Air blowout structure

JP2025022797AActive Publication Date: 2025-02-14HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024120971
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-02
Filing Date
2024-07-26
Publication Date
2025-02-14
Estimated Expiration
2044-07-26

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0021】 本発明によれば、美観に優れた空気吹出構造を提供することができる。

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Abstract

To provide an air blowout structure excellent in appearance.SOLUTION: An air blowout structure 1 includes an air outlet 11 for supplying air-conditioning air into a cabin 101 of a vehicle 100. The air blowout structure 1 includes: an upper panel 41 constituting an upper edge part of an opening of the air outlet 11; a lower panel 45 constituting a lower edge part of the opening of the air outlet 11; an upper flow channel 16 through which air-conditioning air passes; and a lower flow channel 18 which is disposed below the upper flow channel 16 and through which air-conditioning air passes. The upper flow channel 16 has an upper opening part 17 opened backward and supplying air-conditioning air to the cabin 101 through the air outlet 11. The lower flow channel 18 has a lower opening part 19 opened upward and supplying air-conditioning air to the cabin 101 through the air outlet 11. An opening area of the lower opening part 19 is smaller than an opening area of the upper opening part 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air blowing structure. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an air blowing structure capable of adjusting the direction in which air is blown from an air outlet upward or downward.

[0003] For example, in the air blowing structure of Patent Document 1, an upper center register that blows air downward and a lower center register that blows air upward are provided in a recess formed in an instrument panel. According to this air blowing structure, the airflow direction can be adjusted up and down by controlling the air volume distribution between the center registers. Each center register is provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the recess so as to be difficult for the driver to see. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-114816 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with this air blowing structure, it is believed that the lower center register is still visible to the driver.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide an air blowing structure that is aesthetically pleasing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to an air blowing structure having an air outlet for supplying air into a passenger compartment of a vehicle, wherein, among directions perpendicular to a vertical direction, a direction in which the air is blown out of the air outlet is a downstream direction, and a direction opposite to the downstream direction is an upstream direction, the air blowing structure comprising: an upper panel constituting an upper edge portion of an opening of the air outlet; a lower panel constituting a lower edge portion of the opening of the air outlet; an upper flow path through which the air passes; and a lower flow path provided below the upper flow path and through which the air passes, wherein the upper flow path has an upper opening that opens downward and supplies the air to the passenger compartment through the air outlet, and the lower flow path has a lower opening that opens upward and supplies the air to the passenger compartment through the air outlet, and the opening area of ​​the lower opening is smaller than the opening area of ​​the upper opening.

[0008] According to the above (1), by reducing the opening area of ​​the lower opening, it is possible to prevent the opening of the lower opening from being seen by the driver, etc. This makes it possible to provide an air blowing structure 1 with excellent aesthetics.

[0009] (2) In the air blowing structure described in (1) above, the lower opening may be provided with a turned portion that protrudes in the upstream direction.

[0010] According to the above feature (2), the opening of the lower opening can be made less visible to the driver, etc. In addition, the upward directivity of the conditioned air blown out from the lower opening can be improved.

[0011] (3) In the air blowing structure described in (2) above, at least a portion of the upper panel may be located further downstream than the turned portion.

[0012] According to the above feature (3), it is possible to prevent the opening of the lower opening from being seen by the driver or the like.

[0013] (4) In the air blowing structure described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the lower panel may have an inclined surface that extends obliquely downward and in the downstream direction from an opening peripheral edge of the air outlet.

[0014] According to the above (4), the air blown downward from the air outlet is attracted to the inclined surface by the Coanda effect, thereby increasing the downward directionality of the air.

[0015] (5) In the air blowing structure described in any one of (1) to (4) above, a curved surface may be provided between the upper opening and the lower opening in the upstream direction from the air outlet, and the curved surface may be convexly curved in the downstream direction.

[0016] According to (5) above, the conditioned air blown upward is attracted to the lower part of the curved surface due to the Coanda effect. This makes it possible to increase the upward directivity of the conditioned air. Also, the conditioned air blown downward is attracted to the upper part of the curved surface. This makes it possible to increase the downward directivity of the conditioned air.

[0017] (6) In the air blowing structure described in (5) above, a lower fin is provided in the lower flow path to change the direction of the air, and the downstream end of the lower fin may be located upstream of the curved surface.

[0018] According to the above (6), the lower fins can be prevented from being seen by the driver, etc.

[0019] (7) In the air blowing structure described in (5) or (6) above, the curved surface may have a decorative portion, and the upper panel may have a light-projecting portion that projects light toward the decorative portion.

[0020] According to the above (7), it is possible to improve the design of the air blowing structure 1. Also, it is possible to draw the attention of the driver or the like to the decorated surface, and make the other parts relatively less noticeable. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air blowing structure with excellent aesthetic appearance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the air blowing structure according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is an external view of the cover portion of the air blowing structure as seen from the vehicle interior side. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of conditioned air when the upper and lower fins are in a first state. FIG. [Figure 4] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of conditioned air when the upper and lower fins are in a second state. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of conditioned air when the upper and lower fins are in a third state. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of conditioned air when the upper and lower fins are in a fourth state. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] An air blowing structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the air blowing structure 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of a cover part 4 of the air blowing structure 1 as seen from the passenger compartment 101 side. The air blowing structure 1 is provided in a vehicle 100. The air blowing structure 1 includes an air outlet 11. The air outlet 11 supplies conditioned air to the passenger compartment 101 of the vehicle 100.

[0024] In the following description, the front-to-rear direction as seen by the driver (i.e., the vehicle length direction of vehicle 100) is referred to as the front-to-rear direction, the left-to-right direction as seen by the driver (i.e., the vehicle width direction of vehicle 100) is referred to as the left-to-right direction, and the up-to-down direction as seen by the driver (i.e., the vehicle height direction of vehicle 100) is referred to as the up-to-down direction.

[0025] In the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-coordinate axis, with the rear direction being X1 and the front direction being X2. The left-right direction is the Y-coordinate axis, with the left direction being Y1 and the right direction being Y2. The up-down direction is the Z-coordinate axis, with the up direction being Z1 and the down direction being Z2.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 includes a vehicle interior 101, an air conditioner (not shown) that generates conditioned air, a duct 102 extending from the air conditioner, and an air blowing structure 1 connected to the duct 102.

[0027] An instrument panel 103 is provided on the front side of the vehicle interior 101. The instrument panel 103 is provided with a recess 104 that is recessed forward. The end of the duct 102 on the vehicle interior 101 side extends to the back side of the recess 104. Although not shown, the opening shape of the recess 104 is a rectangle extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the vehicle interior 101 side.

[0028] The air blowing structure 1 is provided in the recess 104. The air blowing structure 1 includes a case 2, a partition section 3, a cover section 4, an air outlet 11, left and right fins 7, and upper and lower fins 8. The conditioned air is blown out backward from the air outlet 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rear direction corresponds to the downstream direction, and the front direction corresponds to the upstream direction.

[0029] Case 2 is provided inside recess 104. Case 2 has a hollow box shape. Although not shown, case 2 has a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the vehicle interior 101 side. An intake 21 for taking in conditioned air is provided on the front surface of case 2. Duct 102 is connected to intake 21. The inside of duct 102 and the inside of case 2 are in communication. The conditioned air that flows down duct 102 flows into the inside of air blowing structure 1 (case 2) through intake 21. The rear surface of case 2 is an opening surface.

[0030] The partition 3 is provided inside the case 2. The partition 3 divides the internal space of the case 2 into upper and lower parts. When viewed in the left-right direction, the partition 3 has a generally triangular shape that protrudes forward. Although not shown, the partition 3 extends in the left-right direction. Within the internal space of the case 2, the space above the partition 3 is larger than the space below the partition 3. The partition 3 has a recess 31 in the front and lower part that is recessed rearward and upward.

[0031] The cover part 4 is provided on the rear side of the case 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover part 4 has an elongated shape extending in the left-right direction. The cover part 4 is attached to the rear side surface of the case 2 and to the opening periphery of the recess 104 on the vehicle interior 101 side. The cover part 4 has an upper panel 41 and a lower panel 45 that are paired vertically, an intermediate panel 51 disposed between the upper panel 41 and the lower panel 45, an upper connecting part 55 that connects the upper panel 41 and the intermediate panel 51, and a lower connecting part 56 that connects the lower panel 45 and the intermediate panel 51. The intermediate panel 51 is disposed forward of the upper panel 41 and the lower panel 45.

[0032] The upper panel 41 is disposed along the upper edge of the opening periphery of the recess 104. The upper panel 41 is connected to the upper part of the rear surface of the case 2. The upper panel 41 extends in the left-right direction. The upper panel 41 has a first upper inclined portion 42 extending rearward and downward from the case 2 side, and a second upper inclined portion 43 rising upward from the rear end of the first upper inclined portion 42 and extending forward. The connection portion between the first upper inclined portion 42 and the second upper inclined portion 43 constitutes the upper edge of the opening periphery of the air outlet 11.

[0033] The first upper inclined portion 42 constitutes a part of a peripheral wall of an upper flow passage 16 described later. The second upper inclined portion 43 is exposed to the vehicle interior 101.

[0034] A hole 12 that passes through the connection portion in the up-down direction is provided at the connection portion between the upper panel 41 and the case 2. Although not shown, a plurality of holes 12 are provided side by side in the left-right direction.

[0035] The lower panel 45 is disposed along the lower edge of the opening periphery of the recess 104. The lower panel 45 is attached to the lower part of the rear surface of the case 2. The lower panel 45 extends in the left-right direction. The lower panel 45 has a first lower inclined portion 46 extending rearward and upward from the case 2, and a second lower inclined portion 47 extending rearward and downward from the rear end of the first lower inclined portion 46. The connection portion between the first lower inclined portion 46 and the second lower inclined portion 47 constitutes the lower edge of the opening periphery of the air outlet 11.

[0036] The first lower inclined portion 46 constitutes a part of the peripheral wall of the lower flow passage 18 which will be described later.

[0037] The rear surface of the second lower inclined portion 47 is exposed to the vehicle interior 101. The rear surface of the second lower inclined portion 47 is an inclined surface 47a that extends downward and rearward from its upper end (i.e., the opening peripheral portion of the air outlet 11). In other words, the lower panel 45 has the inclined surface 47a that extends downward and rearward from the opening peripheral portion of the air outlet 11. The inclined surface 47a is slightly curved in a convex shape that protrudes upward and rearward.

[0038] A hole 13 that passes through the connection portion in the up-down direction is provided at the connection portion between the lower panel 45 and the case 2. Although not shown, a plurality of holes 13 are provided side by side in the left-right direction.

[0039] The intermediate panel 51 is attached to the rear side of the partition portion 3. The intermediate panel 51 extends in the left-right direction. The vertical dimension of the intermediate panel 51 is approximately the same as the vertical dimension of the partition portion 3.

[0040] The intermediate panel 51 has a curved surface 52 on its rear side. The curved surface 52 is curved so that its vertical intermediate portion is convex rearward. The curved surface 52 is located forward of the upper panel 41 and the lower panel 45. The curved surface 52 is visible to the driver and passengers (hereinafter referred to as the "driver, etc."). Here, the curved surface 52 has a decorative portion 53.

[0041] The decorative portion 53 is, for example, a panel with a pattern, and is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the curved surface 52. This can improve the design of the air blowing structure 1. Also, the attention of the driver, etc. can be attracted to the decorative portion 53, making other parts relatively less noticeable. Note that the decorative portion 53 is not limited to a panel with a pattern, and may be, for example, a display.

[0042] Moreover, the upper panel 41 has a light-projecting section 421 that projects light onto the curved surface 52 (more specifically, the decorative section 53). The light-projecting section 421 is provided on the first upper inclined section 42. The light-projecting section 421 is, for example, an LED. This can illuminate and highlight the decorative section 53, thereby further improving the design of the air blowing structure 1 and more suitably attracting the attention of the driver and the like to the decorative section 53. The light-projecting section 421 may emit a single color of light, may emit a plurality of colors of light, or may be a projector that projects an image.

[0043] At the connection between the upper part of the intermediate panel 51 and the upper part of the partition part 3, a hole 14 is provided which penetrates the connection part in the up-down direction. A plurality of holes 14 are provided side by side in the left-right direction. Each hole 12 and each hole 14 are provided at a position where they overlap when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0044] At the connection between the lower part of the intermediate panel 51 and the lower part of the partition part 3, a hole 15 is provided that penetrates the connection part in the up-down direction. A plurality of holes 15 are provided side by side in the left-right direction. Each hole 13 and each hole 15 are provided at a position where they overlap when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0045] The upper connecting portions 55 are provided in a pair on the left and right. Each upper connecting portion 55 connects both left and right ends of the upper panel 41 and both left and right ends of the intermediate panel 51, respectively. The left and right middle portion of the upper panel 41 is separated from the left and right middle portion of the intermediate panel 51. Therefore, the cover portion 4 has a space surrounded by the upper panel 41, the intermediate panel 51, and each upper connecting portion 55.

[0046] The space surrounded by the upper panel 41, the intermediate panel 51, and each upper connecting portion 55 is open to the rear. The opening having this opening is hereinafter referred to as the "upper opening 17". The upper opening 17 opens downward. The space surrounded by the upper panel 41, the intermediate panel 51, and each upper connecting portion 55 and the space above the partition portion 3 in the internal space of the case 2 form a continuous space, and the conditioned air flows downward through the space. The space formed by the space surrounded by the upper panel 41, the intermediate panel 51, and each upper connecting portion 55 and the space above the partition portion 3 in the internal space of the case 2, including the peripheral wall portion surrounding the space, is referred to as the "upper flow path 16". In other words, the air blowing structure 1 has an upper flow path 16 through which the conditioned air passes, and the upper flow path 16 has an upper opening 17 that opens downward. The peripheral wall portion of the upper flow passage 16 is configured to include the first upper inclined portion 42 and the upper portion of the curved surface 52.

[0047] The lower connecting portions 56 are provided in a pair on the left and right. Each lower connecting portion 56 connects both left and right ends of the lower panel 45 and both left and right ends of the intermediate panel 51. The left and right middle portion of the lower panel 45 is separated from the left and right middle portion of the intermediate panel 51. Therefore, in the cover portion 4, a space is formed that is surrounded by the lower panel 45, the intermediate panel 51, and each lower connecting portion 56.

[0048] The space surrounded by the lower panel 45, the intermediate panel 51, and each lower connecting portion 56 is open to the rear. The opening having the opening is hereinafter referred to as the "lower opening 19". The lower opening 19 is open upward. The space surrounded by the lower panel 45, the intermediate panel 51, and each lower connecting portion 56 and the space below the partition portion 3 in the internal space of the case 2 form a continuous space, and the conditioned air flows downward through the space. The space formed by the space surrounded by the lower panel 45, the intermediate panel 51, and each lower connecting portion 56 and the space below the partition portion 3 in the internal space of the case 2, including the peripheral wall portion surrounding the space, is referred to as the "lower flow passage 18". In other words, the air blowing structure 1 is provided below the upper flow passage 16 and includes the lower flow passage 18 through which the conditioned air passes, and the lower flow passage 18 has a lower opening 19 that opens upward. The lower flow passage 18 is narrower than the upper flow passage 16. Therefore, the flow rate of the conditioned air in the lower flow passage 18 is smaller than the flow rate of the conditioned air in the upper flow passage 16. In addition, the peripheral wall portion of the lower flow passage 18 is configured to include a first lower inclined portion 46 and a lower portion of the curved surface 52.

[0049] The air outlet 11 is provided in the cover portion 4. The opening shape of the air outlet 11 is a substantially rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction. The upper edge of the opening periphery of the air outlet 11 is formed by the upper panel 41. The lower edge of the opening periphery of the air outlet 11 is formed by the lower panel 45. The air outlet 11, the upper opening 17, and the lower opening 19 are all spatially continuous. Therefore, the conditioned air blown out from the upper opening 17 and the conditioned air blown out from the lower opening 19 are supplied into the vehicle interior 101 through the air outlet 11.

[0050] Here, if the lower opening 19 is visible to the driver or the like through the air outlet 11, the aesthetic appearance of the air blowing structure 1 may be marred.

[0051] Therefore, the opening area of ​​the lower opening 19 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the upper opening 17. By making the opening area of ​​the lower opening 19 smaller, it is possible to prevent the lower opening 19 from being seen by the driver, etc.

[0052] Further, the lower opening 19 has a return portion 48 that protrudes forward from the opening periphery of the lower opening 19. The return portion 48 is provided on the lower panel 45, and more specifically, is provided to protrude forward and upward from the rear end of the first lower inclined portion 46. This can prevent the opening of the lower opening 19 from being seen by the driver, etc.

[0053] Also, at least a portion of the upper panel 41 is located rearward of the turned-back portion 48, and more specifically, the lower end of the upper panel 41 (i.e., the lower end of the first upper inclined portion 42) is located rearward of the turned-back portion 48. This makes it possible to prevent the opening of the lower opening 19 from being seen by the driver, etc.

[0054] The left and right fins 7 adjust the direction of the conditioned air to the left and right. The left and right fins 7 each have a rectangular blade portion 71 arranged so that the plate surface extends along the vertical direction, and a rotating shaft portion 72 that penetrates the blade portion 71 and rotates around a central axis that extends in the vertical direction.

[0055] The left and right fins 7 have upper left and right fins 7A arranged in the upper flow passage 16 and lower left and right fins 7B arranged in the lower flow passage 18. The blades 71 and the pivot shafts 72 of the upper left and right fins 7A are referred to as blades 71A and pivot shafts 72A. The blades 71 and the pivot shafts 72 of the lower left and right fins 7B are referred to as blades 71B and pivot shafts 72B. The lower left and right fins 7B correspond to lower fins. Although not shown, the upper left and right fins 7A and the lower left and right fins 7B are each provided in multiples lined up in the left-right direction.

[0056] The upper left and right fins 7A have their vertical ends of their pivot shafts 72A inserted into the holes 12 and 14, respectively. By rotating about their pivot shafts 72A, the upper left and right fins 7A can adjust the direction in which conditioned air is blown out from the upper flow passages 16 (upper openings 17) in the left and right direction.

[0057] The vertical ends of the pivot shafts 72B of the lower left and right fins 7B are inserted into the holes 13 and 15, respectively. By rotating about the pivot shafts 72B, the lower left and right fins 7B can adjust the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out from the lower flow paths 18 (lower openings 19) in the left and right direction.

[0058] The rear end of each of the lower left and right fins 7B is located forward of the curved surface 52, more specifically, forward of the lower end of the curved surface 52. This makes it possible to prevent each of the lower left and right fins 7B from being visible to the driver, etc.

[0059] The upper and lower fins 8 adjust the direction of the conditioned air up and down. The upper and lower fins 8 are arranged inside the case 2, in front of the partition section 3. The upper and lower fins 8 have blade sections 81 each having a rectangular plate shape and arranged so that the plate surface extends along the left-right direction, and a rotating shaft section 82 that penetrates the blade section 81 and rotates around a central axis that extends in the left-right direction.

[0060] The blade 81 is bent at the position of the rotating shaft 82, specifically, bent at an obtuse angle so as to be convex upward. The dimension from the rear end of the blade 81 to the rotating shaft 82 is smaller than the dimension from the front end of the blade 81 to the rotating shaft 82. The blade 81 is rotatable about the central axis of the rotating shaft 82. Note that the portion of the blade 81 that is forward of the rotating shaft 82 is referred to as a first portion 81a, and the portion of the blade 81 that is rearward of the rotating shaft 82 is referred to as a second portion 81b.

[0061] The upper and lower fins 8 can be in a first state (see FIG. 3) in which both the upper flow path 16 and the lower flow path 18 are open and the plate surface of the first portion 81a is approximately horizontal, a second state (see FIG. 4) in which the first portion 81a closes the lower flow path 18, a third state (see FIG. 5) in which the upper flow path 16 is closed by the first portion 81a, and a fourth state (see FIG. 6) in which the upper flow path 16 is closed by the first portion 81a and the lower flow path 18 is closed by the second portion 81b. The upper and lower fins 8 can be displaced between the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state by rotating about the central axis of the rotating shaft portion 82. The upper and lower fins 8 can also be in an intermediate state between the first state and the second state, an intermediate state between the first state and the third state, or an intermediate state between the third state and the fourth state.

[0062] The pivot shaft 82 is provided close to the front end of the partition 3. When the upper and lower fins 8 are in the first state, the second state, or an intermediate state between them, the second portion 81b is accommodated in the recess 31. In other words, the recess 31 provided in the partition 3 prevents interference between the second portion 81b and the partition 3 when the upper and lower fins 8 rotate. This ensures a range of motion for the upper and lower fins 8 (blade 81). Furthermore, the blade 81 is bent at the pivot shaft 82, which prevents interference between the second portion 81b and the partition 3 when the blade 81 is in the second state.

[0063] Also, the opening on the front side of the lower flow passage 18 has a smaller opening area than the opening on the front side of the upper flow passage 16. In the upper and lower fins 8, the dimension from the rear end of the blade portion 81 to the pivot shaft portion 82 is smaller than the dimension from the front end of the blade portion 81 to the pivot shaft portion 82. This allows the upper and lower fins 8 to suitably close both the upper flow passage 16 and the lower flow passage 18.

[0064] The left and right fins 7 and the upper and lower fins 8 may be either manual or electrically operated. The upper and lower fins 8 are not essential components. However, when the air blowing structure is not provided with upper and lower fins, it is preferable that the left and right fins are capable of closing the upper flow path 16 and the lower flow path 18, respectively.

[0065] Next, the flow of conditioned air in the air blowing structure 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. The flow of conditioned air in the air blowing structure 1 differs depending on the state of the upper and lower fins 8. Below, the cases where the upper and lower fins 8 are in a first state, the upper and lower fins 8 are in a second state, the upper and lower fins 8 are in a third state, and the upper and lower fins 8 are in a fourth state will be described respectively. Note that Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of conditioned air in the air blowing structure 1 when the upper and lower fins 8 are in a first state. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of conditioned air in the air blowing structure 1 when the upper and lower fins 8 are in a second state. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of conditioned air in the air blowing structure 1 when the upper and lower fins 8 are in a third state. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of conditioned air in the air blowing structure 1 when the upper and lower fins 8 are in a fourth state. Also, in Figs. 3 to 5, the flow of conditioned air is indicated by arrows. In Fig. 6, the representation of conditioned air is omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the first state, the conditioned air flows into the upper flow passage 16 and the lower flow passage 18. The conditioned air that flows into the upper flow passage 16 is blown downward and backward from the upper opening 17. The conditioned air that flows into the lower flow passage 18 is blown upward and backward from the lower opening 19. The conditioned air blown out from the upper opening 17 and the conditioned air blown out from the lower opening 19 join together and are blown out from the air outlet 11. In this case, the direction in which the conditioned air blows out from the air outlet 11 is intermediate between the direction in which the conditioned air blows out from the air outlet 11 when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the second state and the direction in which the conditioned air blows out from the air outlet 11 when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the third state, as viewed in the vertical direction. More specifically, the conditioned air is directed toward the area from the face to the thighs of the driver's body.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the second state, the conditioned air flows only into the upper flow path 16. The conditioned air that flows into the upper flow path 16 is blown downward and rearward from the upper opening 17. The conditioned air is blown downward and rearward from the air outlet 11. In this way, by putting the upper and lower fins 8 in the second state, the direction in which the conditioned air blows out from the air outlet 11 can be adjusted downward. Note that, when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the second state, the direction in which the conditioned air blows out from the air outlet 11 is set, for example, so that part of the conditioned air is deflected above the driver, etc. In that case, the volume of the conditioned air blowing toward the driver, etc. can be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, when the conditioned air passes near curved surface 52, it is drawn slightly toward curved surface 52 due to the Coanda effect. This increases the downward directivity of the conditioned air. When the conditioned air passes near inclined surface 47a, it is drawn slightly toward inclined surface 47a due to the Coanda effect. This further increases the downward directivity of the conditioned air.

[0069] 5, when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the third state, the conditioned air flows only into the lower flow path 18. The conditioned air that flows into the lower flow path 18 is blown upward and rearward from the lower opening 19. The conditioned air is blown upward and rearward from the air outlet 11. In this way, by putting the upper and lower fins 8 in the third state, the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out from the air outlet 11 can be adjusted upward.

[0070] In addition, when the conditioned air passes near the curved surface 52, it is slightly drawn toward the curved surface 52 due to the Coanda effect. This increases the upward directivity of the conditioned air. The upward directivity of the conditioned air is increased by providing the return portion 48 at the lower opening 19.

[0071] In addition, the lower flow path 18 is narrower than the upper flow path 16. Therefore, when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the third state, the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 11 is smaller than when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the second state. When the upper and lower fins 8 are in the first state, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 11 is a mixture of the conditioned air that has passed through the upper flow path 16 and the conditioned air that has passed through the lower flow path 18. Therefore, the volume of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 11 is maximum when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the first state.

[0072] 6, when the upper and lower fins 8 are in the fourth state, both the upper flow path 16 and the lower flow path 18 are closed by the upper and lower fins 8. In this case, the conditioned air does not flow into either the upper flow path 16 or the lower flow path 18. For this reason, by putting the upper and lower fins 8 in the fourth state, it is possible to stop the blowing of conditioned air from the air blowing structure 1.

[0073] As described above, the air blowing structure 1 can adjust the direction and volume of the conditioned air supplied into the vehicle interior 101 by changing the state of the upper and lower fins 8.

[0074] The air blowing structure 1 according to this embodiment has the following advantages.

[0075] (1) According to this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the lower opening 19 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the upper opening 17. By making the opening area of ​​the lower opening 19 smaller, it is possible to prevent the opening of the lower opening 19 from being seen by the driver, etc. This makes it possible to provide an air blowing structure 1 that is aesthetically pleasing.

[0076] Moreover, by increasing the opening area of ​​the upper opening, it is possible to ensure the volume of conditioned air supplied from the air outlet 11 into the vehicle interior 101 without impairing the aesthetic appearance.

[0077] (2) According to this embodiment, the lower opening 19 is provided with a return portion 48 that protrudes forward. This makes it possible to make the opening of the lower opening 19 less visible to the driver, etc. Also, the upward directivity of the conditioned air blown out from the lower opening 19 can be improved.

[0078] (3) According to this embodiment, at least a portion of the upper panel 41 is located rearward of the return portion 48. This can prevent the opening of the lower opening 19 from being visible to the driver or the like.

[0079] (4) According to this embodiment, the lower panel 45 has an inclined surface 47a that extends at an angle downward and rearward from the opening periphery of the air outlet 11. As a result, the conditioned air blown downward from the air outlet 11 is attracted to the second lower inclined portion 47 by the Coanda effect. This increases the downward directivity of the conditioned air.

[0080] (5) According to this embodiment, the curved surface 52 is provided between the upper opening 17 and the lower opening 19, forward of the air outlet 11, and curves convexly rearward. In this case, due to the Coanda effect, the conditioned air blown out upward is attracted to the lower part of the curved surface 52. This makes it possible to increase the upward directivity of the conditioned air. Moreover, the conditioned air blown out downward is attracted to the upper part of the curved surface 52. This makes it possible to increase the downward directivity of the conditioned air.

[0081] (6) According to this embodiment, the rear ends of the lower left and right fins 7B are located forward of the curved surface 52. This can prevent the lower left and right fins 7B from being visible to the driver, etc.

[0082] (7) According to this embodiment, the curved surface 52 has the decorative portion 53. This can improve the design of the air blowing structure 1. In addition, the attention of the driver or the like can be drawn to the decorative portion 53, making other parts relatively less noticeable.

[0083] Moreover, the upper panel 41 (first upper inclined portion 42) has a light-projecting portion 421 that projects light toward the decorative portion 53. This makes it possible to illuminate and highlight the decorative portion 53, thereby further improving the design of the air blowing structure 1 and more suitably attracting the attention of the driver or the like to the decorative portion 53.

[0084] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the air blowing structure 1 is provided on the front side of the vehicle interior 101, but may be provided, for example, on the left or right side of the vehicle interior 101. Also, in the above embodiment, the downstream direction is the rearward direction, but may be the leftward or rightward direction.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the air blowing structure 1 supplies conditioned air generated by an air conditioner into the vehicle interior 101, but the present invention is not limited to this. The air blowing structure may supply outside air or inside air of the vehicle directly into the vehicle interior, for example. In other words, the air supplied by the air blowing structure into the vehicle interior is not limited to conditioned air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Air blowing structure 7B Lower left and right fins (lower fins) 11 Air outlet 16 Upper channel 17 Upper opening 18 Lower channel 19 Lower opening 41 Upper Panel 45 Lower Panel 47a Slope 48 Return part 52 Curved Surface 53 Decoration Department 100 vehicles 101 Cabin 421 Light Projector

Claims

1. An air blowing structure having an air outlet for supplying air into a vehicle cabin, Among directions perpendicular to the up-down direction, a direction in which the air is blown out of the air outlet is a downstream direction, and a direction opposite to the downstream direction is an upstream direction, An upper panel that constitutes an upper edge portion of the opening of the air outlet; A lower panel that constitutes a lower edge portion of the opening of the air outlet; an upper flow passage through which the air passes; a lower flow passage provided below the upper flow passage and through which the air passes; Equipped with the upper flow passage has an upper opening portion that opens downward and supplies the air to the vehicle compartment through the air outlet, the lower flow passage has a lower opening that opens upward and supplies the air to the vehicle compartment through the air outlet, an opening area of ​​the lower opening is smaller than an opening area of ​​the upper opening,

2. The air blowing structure according to claim 1 , wherein the lower opening is provided with a return portion that protrudes in the upstream direction.

3. The air blowing structure according to claim 2 , wherein at least a part of the upper panel is located further downstream than the turned portion.

4. The air blowing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower panel has an inclined surface that extends obliquely downward and in the downstream direction from an opening peripheral edge of the air outlet.

5. The air blowing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a curved surface that is provided between the upper opening and the lower opening in the upstream direction from the air outlet and that is curved convexly in the downstream direction.

6. A lower fin is provided in the lower flow path to change the direction of the air, The air blowing structure according to claim 5 , wherein the downstream end of the lower fin is located upstream of the curved surface.

7. The curved surface has a decorative portion, The air blowing structure according to claim 5 , wherein the upper panel has a light-projecting portion that projects light toward the decorative portion.

Citation Information

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