out from the air outlet 13A.

[0052] (Adjusting operation knob 21, etc.)

[0053] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the adjustment knob 21 includes an adjustment disc 51, an adjustment section 52, an adjustment cover 55, a mounting plate 57, and a connecting shaft 59. The adjustment disc 51 is mounted on the front surface of the cylindrical adjustment section 52 and rotates together with the adjustment section 52. A position mark 51A indicating the rotational position of the adjustment knob 21 is provided on the adjustment disc 51. The adjustment section 52 is cylindrical. A knurling process (e.g., knurling) is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment section 52 to prevent fingers from slipping when operating the adjustment knob 21.

[0054] The adjustment cover 55 has extension portions 55B that extend from the cylindrical main body 55A in the vertical direction to both sides, and four slits 55C are formed between the main body 55A and the extension portions 55B in the circumferential direction. A portion of the downstream fin 32 constituting the mounting hole 33 is inserted from the upstream side into each of the four slits 55C. As a result, the adjustment operation knob 21 can slide parallel to the axial direction (vertical direction) of the downstream fin 32 with the mounting hole 33 partially inserted into the slit 55C.

[0055] The mounting plate 57 is a thin plate with a predetermined width in the left-right direction and a longer length in the vertical direction, and a through hole 57A is formed in the center in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the mounting plate 57 has engaging portions 57B on both sides of the through hole 57A in the vertical direction. Each pair of engaging portions 57B is a rod-shaped part protruding downstream. The connecting shaft 59 has a rod-shaped shaft portion 59A and a circular plate portion 59B provided at the upstream end of the shaft portion 59A. The shaft portion 59A extends in a direction perpendicular to the downstream surface of the circular plate portion 59B.

[0056] Mounting plate 57 is used to insert and lock the engaging claw 55D of the adjusting cover 55 located at the upstream end (top) of the extension portion 55B, thereby fixing it relative to the adjusting cover 55. Additionally, connecting shaft 59 is inserted into the adjusting cover 55 from the upstream side through the through hole 57A of mounting plate 57. Adjusting portion 52 is fixed to the downstream end (top) of shaft portion 59A. Adjusting disc 51, adjusting portion 52, and connecting shaft 59 are held together by adjusting cover 55 so that they can rotate about an axis in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, engaging portion 57B of mounting plate 57 is inserted into mounting hole 33 from the upstream side. Thus, engaging portion 57B restricts the left-right movement of adjusting operation knob 21 relative to downstream fin 32. Adjusting operation knob 21 can be stably slid in the up-down direction relative to downstream fin 32.

[0057] The circular plate portion 59B of the connecting shaft 59 engages with a pair of claw portions 57D provided on the upstream side of the mounting plate 57, thus restricting the axial position of the shaft portion 59A. On the other hand, the circular plate portion 59B is supported so that it can rotate relative to the mounting plate 57 about the axial direction of the shaft portion 59A while engaged with the claw portions 57D. The connecting shaft 59 rotates integrally with the adjusting disc 51 and the adjusting part 52. Furthermore, a leaf spring 62 is mounted on the upstream side of the mounting plate 57. The leaf spring 62 provides a click-sensitive feedback to the adjusting operation knob 21. For example, the protrusion of the leaf spring 62 can be inserted into the recess of the circular plate portion 59B by elastic force. Regarding the leaf spring 62, for example, when the adjusting operation knob 21 (adjusting part 52) ​​is rotated to the open position of the damper 19 or the closed position of the damper 19, the protrusion engages with the recess by elastic force. Therefore, the user's finger can be given a moderate tactile feedback when operating the adjustment knob 21 in conjunction with the opening or closing action of the damper 19. In addition, the rotational position of the adjustment knob 21 can be kept in the open and closed positions of the damper 19, and the shaking of the connecting shaft 59 can be suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, the mounting plate 57 is mounted on the downstream fin 32 with the load-applying member 63 mounted on its downstream side. When the adjustment knob 21 is slidably moved, the load-applying member 63 slides relative to the downstream fin 32 and applies a suitable load using friction. Thus, the load-applying member 63 provides a suitable tactile feedback to the user's fingers operating the adjustment knob 21 and suppresses any wobble of the adjustment knob 21 relative to the sliding position of the mounting hole 33.

[0059] Furthermore, a transmission shaft 65 is mounted on the upstream side of the circular plate portion 59B. A forked swing connection portion 65A is provided at the downstream end of the transmission shaft 65. A swing connecting member 67 is rotatably mounted on the inner side of the forked portion of the swing connecting member 65A. The swing connecting member 67 is axially supported by the swing connecting member 65A in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the transmission shaft 65. In addition, the swing connecting member 67 is rotatably embedded (axially supported) by a shaft portion 59D provided on the upstream side of the circular plate portion 59B. The swing connecting member 67 is axially supported by the shaft portion 59D in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the transmission shaft 65 and orthogonal to the axis supported by the swing connecting member 65A. Thus, the transmission shaft 65 is connected to the connecting shaft 59 (adjustment operation knob 21) via a universal joint (joint mechanism). Between the shaft portion 59A of the connecting shaft 59 and the transmission shaft 65, they can rotate and swing in all directions orthogonal to each other's axes, and can transmit rotational force about the shaft portion 59A (adjustment operation knob 21).

[0060] Furthermore, a generally rectangular universal joint engagement portion 69 is provided at the upstream end of the transmission shaft 65. On the outer peripheral surface of the universal joint engagement portion 69, in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the transmission shaft 65, pins 69A are respectively provided. A pair of pins 69A protrude outwards in a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface of the universal joint engagement portion 69 (orthogonal to the axis of the transmission shaft 65). The rotation of the transmission shaft 65, i.e., the rotation of the adjustment operation knob 21, is transmitted to the damper 19 via the damper drive mechanism 71 described later. The universal joint engagement portion 69 is inserted into the hub member 73 of the damper drive mechanism 71.

[0061] A cylindrical portion 73A is provided on the downstream side of the hub member 73. Four grooves 73B are formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 73A along the axial direction of the cylindrical shape. The four grooves 73B are spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction and extend from the opening of the cylindrical portion 73A along the axial direction to the bottom of the cylindrical portion 73A. A pair of pins 69A of the universal joint engaging portion 69 can move along the grooves 73B while being inserted into and engaged in two of the four grooves 73B. The transmission shaft 65 can swing relative to the hub member 73 with the pins 69A inserted into the grooves 73B. Furthermore, as described later, the hub member 73 can rotate relative to the housing member 74 about an axis in the front-rear direction. Additionally, a protrusion 69D is provided on the upstream side of the universal joint engaging portion 69 to reduce the contact area with the bottom surface of the cylindrical portion 73A. For example, the protrusion 69D is formed on the upstream side of the universal joint engagement portion 69, and the intersection of the cross-shaped ribs orthogonal to the axial direction of the transmission shaft 65 protrudes upstream. Furthermore, the height of the cross ribs of the protrusion 69D decreases as it moves away from the intersection point (outwards). Thus, the transmission shaft 65 is also connected to the hub member 73 via the universal joint (joint mechanism), and can rotate and oscillate in all directions orthogonal to each other's axes between itself and the cylindrical portion 73A of the hub member 73, and can transmit the rotational force of the transmission shaft 65 about its axis to the hub member 73. Therefore, the transmission shaft 65 is connected in such a way that it can tumble relative to the hub member 73 while transmitting its own rotation, which is rotated according to the adjustment operation knob 21, to the hub member 73. Furthermore, by providing the protrusion 69D, the rotational force can be transmitted while reducing the frictional resistance between the transmission shaft 65 and the cylindrical portion 73A.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, an annular member 49 is installed inside the auxiliary fin member 41. The annular member 49 is annular in shape with a generally rectangular cross-section that is longer in the left-right direction, and can be rotated via a support shaft 41E parallel to the upstream fin axis 41B of the auxiliary fin member 41. The transmission shaft 65 is installed with the annular member 49 inserted into it. The vertical sliding of the adjustment knob 21 is transmitted to the auxiliary fin member 41 via the transmission shaft 65 and the annular member 49. In addition, the five upstream fins 39 rotate synchronously with the auxiliary fin member 41 via the connecting rod 47. As a result, the upstream fins 39 and the auxiliary fin member 41 rotate vertically in accordance with the vertical sliding of the adjustment knob 21. Therefore, the vertical movement of the upstream fin assembly 17 and the adjustment knob 21 causes the blowing direction of the air conditioning air blown out of the air outlet 13A to change vertically.

[0063] (Air door 19, etc.)

[0064] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the damper 19 has a first damper plate 81 and a second damper plate 82. The first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82 are flat and are configured to overlap each other in the closed position (see reference). Figure 2 For example, a plurality of protrusions 81D are formed on the outer periphery of the plane facing the second damper plate 82 in the closed position of the first damper plate 81. These protrusions 81D cause the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82 to make point contact in the closed position.

[0065] The damper 19 is axially supported by the bearing portion 83A of the damper support member 83. The damper 19 is rotatably supported by the damper support member 83 with the convex damper shaft portion 81A of the first damper plate 81 inserted into the concave damper shaft portion 82A of the second damper plate 82, and is axially supported so as to rotate around the same axis. The damper support member 83 is held by a retaining member 85 fixed to the retainer 11. Therefore, the damper 19 is rotatably held in a predetermined position within the ventilation duct 23 via the retaining member 85 and the damper support member 83.

[0066] A retaining member 85 is disposed between the upstream fin assembly 17 and the damper 19 in the air supply direction 25. The retaining member 85 has a main body portion 85A and a pair of column portions 85B. The main body portion 85A is formed in an annular shape, into which the cylindrical portion 73A of the hub member 73 is inserted from the upstream side. The main body portion 85A has a through hole whose size matches the outer peripheral shape of the cylindrical portion 73A. A plurality of ribs 73D are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 73A along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 73A. The cylindrical portion 73A is held in the state of being inserted into the main body portion 85A so that it can rotate in a state where the ribs 73D are in contact with or slightly separated from the inner wall of the main body portion 85A. In other words, the main body portion 85A has a through hole whose size corresponds to that of the cylindrical portion 73A and the ribs 73D.

[0067] A pair of column portions 85B are plate-shaped with planes parallel to the left-right and front-back directions. One end is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 85A, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the retainer 11. Thus, the main body portion 85A is fixed at a predetermined position in the air supply direction 25 by the pair of column portions 85B. The damper support member 83 has a cylindrical main body portion 83B in the central part in the vertical direction. The bearing portion 83A supporting the damper 19 is formed at the upstream end of the four plates 83D fixed to the main body portion 83B.

[0068] With the main body 85A inserted into the main body 83B, the damper support member 83 is fixed relative to the retaining member 85. The damper support member 83 is secured relative to the retaining member 85 by engaging the claw portion 85D provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 85A with the engaging portion 83E. Furthermore, the damper support member 83 is mounted on the retaining member 85 with the column portion 85B inserted into the notch of the main body 83B. Additionally, a positioning member 85E protruding from the outer peripheral surface is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 85A. Furthermore, an insertion hole is formed in the damper support member 83 for the positioning member 85E to be inserted. Therefore, when installing the damper support member 83 onto the retaining member 85, the user can assemble the damper support member 83 onto the retaining member 85 using the positioning member 85E as a marker, thus preventing errors in the assembly direction.

[0069] Furthermore, a damper-side gear portion 81B is formed at the center of the downstream end of the first damper plate 81. Similarly, a damper-side gear portion 82B is formed at the center of the downstream end of the second damper plate 82. The damper-side gear portion 81B is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the damper shaft portion 81A, extending from the downstream end of the first damper plate 81 to the left side. The damper-side gear portion 82B is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the damper shaft portion 82A, extending from the downstream end of the second damper plate 82 to the right side. Therefore, damper-side gear portions 81B and 82B are formed at the ends of the damper drive mechanism 71 (gear member 76) on the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82, respectively (downstream side and front side). The damper 19 is assembled to the damper support member 83 with the damper-side gear portions 81B and 82B engaged with the gear member 76 of the damper drive mechanism 71 (described later). The damper 19 opens and closes in conjunction with the rotation of the gear assembly 76. The first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82... Figure 2 The open position, which opens the ventilation duct 23, is achieved by rotating the adjustment knob 21 in a direction that separates them (expanding in the left-right direction). The rotation of the adjustment knob 21 is transmitted to the damper 19 via the transmission shaft 65 and the damper drive mechanism 71. Regarding the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82, for example, when the adjustment knob 21 is turned from... Figure 2 When the position shown is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, it becomes Figure 7 The closed position is shown. The first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82 expand in the left and right directions respectively, so that the outer periphery contacts the inner wall of the retainer 11, so that the ventilation duct 23 is in a closed state.

[0070] (Damper drive mechanism 71)

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the damper drive mechanism 71 has a hub component 73, a housing component 74, and a cam component 75 sequentially from the downstream side. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram shows the damper drive mechanism 71 assembled with the retaining member 85. The hub member 73 and the retaining member 85 are... Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the state shown, the main body 83B of the damper support member 83 is inserted from the downstream side.

[0072] like Figures 10-12As shown, the housing member 74 has a main body portion 74A and a wall portion 74B. The main body portion 74A is cylindrical in shape with a predetermined thickness in the front-rear direction. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the main body portion 74A is elliptical in shape. A hub recess 74D is formed on the downstream side of the main body portion 74A. The hub recess 74D is formed such that it is recessed towards the upstream side along the front-rear direction. A hub shaft 74F is provided at the bottom 74E of the hub recess 74D to provide shaft support for the hub member 73. The hub recess 74D is a cylindrical hole with a circular cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting with a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the hub shaft 74F. The hub shaft 74F is located at the center of the circular bottom 74E.

[0073] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the hub member 73 has a cylindrical portion 73A extending in the front-rear direction. The bottom 73E of the cylindrical portion 73A is circular. A hub bearing hole 73F is formed at the center of the upstream face of the bottom 73E. The hub bearing hole 73F extends through the bottom 73E in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 73A, that is, in the front-rear direction. The cross-sectional shape of the hub bearing hole 73F is circular. In the hub member 73, the end including the bottom 73E on the upstream side is inserted into the hub recess 74D of the housing member 74, and a hub shaft 74F is inserted into the hub bearing hole 73F. The hub member 73 rotates relative to the fixed housing member 74 about the hub shaft 74F in the front-rear direction.

[0074] like Figures 10-12 As shown, the wall portion 74B is an arc-shaped wall formed along the outer periphery of the main body portion 74A and protruding downstream (front). A claw portion 74G is formed in the wall portion 74B that engages with the engaging hole of the main body portion 83B of the damper support member 83. Regarding the housing member 74, by engaging the claw portion 74G with the main body portion 83B, its relative position to the damper support member 83 is fixed (see reference). Figure 6 Additionally, a retaining claw 85F for holding member 85 is formed in the wall portion 74B (see reference). Figure 6 The engaging hole 74H engages with the housing member 74. By engaging the engaging claw 85F with the engaging hole 74H, the relative position of the housing member 74 with respect to the retaining member 85 is fixed. Thus, the relative position of the housing member 74 with respect to the retainer 11 is fixed.

[0075] like Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, a flange 73G is formed in the cylindrical portion 73A of the hub member 73. The flange 73G is a circular plate shape formed from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 73A outward in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The aforementioned four ribs 73D are formed axially in the portion other than the flange 73G (at the position where the flange 73G is clamped in the front-rear direction). The rib 73D downstream of the flange 73G contacts the inner wall of the main body portion 85A of the retaining member 85, reducing the contact area between the hub member 73 and the retaining member 85. In addition, the rib 73D upstream of the flange 73G contacts the inner wall of the hub recess 74D of the housing member 74, reducing the contact area between the hub member 73 and the housing member 74. As a result, the hub member 73 can make point contact with the retaining member 85 and the housing member 74, and the hub member 73 can rotate smoothly relative to the retaining member 85 and the housing member 74.

[0076] A flange portion 73G is formed axially in the cylindrical portion 73A at a predetermined height 91 from the bottom 73E. The flange portion 73G extends to a region further outward than the rib portion 73D. (Example...) Figure 9 As shown, the hub member 73 is mounted such that the flange portion 73G is sandwiched between the main body portion 74A and the main body portion 85A in the front-rear direction. A plurality of (e.g., four) rib portions 74J are formed on the end face of the main body portion 74A on the side near the flange portion 73G. The four rib portions 74J are formed at approximately 90-degree intervals on the downstream end face of the main body portion 74A (see reference). Figure 11 Furthermore, multiple (e.g., four) ribs 85G are formed on the end face of the main body 85A on the side near the flange 73G. The four ribs 85G are formed at 90-degree intervals on the upstream end face of the main body 85A. The housing member 74 and the retaining member 85 each make point contact with the hub member 73 not only in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, but also make point contact between the ribs 74J and 85G and the flange 73G in the axial (front-rear direction), thereby enabling the hub member 73 to rotate more smoothly relative to the retaining member 85 and the housing member 74. Furthermore, regarding the hub member 73, when the cylindrical portion 73A, which is upstream of the flange 73G, is inserted into the hub recess 74D, the ribs 74J are either in contact with the upstream side of the flange 73G, or the upstream side of the flange 73G is slightly separated from the ribs 74J. In other words, the height 91 of the flange 73G is formed (refer to...). Figure 13 The height at which the upstream side of the flange 73G is in contact with or slightly separated from the rib 74J when the cylindrical part 73A is inserted into the hub recess 74D is such that the flange 73G is at a height where the flange 73G is in contact with or slightly separated from the rib 74J.

[0077] like Figures 10-12As shown, an insertion hole 74K is formed at the bottom 74E. The insertion hole 74K is formed, for example, with the hub shaft 74F as the center, in an arc shape along the edge of the bottom 74E (the inner wall of the hub recess 74D) with a predetermined radius and within a predetermined angle range. The predetermined angle range for forming the insertion hole 74K is, for example, approximately 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees. Furthermore, as... Figure 13 As shown, a hub pin 73H is formed on the upstream side of the bottom 73E. The hub pin 73H is, for example, a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger (thicker) than the inner diameter of the hub bearing bore 73F, and is formed along the axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom 73E, i.e., along the cylindrical portion 73A. The hub pin 73H is formed, for example, on the edge of the circular upstream side of the bottom 73E. The hub pin 73H is inserted into the insertion hole 74K with the hub member 73 mounted on the housing member 74, and its tip protrudes upstream from the insertion hole 74K. The groove width of the insertion hole 74K is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hub pin 73H. The hub pin 73H moves within the insertion hole 74K in response to the rotation of the adjustment operation knob 21.

[0078] In addition, such as Figures 10-12 As shown, a cam recess 74L is formed on the upstream side of the main body 74A. The cam recess 74L is recessed downstream along the front-rear direction. A cam bearing hole 74N for supporting the cam member 75 is formed at the bottom 74M of the cam recess 74L. The bottom 74M is formed on the back side of the downstream bottom 74E. The bottom 74M is a cylindrical hole with a circular cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting with a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The cam bearing hole 74N is located in the center of the circular bottom 74M and extends through the bottom 74M, connecting the upstream bottom 74M and the downstream bottom 74E.

[0079] The upstream cam recess 74L and the downstream hub recess 74D are located offset in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, i.e., the axial direction of the hub shaft 74F. For example, the cam bearing bore 74N is located in... Figure 12 The cam member 74A is offset from the hub shaft 74F by an offset width 93 in the vertical direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the offset direction 95). The offset width 93 is, for example, 3 mm. Therefore, the circular bottom 74E is located at a position offset from the bottom 74M by an offset width 93 in the offset direction 95. The cam bearing hole 74N is located at a position offset from the center of the bottom 74E, that is, from the hub shaft 74F by an offset width 93. Conversely, the hub shaft 74F is located at a position offset from the center of the bottom 74M, that is, from the cam bearing hole 74N by an offset width 93. Therefore, when the main body 74A is viewed from the front-rear direction, the main body 74A has an elliptical shape that expands in the offset direction 95. The cam member 75 of this embodiment has an eccentric structure centered on a rotation axis that is offset relative to the hub member 73.

[0080] The insertion hole 74K is formed along the outer periphery of the bottom 74E from a position where the cam bearing hole 74N is sandwiched in the offset direction 95 and located on the side opposite to the hub shaft 74F, to a position slightly higher than the hub shaft 74F in the offset direction 95 (a position away from the cam bearing hole 74N in the offset direction 95). Additionally, the wall portion 74B is provided in the offset direction 95 at the end where the cam bearing hole 74N is sandwiched in the offset direction and located on the side opposite to the hub shaft 74F. A rib 74J (see reference) is formed at the center of the circumference of the wall portion 74B, on its inner circumferential side. Figure 11 ).

[0081] like Figures 15-18 As shown, the cam member 75 is a circular plate with a predetermined thickness in the front-rear direction, and has a camshaft 75B on its downstream side 75A. The camshaft 75B is formed at the center of the circular downstream side 75A and protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the downstream side 75A. The cam member 75 is housed in the cam recess 74L with the camshaft 75B inserted into the cam bearing hole 74N of the housing member 74. The cam member 75 is housed in the portion surrounded in the axial direction of the camshaft 75B by the housing member 74 and the main body 83B of the damper support member 83 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 7 The cam member 75 is housed in the cam recess 74L in a state where it can rotate about the camshaft 75B.

[0082] Additionally, a cam insertion portion 75D is formed on the downstream side 75A for inserting the hub pin 73H of the hub member 73. The cam insertion portion 75D has a first insertion portion 75E, a second insertion portion 75F, and a connecting portion 75G that connects the first insertion portion 75E and the second insertion portion 75F. The first insertion portion 75E is used when the damper 19 is in the open position (see reference). Figure 2 The hub pin 73H is inserted in the state of (see) the second insertion part 75F when the damper 19 is in the closed position (refer to) Figure 7 The cam insertion portion 75D is positioned for insertion of the hub pin 73H in the state of (see top view of the downstream side 75A). The cam insertion portion 75D is roughly L-shaped, bent at the connecting portion 75G.

[0083] The curved corner 75H of the connecting portion 75G is located on the side opposite to the second insertion portion 75F, relative to the straight line 97 connecting the camshaft 75B and the first insertion portion 75E. The first insertion portion 75E is formed at the outer peripheral end of the downstream side surface 75A. The connecting portion 75G is formed on the path from the first insertion portion 75E toward the corner 75H, inclined toward the corner 75H than the straight line 97 (radial direction) and in a direction closer to the camshaft 75B. Furthermore, the cam insertion portion 75D is formed on the path from the corner 75H toward the second insertion portion 75F in a direction intersecting the straight line 97. The second insertion portion 75F is located close to the camshaft 75B.

[0084] Furthermore, regarding the cam member 75, the top end of the hub pin 73H, which protrudes upstream through the insertion hole 74K of the housing member 74, is inserted into the cam insertion portion 75D. As described above, the hub pin 73H moves within the insertion hole 74K in response to the rotation of the adjustment operation knob 21. For example, the hub pin 73H moves from... Figure 11 The first insertion position 98 shown moves toward the second insertion position 99. The first insertion position 98 is, for example, the position where the hub pin 73H is inserted when the damper 19 is in the open position, and is located on the side of the hub shaft 74F in the insertion hole 74K in the offset direction 95. The second insertion position 99 is the position where the hub pin 73H is inserted when the damper 19 is in the closed position, and is located on the side opposite to the hub shaft 74F in the offset direction 95, with the cam bearing hole 74N sandwiched in the middle. When the hub pin 73H moves from the first insertion position 98 toward the second insertion position 99 within the insertion hole 74K in accordance with the rotation of the adjustment operation knob 21, the cam member 75 rotates by engaging the hub pin 73H with the cam insertion portion 75D. The hub pin 73H moves within the insertion hole 74K and moves from the first insertion portion 75E to the second insertion portion 75F via the connecting portion 75G. When the hub pin 73H is positioned at the second insertion position 99, it is inserted into the second insertion part 75F.

[0085] like Figure 15As shown, when viewing the cam member 75 from above, the first distance L1 between the first insertion portion 75E and the camshaft 75B is longer than the second distance L2 between the second insertion portion 75F and the camshaft 75B. More specifically, a portion of the first insertion portion 75E is formed along the outer periphery of the circular shape of the cam member 75. The second insertion portion 75F is formed near the camshaft 75B. The first distance L1 is, for example, the distance between the outer periphery end of the first insertion portion 75E (the portion that becomes the outer periphery end of the downstream side 75A) and the camshaft 75B. The second distance L2 is, for example, the distance between the end of the hub pin 73H in the moving direction (the end furthest from the connecting portion 75G) in the second insertion portion 75F and the camshaft 75B. In this case, the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 are the distances between the camshaft 75B and each end of the cam insertion portion 75D, and the first distance L1 is longer than the second distance L2.

[0086] Additionally, a gear member 76 is provided on the upstream side of the cam member 75. A pair of gear engaging portions 75K are formed on the upstream side 75J of the cam member 75. Each of the pair of gear engaging portions 75K is a generally rectangular plate extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the upstream side 75J. The pair of gear engaging portions 75K are erected on the upstream side 75J in a manner parallel to each other's planes. The pair of gear engaging portions 75K are connected to each other by a base 75L at their base ends. The pair of gear engaging portions 75K are inserted into the gear member 76.

[0087] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the gear member 76 is generally circular in shape, with teeth 76A formed at predetermined intervals along its outer periphery. The teeth 76A are inclined upwards. Thus, the gear member 76 meshes with the damper-side gears 81B and 82B of the damper 19, respectively, and transmits rotational force in a meshing state where their rotation axes are perpendicular (the rotation axis of the gear member 76 and the rotation axis of the damper 19 are orthogonal), a state similar to that of a bevel gear. A gear insertion hole 76B is formed through the center of the gear member 76 for inserting a pair of gear engaging portions 75K. Claw portions 75M are formed at the top ends of each pair of gear engaging portions 75K. Each pair of gear engaging portions 75K protrudes upwards from the gear insertion hole 76B at its top end, and the claw portion 75M engages with the periphery of the gear insertion hole 76B, thereby mounting the gear member 76 (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0088] Furthermore, a generally cuboid-shaped gear engagement portion 75N is formed on the outer side of the base end of the pair of gear engagement portions 75K, facing each other. Additionally, a pair of recesses 76D, corresponding in shape to the gear engagement portions 75N, are formed on the downstream side of the gear insertion hole 76B. Regarding the cam member 75, the pair of gear engagement portions 75K are inserted into the gear insertion hole 76B, and the pair of gear engagement portions 75N are respectively inserted into the pair of recesses 76D. This allows for efficient transmission of rotation of the cam member 75 to the gear member 76. Furthermore, the gear engagement portions 75N can indicate the rotational position of the gear member 76 when mounted on the cam member 75, improving assemblability.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the gear member 76 is installed with its downstream portion partially inserted into a through hole 83F provided at the bottom of the main body 83B of the damper support member 83. A rib 83G is formed annularly on the downstream side of the bottom of the main body 83B, surrounding the opening of the through hole 83F. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, a plurality of (e.g., four) ribs 75P are formed on the upstream side of the housing member 74. With regard to the housing member 74, the ribs 83G and 75P make point contact with the bottom of the main body 83B, thereby reducing the contact area and maintaining smooth rotation relative to the damper support member 83.

[0090] (The opening and closing action of damper 19)

[0091] Next, the opening and closing action of damper 19 will be explained. Figure 21 It shows that Figure 2 The sectional view obtained by cutting along line BB shown. Figure 22 It shows that Figure 2 The sectional view is obtained by cutting along the CC line as shown. Furthermore, to show the relative positional relationships of the components, in... Figure 21 The cylindrical portion 73A is shown in dashed lines. Additionally, Figure 21 , Figure 22 The diagram shows the state where the adjustment knob 21 is in the position where the damper 19 is open. In this state, for example, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the position mark 51A of the adjustment knob 21 is at the top (the 12 o'clock position on a clock). For the damper 19, by turning the adjustment knob 21... Figure 1 The indicated position is rotated clockwise, gradually causing the damper 19 to flip and close the ventilation duct 23. For example, when position mark 51A is rotated clockwise... Figure 1 When the state shown is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the damper 19 is in the position shown. Figure 7The closed position shown is where the ventilation duct 23 is completely closed.

[0092] When the user closes the damper 19, the adjustment knob 21 is rotated clockwise. Figure 23 , Figure 24 This demonstrates how the transmission shaft 65 is moved from the control knob 21 by means of adjustment. Figure 21 , Figure 22 The state after rotating each of the indicated positions by 40 degrees. For example... Figure 23 , Figure 24 As shown, hub pin 73H moves from the first insertion position 98 to the second insertion position 99 along the arc shape of the insertion hole 74K. Additionally, hub pin 73H is also inserted into the cam insertion portion 75D, thus engaging with the cam insertion portion 75D and causing the cam member 75 to rotate. As described above, the hub shaft 74F is located at a position offset from the cam shaft 75B, therefore the cam member 75 rotates around the cam shaft 75B, which is eccentrically positioned relative to the hub shaft 74F of the hub member 73. Depending on the differences in the rotation center, rotation radius, and rotation trajectory, hub pin 73H moves from the first insertion portion 75E to the connecting portion 75G while engaging with the insertion hole 74K and the cam insertion portion 75D.

[0093] Figure 25 , Figure 26 This shows how the transmission shaft 65 is moved from... Figure 21 , Figure 22 The state after rotating each of the indicated positions by 90 degrees. For example... Figure 25 , Figure 26 As shown, hub pin 73H moves within insertion hole 74K and reaches second insertion position 99. Additionally, hub pin 73H moves within cam insertion portion 75D and from first insertion portion 75E to second insertion portion 75F. Cam insertion portion 75D rotates to second insertion position 99, where it overlaps with second insertion position 99 in the front-rear direction. Regarding cam member 75, by positioning cam insertion portion 75D in... Figure 25 The position is such that the damper 19 is rotated to the closed position by means of the gear component 76. The ventilation duct 23 is then closed by the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82 (see reference). Figure 7 Furthermore, hub pin 73H is positioned such that a gap is created between its end in the insertion hole 74K and the end on the side of the second insertion position 99. Additionally, hub pin 73H is positioned such that a gap is created between its end in the cam insertion portion 75D and the end on the side of the second insertion portion 75F.

[0094] Figure 27 , Figure 28 This shows how the transmission shaft 65 is moved from... Figure 21 , Figure 22 The state after rotating each indicated position by 100 degrees. For example... Figure 27 , Figure 28 As shown, hub pin 73H travels 10 degrees clockwise within insertion hole 74K. Hub pin 73H is positioned within insertion hole 74K in contact with or near the end of the second insertion position 99. Furthermore, hub pin 73H travels further within cam insertion portion 75D towards the end of the second insertion portion 75F. However, cam insertion portion 75D does not... Figure 25 The damper 19 shown rotates to its closed position (its posture remains unchanged). That is, the cam component 75 does not rotate. From... Figure 25 , Figures 26 to 27 , Figure 28 During the process, the area where the hub pin 73H travels within the insertion hole 74K and the cam insertion portion 75D functions as the remaining area 101 where no rotational force (idling) is applied to the cam member 75 (see reference). Figure 25 , Figure 26 In other words, the cam insertion portion 75D has a remaining region 101 that allows the hub pin 73H to move further within the cam insertion portion 75D toward the second insertion portion 75F from the state where the cam member 75 is positioned in the closed position of the damper 19. Similarly, the insertion hole 74K has a remaining region 101 that allows the hub pin 73H to move further within the insertion hole 74K toward the second insertion position 99 from the state where the cam member 75 is positioned in the closed position of the damper 19. Thus, the hub pin 73H can move within the insertion hole 74K and the cam insertion portion 75D without rotating the cam member 75.

[0095] In this embodiment of the air conditioner 10, a connector mechanism is used to connect the transmission shaft 65 and transmit the rotation of the adjustment operation knob 21. With this structure, there is a concern that when the angle between the axes of the adjustment operation knob 21 and the transmission shaft 65, and the angle between the axes of the transmission shaft 65 and the damper drive mechanism 71 (hub member 73) increases, the rotational deviation between the adjustment operation knob 21 and the hub member 73 increases. For example, operating the adjustment operation knob 21 moves the downstream fin assembly 15 to the left and the upstream fin assembly 17 to the upward. When the fins are rotated to such a position of maximum mobility, there is a concern that even if the adjustment operation knob 21 is rotated 90 degrees, the hub member 73 will not rotate 90 degrees, resulting in insufficient rotation. Consequently, the cam member 75 will not rotate to the closed position, and the damper 19 will not close. Conversely, according to the structure of the air conditioner 10, there exists a situation where, when the intersection angle between the axis of the adjustment knob 21 and the axis of the transmission shaft 65, and the intersection angle between the axis of the transmission shaft 65 and the axis of the hub member 73, increases, even though the adjustment knob 21 is rotated 90 degrees, the hub member 73 rotates as... Figure 27 , Figure 28The angle is more than 90 degrees, as shown. This raises concerns about excessive rotation. In this case, there is a concern that the damper 19 may unnecessarily contact and interfere with the inner wall of the retainer 11, causing abnormal noise.

[0096] In contrast, in the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, by rotating the cam member 75 using an eccentric shaft relative to the hub member 73, the difference in the rotation amount between the two members can be adjusted. In the structure of this embodiment, as... Figure 27 , Figure 28 As shown, the radius of rotation R2 that allows the cam insert 75D to move (rotate) in response to the rotation of the adjustment knob 21 is larger than the radius of rotation R1 that allows the hub pin 73H to move (rotate) in response to the rotation of the adjustment knob 21. In other words, the cam member 75 can rotate more than the hub member 73. The difference between the radii R1 and R2 can be changed, for example, by adjusting the shape and position of the insert hole 74K, the shape of the cam insert 75D, the offset width 93 between the hub shaft 74F and the cam shaft 75B, and the positional relationship between the hub pin 73H and the cam shaft 75B. Therefore, by adjusting the positional relationship between the hub pin 73H and the cam shaft 75B, it is also possible to conversely make the radius of rotation R2 of the cam insert 75D moving (rotating) in response to the rotation of the adjustment knob 21 smaller than the radius of rotation R1 of the hub pin 73H moving (rotating) in response to the rotation of the adjustment knob 21. In other words, the rotation of the cam member 75 can be less than that of the hub member 73. This eliminates under-rotation and over-rotation of the cam component 75, and allows the damper 19 to be properly closed.

[0097] Furthermore, by providing the aforementioned residual region 101, even in cases where the cross angle increases and the rotation angle of the hub member 73 exceeds 90 degrees, the remaining rotation can be absorbed by allowing the hub pin 73H to idle. In other words, by providing such a residual region 101, the rotation of the hub member 73 can be allowed to reach an angle of 90 degrees or more. This also eliminates insufficient rotation of the cam member 75, resulting in more reliable closure of the damper 19. Moreover, while the above description only addresses the action of closing the damper 19, the same principle applies to the action of rotating the adjustment knob 21 in the direction of opening the ventilation duct 23; insufficient or excessive rotation can also be eliminated.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the downstream fin assembly 15 and the upstream fin assembly 17 are examples of fins. The adjustment operation knob 21 is an example of an operation knob. The hub pin 73H is an example of a hub protrusion. The cam recess 74L is an example of a first recess. The hub recess 74D is an example of a second recess. The retaining member 85 is an example of a mounting part. The rib 85G is an example of a retainer-side rib. The rib 74J is an example of a cover-side rib. The damper-side gear 81B is an example of a first damper-side gear. The damper-side gear 82B is an example of a second damper-side gear. The tooth 76A is an example of a cam-side tooth.

[0099] The above-described implementation method achieves the following effects.

[0100] (1) In the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, the transmission shaft 65 and the adjustment operation knob 21, as well as the transmission shaft 65 and the hub member 73, are connected by a joint mechanism (e.g., a universal joint). In the housing member 74, the cam shaft 75B is held at a position offset from a straight line along the axial direction of the hub shaft 74F in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hub shaft 74F (offset direction 95), and the cam member 75 is rotated by the eccentric cam shaft 75B in accordance with the rotation of the hub member 73. Thus, when the adjustment operation knob 21 is rotated, its rotation is transmitted to the hub member 73 of the damper drive mechanism 71 via the joint mechanism. The cam member 75 is inserted into the hub pin 73H of the hub member 73 and rotates about the cam shaft 75B as the hub member 73 rotates. As the cam member 75 rotates, it causes the damper drive mechanism 71 to flip between the open and closed positions.

[0101] Here, assuming a camshaft 75B is arranged on the axis of hub shaft 74F, and the cam member 75 rotates coaxially with hub member 73, in the above case, the angle between the axes of adjustment operation knob 21 and transmission shaft 65 is large, resulting in a larger rotational deviation between adjustment operation knob 21 and cam member 75. In contrast, in housing member 74, camshaft 75B is held at a position offset relative to hub shaft 74F, and cam member 75 rotates in an eccentric position corresponding to the rotation of hub member 73. Cam member 75 rotates about camshaft 75B with an eccentric position relative to hub member 73, and rotates in conjunction with hub member 73. In such a structure, for example, by adjusting the shape of insertion hole 74K, cam insertion portion 75D, offset width 93, etc., the difference between rotation radii R1 and R2 can be changed. Therefore, the amount of oscillation of damper 19 can be adjusted, eliminating excessive or insufficient damper movement.

[0102] (2) Furthermore, the hub pin 73H moves within the insertion hole 74K as the hub member 73 rotates around the hub shaft 74F, and moves within the cam insertion portion 75D while engaging with it. By configuring the hub pin 73H to be able to move relative to both the housing member 74 and the cam member 75, the situation where movement is restricted due to contact with both the housing member 74 and the cam member 75 can be suppressed. Therefore, in the eccentrically rotating hub member 73 and cam member 75, the rotation of the hub member 73 can be smoothly transmitted to the cam member 75.

[0103] (3) Furthermore, the insertion hole 74K is shaped like an arc with the hub shaft 74F as the center. The cam shaft 75B is located between the insertion hole 74K and the hub shaft 74F when viewed from the axial direction of the cam shaft 75B. As a result, the cam insertion part 75D (cam member 75) can rotate around the cam shaft 75B, which is located between the insertion hole 74K and the hub shaft 74F. The cam insertion part 75D can rotate along an arc-shaped trajectory along the shape of the insertion hole 74K.

[0104] (4) Furthermore, the cam insertion portion 75D includes: a first insertion portion 75E, into which the hub pin 73H is inserted when the damper 19 is in the open position; and a second insertion portion 75F, into which the hub pin 73H is inserted when the damper 19 is in the closed position. Moreover, the first distance L1 between the first insertion portion 75E and the camshaft 75B is longer than the second distance L2 between the second insertion portion 75F and the camshaft 75B (see reference). Figure 15 Therefore, the second insertion part 75F can be positioned closer to the camshaft 75B, and the hub pin 73H can be positioned closer to the camshaft 75B when the damper 19 is in the closed position.

[0105] (5) Furthermore, the cam insertion portion 75D has a connecting portion 75G that connects the first insertion portion 75E and the second insertion portion 75F, and the connecting portion 75G is curved. The curved corner 75H of the connecting portion 75G is located on the opposite side of the second insertion portion 75F relative to the straight line 97 connecting the camshaft 75B and the first insertion portion 75E (see reference). Figure 15Therefore, when the damper 19 is closed, the hub pin 73H can be moved towards the second insertion portion 75F while approaching the camshaft 75B, using the curved corner 75H. By inserting the hub pin 73H into the curved front second insertion portion 75F, it is possible to prevent the hub pin 73H from moving towards the first insertion portion 75E without operating the adjustment knob 21, that is, it is possible to prevent the damper 19 from opening on its own when it is closed. Conversely, by inserting the hub pin 73H into the first insertion portion 75E in the open position, it is also possible to prevent the damper 19 from closing on its own when it is open.

[0106] (6) Furthermore, the cam insertion portion 75D has a remaining area 101 at the end of the movement path of the hub pin 73H on the closed side when the damper 19 flips between the open and closed positions. Even when the damper 19 is in the closed position (the position where its movement is restricted due to contact with the air conditioner 10), if the adjustment operation knob 21 is rotated, the hub pin 73H is inserted into this remaining area 101. Thus, when the downstream fin assembly 15 and the upstream fin assembly 17 are swung to a certain position, if the transmission shaft 65 (hub member 73) rotates excessively by more than 90 degrees due to the deviation of the cross angle, the hub pin 73H can be inserted into the remaining area 101 to allow it to idle. This can suppress excessive interference and abnormal noise between the damper 19 and the retainer 11.

[0107] (7) Furthermore, the housing member 74 has: a cam recess 74L that accommodates the cam member 75 and has a circular cross-sectional shape; and a hub recess 74D that accommodates the bottom 73E of the hub member 73 and has a circular cross-sectional shape. The bottom 74M of the cam recess 74L, when viewed from the axial direction of the camshaft 75B, is formed at a position offset from the bottom 74E of the hub recess 74D along the direction connecting the camshaft 75B and the hub shaft 74F (offset direction 95). Thus, the cam recess 74L and the hub recess 74D can be arranged in the offset direction 95, which is offset from the camshaft 75B and the hub shaft 74F, and the cam member 75 and the hub member 73 can be accommodated. The overall size of the housing member 74 can be minimized; for example, the overall shape can be elliptical.

[0108] (8) Furthermore, in the retainer 11, a hub member 73 is mounted on the retaining member 85. The hub member 73 has a flange portion 73G that is held in the axial direction of the hub shaft 74F by the retaining member 85 and the housing member 74. In the retaining member 85, a plurality of ribs 85G protruding toward the flange portion 73G are formed. The housing member 74 has a plurality of ribs 74J protruding toward the flange portion 73G. The hub member 73 is held in the axial direction by the ribs 74J and 85G from both sides of the flange portion 73G and is supported so that it can rotate relative to the retaining member 85 and the housing member 74. As a result, the contact area between the retaining member 85 and the hub member 73, and the contact area between the housing member 74 and the hub member 73, can be reduced. The hub member 73 can rotate smoothly relative to the retaining member 85 and the housing member 74.

[0109] (9) Additionally, the damper 19 includes: a first damper plate 81 having a damper-side gear portion 81B; and a second damper plate 82 having a damper-side gear portion 82B. The cam member 75 has a gear member 76 that meshes with the damper-side gear portions 81B and 82B, causing the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82 to flip in a direction separating from each other, thereby closing the ventilation duct 23. The gear member 76 has teeth 76A along its circular outer periphery and rotates about a straight line along the axial direction of the cam shaft 75B as the cam member 75 rotates. The damper-side gear portion 81B meshes with the teeth 76A when supported so that it can rotate about the damper shaft portions 81A and 82A in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the cam shaft 75B (vertical direction in this embodiment). The damper-side gear portion 82B is supported so that it can rotate around the damper shaft portions 81A and 82A, and meshes with the gear portion 76A. It is positioned opposite to the damper-side gear portion 81B, with the gear member 76 sandwiched in the middle along the direction of the damper shaft portions 81A and 82A (vertical direction in this embodiment). The damper-side gear portions 81B and 82B are formed at the ends of the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82 on the side of the gear member 76 (downstream side and front side), respectively. Therefore, by providing the damper-side gear portions 81B and 82B at the ends of the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82, it is unnecessary to provide components for connection to the damper drive mechanism 71 on the flat portions of the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82. Therefore, unlike existing connecting mechanisms, it is unnecessary to form holes or other openings for accommodating connecting mechanisms (engaging arms, slots, etc.) at the connecting portion of the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82. When the first damper plate 81 and the second damper plate 82 are unfolded (in the closed position), leakage of air-conditioned air through the gap in the connecting portion of the damper 19 can be prevented. The damper 19 can be used to more reliably stop air-conditioned air.

[0110] Furthermore, it goes without saying that this application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

[0111] For example, in the above embodiment, a flat downstream fin assembly 15 is provided along the length direction (vertical direction) of the air outlet 13A, and a flat upstream fin assembly 17 is provided along the horizontal direction, but this can be modified appropriately. The downstream fin assembly 15 can be arranged in the horizontal direction, or the upstream fin assembly 17 can be arranged in the vertical direction. Additionally, the air outlet 13A can be made to be longer in the horizontal direction when viewed by a passenger.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a hub pin 73H is provided in the hub member 73 and a cam insertion portion 75D is provided in the cam member 75, but this is not limited to this. For example, a protrusion (pin, etc.) may be provided on the cam member 75 side, and a groove or through hole for inserting the protrusion may be provided on the hub member 73 side.

[0113] The number, shape, and position of the components of the air conditioner 10 in the above embodiments are examples. For example, the downstream fin group 15 is not limited to three fins, but may have one, two, or more than four fins. Additionally, the air conditioner 10 may have a structure that only includes one of the downstream fin group 15 and the upstream fin group 17. Alternatively, the camshaft 75B may not be positioned between the insertion hole 74K and the hub shaft 74F when viewed axially from the camshaft 75B. The bending shape of the cam insertion portion 75D is not limited to the letter L, but may be an acute or obtuse angle compared to an L-shape. Furthermore, the cam insertion portion 75D may be an arc shape connecting the first insertion portion 75E and the second insertion portion 75F. Alternatively, the hub shaft 74F may be provided in the hub member 73, and the hub bearing hole 73F may be provided in the housing member 74. Alternatively, the camshaft 75B may be provided in the housing member 74, and the cam bearing hole 74N may be provided in the cam member 75.

[0114] The joint mechanism of this application is not limited to universal joints (universal connectors), but may also be other joint mechanisms such as ball joints.

[0115] The hub protrusion of this application is not limited to a column shape such as hub pin 73H, but can also be a cuboid shape or other shapes.

[0116] Alternatively, the first insertion part 75E can be positioned closer to the camshaft 75B than the second insertion part 75F.

[0117] The number, shape, and position of the ribs 73D, 74J, and 85G are given as an example. For instance, more than five ribs 73D may be provided. Alternatively, a rib that makes point contact with the cylindrical portion 73A may be provided on the inner wall of the hub recess 74D.

[0118] The air conditioner in this application is not limited to air conditioners used in automobiles, but can also be an air conditioner used for air conditioning and ventilation in buildings.

[0119] The mechanism connecting the damper 19 and the damper drive mechanism 71 is not limited to gear mechanisms such as gear component 76, but may also be a structure using an arm and slot, a structure using a rack mechanism, etc.

[0120] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0121] 10. Air regulator; 11. Holder; 19. Damper; 21. Adjustment knob (operation knob); 23. Ventilation duct; 25. Air supply direction; 65. Transmission shaft; 71. Damper drive mechanism; 73. Hub component; 73E. Bottom; 73G. Flange; 73H. Hub pin (hub protrusion); 74. Housing component; 74D. Hub recess (second recess); 74F. Hub shaft; 74J. Rib (side rib); 74K. Insertion hole; 74L. Cam recess (first recess); 74E, 74M. Bottom 75. Cam assembly; 75B. Camshaft; 75D. Cam insertion part; 75E. First insertion part; 75F. Second insertion part; 75G. Connecting part; 76. Gear assembly; 76A. Tooth part (cam-side tooth part); 81. First damper plate; 81B. Damper-side gear part (first damper-side tooth part); 82. Second damper plate; 82B. Damper-side gear part (second damper-side tooth part); 85. Retaining member (mounting part); 85G. Rib part (retainer-side rib part); 97. Straight line; 101. Remaining area.

Claims

1. A damper, wherein, The air regulator includes a damper drive mechanism. For a damper that flips between an open position (open ventilation duct) and a closed position (closed ventilation duct), the damper drive mechanism changes the direction of rotation of the self-operating knob, which is transmitted via a transmission shaft, and transmits this change to the damper, causing the damper to flip between the open and closed positions. The damper drive mechanism includes: A hub component, which is connected to the operating knob via the transmission shaft; A housing member that holds the hub member so that it can rotate around its hub shaft; and A cam member, held by the housing member, is rotatable around its camshaft. This cam member is connected to the hub member and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the hub member to actuate the damper. The transmission shaft and the operating knob are connected by a joint mechanism, and the transmission shaft and the hub component are connected by a joint mechanism. The housing member holds the camshaft at a position offset from a straight line along the axial direction of the hub shaft in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hub shaft, and the cam member rotates accordingly using the eccentric camshaft.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The hub component has a hub protrusion. The housing component has an insertion hole for the hub protrusion to be inserted. The cam member has a cam insertion portion into which the hub protrusion is inserted via the insertion hole. The hub protrusion moves within the insertion hole as the hub member rotates around the hub shaft, and moves within the cam insertion portion while engaging with the cam insertion portion.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The insertion hole is shaped like an arc cut around the hub shaft. The camshaft is positioned between the insertion hole and the hub shaft when viewed from the axial direction of the camshaft.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, The cam insertion portion has: The first insertion part allows the hub protrusion to be inserted when the damper is in the open position; as well as The second insertion part is for the hub protrusion to be inserted when the damper is in the closed position. The first distance between the first insertion part and the camshaft is longer than the second distance between the second insertion part and the camshaft.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein, The cam insertion portion has a connecting portion that connects the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion, and is curved in the connecting portion. The curved corner of the connecting portion is located on the opposite side of the second insert portion relative to the straight line connecting the camshaft and the first insert portion.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The air regulator also has fins that change the direction of airflow from the air regulator. The fins rotate in response to the operation of the control knob. The cam insertion portion has a remaining area at the end of the movement path of the hub protrusion on the closed position side when the damper flips between the open and closed positions. The hub protrusion is inserted into this remaining area when the operating knob is rotated even when the damper is in the closed position.

7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The hub component has a circular bottom, and the bottom has the hub protrusion. The cam component is in the shape of a circular plate. The shell component has: The first recess, which accommodates the cam member, has a circular cross-sectional shape; and The second recess, which accommodates the bottom of the hub member, has a circular cross-sectional shape. The bottom of the first recess is formed at a position offset from the bottom of the second recess along the direction connecting the camshaft and the hub shaft when viewed from the axial direction of the camshaft.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The air conditioner also includes a retainer having the ventilation duct and a mounting portion for mounting the hub component. The hub member has a flange portion that is held in the axial direction of the hub shaft by the mounting portion and the housing member. The mounting portion has a plurality of retainer side ribs protruding toward the flange portion. The housing component has a plurality of side ribs protruding toward the flange portion. The hub member is supported by a plurality of retainer side ribs and a plurality of cover side ribs clamping the flange portion from both sides of the hub shaft along the axial direction, and is rotatable relative to the mounting portion and the housing member.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The damper has the following features: The first damper plate has a first damper side tooth portion; and The second damper plate has a second damper side toothed portion. The cam component has a gear component that meshes with both the first damper side teeth and the second damper side teeth, causing the first damper plate and the second damper plate to flip in a direction separating from each other, thereby closing the ventilation duct. The gear component has cam-side teeth along its circular outer periphery, and rotates about a straight line along the axial direction of the cam shaft as the cam component rotates. The first damper side tooth engages with the cam side tooth when supported so that it can rotate about a damper shaft orthogonal to the cam shaft axis. The second damper-side toothed portion meshes with the cam-side toothed portion while being supported so as to be able to rotate about the damper shaft, and the gear member is positioned on the opposite side of the first damper-side toothed portion, with the gear member sandwiched in the middle along the direction of the damper shaft. The first damper side tooth is formed at the end of the first damper plate on the gear member side. The second damper side teeth are formed at the end of the gear component side in the second damper plate.

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