Air-conditioning register

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning register which can effectively utilize space specified between flow paths branched by a diversion part.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning register used for a vehicle comprises: a cylindrical retainer which defines a retainer ventilation passage; a diversion part which is disposed inside the retainer, and divides the retainer ventilation passage into a first retainer ventilation passage and a second retainer ventilation passage; a function unit which changes a function of the air-conditioning register; and a function member which includes at least one of operation units for operating a device provided in the vehicle including the air-conditioning register. At least a part of the function member is disposed in space defined between the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning registers. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air outlet device that supplies air for conditioning into a vehicle cabin from two openings, a first opening and a second opening. In this air outlet device, an inlet tube connected to an upstream duct is branched into two flow paths, a first tube portion communicating with the first opening and a second tube portion communicating with the second opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-206008 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, the space defined between the two branched flow paths is merely provided with a mounting fixture for engaging a plate-shaped member with a case, and the reality is that no sufficient consideration has been given to how to effectively utilize this space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an air-conditioning register for use in a vehicle. The air-conditioning register includes a cylindrical retainer that defines a retainer ventilation passage, a dividing section that is disposed inside the retainer and divides the retainer ventilation passage into a first retainer ventilation passage and a second retainer ventilation passage, and a functional member that includes at least one of a functional section that changes a function of the air-conditioning register and an operating section that operates a device provided in the vehicle that includes the air-conditioning register. At least a portion of the functional member is disposed in a space defined between the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage. According to this form of air conditioning register, by arranging at least one of the functional unit and the operating unit in the space defined between the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage, the space can be utilized effectively. (2) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the functional member may include, as the functional portion, at least one fin having a first fin for adjusting a direction of an airflow flowing through the first retainer-ventilation passage, a second fin for adjusting a direction of an airflow flowing through the second retainer-ventilation passage, and a fin connecting portion connecting the first fin and the second fin. At least a portion of the fin connecting portion may be disposed in the space. According to this form of air-conditioning register, by providing a fin connection portion between the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage, the length of the fin connection portion can be shortened compared to when the fin connection portion is provided in a location other than the space. (3) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the fin connecting portion may be a rod-shaped shaft body disposed in the space. The shaft body may be disposed in the space. With this type of air-conditioning register, by making the fin connection part a rod-shaped shaft, the area in space occupied by the fin connection part can be made smaller than in a configuration in which the fin connection part is a plate-shaped member or the like, allowing the space to be utilized more effectively. (4) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the functional member may include, as the functional part, a first fin for adjusting the direction of the airflow flowing through the first retainer-ventilation passage, a second fin for adjusting the direction of the airflow flowing through the second retainer-ventilation passage, and a plurality of fins having fin connecting parts connecting the first fin and the second fin, and a synchronizing part for connecting the fin connecting parts of the plurality of fins to each other to synchronize operations of the plurality of fins. At least a part of the synchronizing part may be disposed in the space. According to the air-conditioning register of this embodiment, by providing the synchronization unit as a functional unit in the space, it is possible to utilize the space more effectively than in the case where the synchronization unit is provided somewhere other than the space. (5) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the functional member may include, as the operating unit, an operating panel for adjusting a temperature of the airflow blown out from the air-conditioning register. The operating panel may be disposed in the space. According to the air-conditioning register of this type, the operating unit is disposed in the space, so that the air-conditioning register can be made compact. (6) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the diverter portion may have a central axis including a shaft member. The shaft member may function as the functional portion that, by rotating the diverter portion about the central axis, enables switching between a first diverter state in which the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer air passage is reduced and the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer air passage is increased, and a second diverter state in which the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer air passage is increased and the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer air passage is reduced. The shaft member may be disposed in the space. According to the air-conditioning register of this configuration, it is possible to increase the durability of the rotating shaft of the diverter portion, while reducing the area of ​​space occupied by the shaft around which the diverter portion rotates. (7) The air-conditioning register of the above embodiment may further include a restricting portion that restricts movement of the diverter portion. The diverter portion may be switchable, by rotating about a central axis, between a first diverter state in which an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer air passage is reduced and an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer air passage is increased, and a second diverter state in which an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer air passage is increased and an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer air passage is reduced. The restricting portion may be disposed in the space and may restrict movement of the diverter portion within a range from the first diverter state to the second diverter state. According to the air-conditioning register of this embodiment, it is possible to easily adjust the flow rate from the first diversion state to the second diversion state by the diversion portion. (8) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the diverter may include a protruding portion protruding toward an upstream side of the retainer-air passage, a first inclined surface continuing from the protruding portion, and a second inclined surface continuing from the protruding portion and located on an opposite side to the first inclined surface. The restricting portion may be covered by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. According to the air-conditioning register of this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the air-conditioning air from being led to the regulating portion. (9) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the synchronizing portion may be in the shape of a long flat plate. According to the air-conditioning register of this embodiment, the area occupied by the synchronizing portion can be reduced. The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than an air-conditioning register, for example, a method for manufacturing an air-conditioning register, a mobile body including an air-conditioning register, an air-conditioning device, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installation of an air-conditioning register according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an air-conditioning register; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of each part of the air-conditioning register. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of each part of the lid member. [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of the VV position in Figure 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow direction of air conditioning air inside an air conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the air flow velocity in an air-conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a flow direction of air in an air-conditioning register in a first rotation state. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of air flow velocity in an air-conditioning register in a first rotation state. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air-conditioning register according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an air-conditioning register according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the direction of air flow in an air-conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the air flow velocity in an air-conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow speed of the air-conditioning register in the first flow division state. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow velocity of the air-conditioning register in the second flow division state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installation of an air-conditioning register 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The air-conditioning register 100 is installed, for example, in the cabin of a moving body such as a vehicle. In the example of FIG. 1, the air-conditioning register 100 is incorporated, for example, in an instrument panel 10 near a steering wheel 12 of the vehicle. The air-conditioning register 100 blows out conditioned air supplied through an air duct from an air conditioner (not shown) provided in the vehicle into the cabin. Note that X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 1 and each of the figures following FIG. 1 represent three spatial axes that are mutually orthogonal. In this specification, the directions along these axes are also referred to as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. When specifying the direction, the positive direction is represented by "+" and the negative direction is represented by "-", and positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction, and the direction in which the arrow in each figure points is represented as the + direction, and the opposite direction is represented as the - direction. In this disclosure, an example will be described in which the X direction coincides with the vehicle width direction, the +X direction coincides with the right direction when the vehicle is viewed from behind, the -X direction coincides with the left direction, the Y direction coincides with the vehicle's traveling direction, the +Y direction coincides with the reverse direction, and the -Y direction coincides with the forward direction. The Z direction coincides with the vertical direction, the +Z direction coincides with the vertical downward direction, and the -Z direction coincides with the vertical upward direction. However, each direction does not limit the orientation in which the air-conditioning register 100 is arranged.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the air-conditioning register 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the air-conditioning register 100 includes a retainer 30, a bezel 20, a cover member 60, an exposed surface 606, a first air outlet 101, and a second air outlet 102.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of each part of the air-conditioning register 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the retainer 30 is a cylindrical structure in which a retainer ventilation passage 30S is formed. The retainer 30 has a first wall portion 302, a second wall portion 304, and a side wall portion 303. The first wall portion 302 is a vertically upper wall surface constituting the retainer 30. The second wall portion 304 is a vertically lower wall surface. The side wall portion 303 connects the first wall portion 302 and the second wall portion 304. The side wall portion 303 is provided with a fitting hole 308 for fitting with a protrusion portion 646 provided on the cover member 60, as described later. The inner wall surfaces of the walls 302, 303, and 304 are collectively referred to as a "retainer inner wall 30W". The retainer inner wall 30W defines the retainer ventilation passage 30S. The inner wall surface of the first wall portion 302 is also referred to as a "first retainer inner wall 302W," and the inner wall surface of the second wall portion 304 is also referred to as a "second retainer inner wall 304W."

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3, a retainer opening 306 is formed at one end of the retainer 30, and an inlet 305 is formed at the other end. The inlet 305 receives air supplied from an air conditioner of the vehicle. The retainer opening 306 is located at the downstream end of the retainer ventilation passage 30S and is arranged to face the vehicle interior. The retainer opening 306 communicates with the inlet 305 via the retainer ventilation passage 30S. The retainer opening 306 has a generally rectangular shape that is long along the vehicle width direction. One of the long sides of the retainer opening 306 is also called the "first side 306s1" and the other side is also called the "second side 306s2". In this embodiment, the first side 306s1 is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction and is continuous with the first retainer inner wall 302W of the retainer inner wall 30W. The second side 306s2 is arranged facing the first side 306s1 on the lower side in the vertical direction. The second side 306s2 is continuous with a second retainer inner wall 304W of the retainer inner wall 30W.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover member 60 described later is housed inside the retainer 30, a slit-shaped first air outlet 101 is formed between the first side 306s1 and the cover member 60 along the first side 306s1, and a slit-shaped second air outlet 102 is formed between the second side 306s2 and the cover member 60 along the second side 306s2. As shown by an arrow AR in FIG. 2, air for air conditioning supplied from an air conditioner (not shown) flows into the retainer ventilation passage 30S from the inlet 305, and is blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 into the vehicle cabin via the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the second retainer ventilation passage 614. In this disclosure, a position closer to the air conditioner with respect to a predetermined reference position in the flow direction of the air for air conditioning may be referred to as "upstream" or "upstream side", and a position farther from the air conditioner may be referred to as "downstream", "downstream side", "front", or "front side".

[0013] The cover member 60 is a hollow structure through which the air for air conditioning can flow. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover member 60 is formed with a first slit 602 communicating with the first air outlet 101 and a second slit 604 communicating with the second air outlet 102. The cover member 60 has a substantially cylindrical external shape and is disposed in the retainer ventilation passage 30S so that the axial direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the cover member 60 is disposed in the retainer ventilation passage 30S near the retainer opening 306 so as to cover the retainer opening 306 from inside the retainer 30. The retainer opening 306 is covered with the cover member 60, so that the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100 cannot be seen from the outside. In addition, "the lid member 60 covers the retainer opening 306" means that the lid member 60 covers the retainer opening 306 to the extent that the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100 cannot be seen from the outside, and allows flow paths for air-conditioning air, such as the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102, to be formed between the lid member 60 and the retainer opening 306.

[0014] The exposed surface 606 is a portion of the cover member 60 that is exposed through the retainer opening 306. The exposed surface 606 can be decorated, for example, for the purpose of improving design. "Decoration" means adding a decorative element. Decoration can include, for example, painting, plating, printing, coloring, surface treatment, surface processing, the addition of decorative members, and functional members. Decoration may be performed during the manufacture of the air-conditioning register 100, or may be performed by a user of the vehicle or the air-conditioning register 100.

[0015] The bezel 20 is a frame in which a bezel opening 206 is formed. The bezel opening 206 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the vehicle width direction, and in this embodiment, is formed so as to substantially match the shape of the retainer opening 306. The bezel 20 is connected to the downstream end of the retainer 30 so that the bezel opening 206 overlaps with the retainer opening 306, and an exposed surface 606 is exposed from the bezel opening 206. As a result, the bezel 20, together with the exposed surface 606, constitutes the design surface of the air-conditioning register 100 in a front view.

[0016] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of each part of the cover member 60. As shown in Fig. 4, the cover member 60 is formed by assembling a front wall portion 62, an upper wall portion 63, a lower wall portion 64, a plurality of fins 66, a synchronization portion 670, and a flow dividing portion 68 together.

[0017] The front wall portion 62 functions as a wall surface on the front side of the cover member 60. The front wall portion 62 includes a front surface 626 and an axis fitting portion 628. The axis fitting portion 628 is provided on the back surface of the cover member 60, which is the opposite side to the front surface 626, and the flow dividing portion 68 is fitted therein. The front surface 626 is formed of a curved surface that is convex toward the outside of the air-conditioning register 100. The front surface 626 has a straight edge 623 located at its upper end and a straight edge 624 located at its lower end. A part of the front surface 626 is exposed from the retainer opening 306, and the other part faces the retainer inner wall 30W. The surface of the front surface 626 exposed from the retainer opening 306 functions as an exposed surface 606. The surface of the cover member 60 that faces the retainer inner wall 30W is also called the "retainer facing surface."

[0018] The upper wall portion 63 functions as the upper wall surface of the lid member 60. The upper wall portion 63 includes an upper surface portion 632 and two side wall portions 634 continuous with both ends of the upper surface portion 632. The upper surface portion 632 is formed with the same number of fitting holes 638 for fitting with the protrusions 662 provided on the fins 66 as the number of the fins 66. A linear edge 632E is formed on the front side of the upper surface portion 632. When the lid member 60 is formed, the edge 632E is spaced apart from and faces the edge 623 of the front wall portion 62. As a result, a first slit 602 shown in FIG. 3 is formed between the edge 632E and the edge 623.

[0019] The lower wall portion 64 functions as a lower wall surface of the lid member 60. The lower wall portion 64 includes a lower surface portion 642 and two side wall portions 644 continuous with both ends of the lower surface portion 642. The lower wall portion 64 has fitting holes 648 for fitting with the protrusions 662 provided on the fins 66, the number of which is the same as the number of the fins 66. A linear end edge 642E is formed on the front side of the lower surface portion 642. When the lid member 60 is formed, the end edge 642E faces the end edge 624 of the front wall portion 62 and is spaced apart from it. As a result, a second slit 604 shown in FIG. 3 is formed between the end edge 642E and the end edge 624.

[0020] The upper end 644T of each of the two side walls 644 is joined to the lower end 634B of the side wall 634 of the upper wall 63. A protrusion 646 protruding toward the outside of the cover member 60 is formed on each of the upper ends 644T. The protrusion 646 has a substantially cylindrical shape and fits into a fitting hole 308 formed in the side wall 303 of the retainer 30. This allows the cover member 60 to be supported rotatably around the central axis AX in the retainer ventilation passage 30S. The protrusion 646 may be an axis member that is inserted from one side wall 644 to the other side wall 644 inside the cover member 60 and is disposed in the space SP. In this case, the axis member functions as a functional part that allows the flow dividing section 68 to be switched between a first flow dividing state and a second flow dividing state. By using a shaft member, durability can be increased compared to that of the protrusion 646, while the area that the rotation shaft of the flow diverter 68 occupies in the space SP can be reduced.

[0021] The fins 66 switch the direction of the airflow blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 between left and right along the vehicle width direction. The fins 66 are housed inside the cover member 60. The fins 66 include a protruding portion 662, a first fin 664, a second fin 665, an axis portion 666, and a synchronous connecting portion 668.

[0022] The first fin 664 and the second fin 665 are substantially flat plate-shaped members having an outer diameter shape corresponding to the shape of the flow passage in the cover member 60. The first fin 664 and the second fin 665 are configured so that their surfaces can rotate around a central axis AX2, which is the axial direction of the shaft portion 666. As a result, the first fin 664 can adjust the direction of the airflow flowing through the first retainer ventilation passage 612, and the second fin 665 can adjust the direction of the airflow flowing through the second retainer ventilation passage 614. The shaft portion 666 is a rod-shaped shaft body. In this embodiment, the first fin 664 and the second fin 665 are connected to each other by being integrally formed with one shaft portion 666. As a result, the shaft portion 666 functions as a fin connection portion that connects the first fin 664 and the second fin 665. The first fin 664 and the second fin 665 share the central axis AX2. However, the first fin 664 and the second fin 665 may be separate bodies, and the central axes may be set separately.

[0023] The protrusions 662 are disposed at the upper and lower ends of the shaft portion 666. The protrusions 662 have a generally cylindrical shape and fit into the fitting hole 638 of the upper wall portion 63 and the fitting hole 648 of the lower wall portion 64. As a result, the fin 66 is supported inside the cover member 60 so as to be rotatable around the central axis AX2 of the shaft portion 666. In this embodiment, the central axis AX2 coincides with the vertical direction. However, the central axis AX2 is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be configured to be in any direction that intersects with the first retainer inner wall 302W and the second retainer inner wall 304W.

[0024] The synchronizing portion 670 is a member that is long along the arrangement direction of the multiple fins 66. The synchronizing portion 670 is provided with an insertion hole 670h for inserting the shaft portion 666. The synchronizing portion 670 connects the shaft portions 666 of the multiple fins 66 to each other by inserting the shaft portions 666 into the insertion hole 670h. As a result, the synchronizing portion 670 functions as a so-called link mechanism that rotates the shaft portions 666 of the multiple fins 66 in synchronization with each other.

[0025] The synchronous connecting portion 668 is a portion of the shaft portion 666 that is connected to the synchronization portion 670. The synchronous connecting portion 668 is provided at a position away from the central axis AX2 by bending the shaft portion 666. For example, when a lever (not shown) provided outside the air-conditioning register 100 is operated, the synchronization portion 670 moves back and forth along the vehicle width direction, and the synchronous connecting portion 668 moves along the vehicle width direction. The back and forth movement of the synchronous connecting portion 668 is transmitted to the shaft portion 666, so that the shaft portion 666 rotates around the central axis AX2. The rotation of the shaft portion 666 switches the surface directions of the first fin 664 and the second fin 665. As a result, the flow direction of the air in the cover member 60 is switched left and right along the vehicle width direction. The shaft portion 666 is not limited to a rod-shaped shaft body, and may be a plate-shaped member similar to the first fin 664 and the second fin 665.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the flow diverting portion 68 is a shaft member that is long along the vehicle width direction. The flow diverting portion 68 divides the flow path inside the cover member 60 into two directions. The flow diverting portion 68 includes a support recess 682 for rotatably supporting the shaft portion 666 of the fin 66, and a protrusion 684. The flow diverting portion 68 is assembled to the shaft fitting portion 628 of the front wall portion 62 with the shaft portion 666 inserted into the support recess 682.

[0027] The flow dividing section 68 has two inclined surfaces, a first inclined surface 683 and a second inclined surface 685, which are connected to each other with the protruding portion 684 as an apex. The protruding portion 684 is disposed on the upstream side of the retainer air passage 30S. As a result, the flow dividing section 68 is disposed in the retainer air passage 30S in a state where it protrudes toward the inlet 305. By forming the flow dividing section 68 to have a shape that protrudes in one direction, it is possible to divide the flow path into upper and lower flows while suppressing an increase in flow path resistance. The cross-sectional shape of the flow dividing section 68 is not limited to a triangle, and may be various shapes such as a flat plate shape, a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, or other polygonal shape. In the case where the retainer air passage 30S has two flow paths that correspond individually to the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102, the flow dividing section 68 may be omitted. In contrast, in the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, by providing a diversion section 68, the flow path can be diverted to the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 with a simple configuration without having to provide a complex flow path in the retainer air passage 30S.

[0028] The air-conditioning register 100 includes a functional member that is at least one of a functional unit that changes the function of the air-conditioning register 100 and an operation unit for operating a device provided in the vehicle 80. In this embodiment, the air-conditioning register 100 includes a fin 66 and a cover member 60 as the functional members. Specifically, the fin 66 is an example of a functional unit that changes the direction of the airflow as a function of the air-conditioning register 100. The cover member 60 is an example of a functional unit that can switch the direction of the air from the air-conditioning register 100 by adjusting the direction of the cover member 60, as described later. The functional unit does not include, for example, a fixing device or mounting device for simply forming the air-conditioning register 100 or a part thereof, and does not include the retainer 30, the bezel 20, or the housing. The operation unit is operated by an occupant in the vehicle cabin to realize the operation of a device provided in the vehicle 80, such as an air conditioner (not shown) or the air-conditioning register 100. The operation unit is, for example, an operation panel for operating devices such as an air conditioner and the air conditioning register 100 (not shown), a liquid crystal panel, a switch, a lever for switching the direction of the conditioned air blown out from the air conditioning register 100, etc. Note that the air conditioning register 100 of this embodiment is not provided with an operation unit. In other words, the functional member is not limited to including both a functional unit and an operation unit, and may be either a functional unit or an operation unit.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the VV position in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 shows the air-conditioning register 100 in a neutral state. The "neutral state" refers to a state in which the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100 is configured so that the flow rate of air blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the flow rate of air blown out from the second air outlet 102 are substantially equal. In this embodiment, the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100 can be switched by adjusting the orientation of the cover member 60 by rotating the cover member 60, as described later. Note that in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6 and 8 described later, the cross-sectional structures of the front wall portion 62 and the flow dividing portion 68 are simplified to facilitate understanding of the technology.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the neutral state is formed by the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100 being in a so-called mirror symmetric state in which the internal structure is vertically symmetric with respect to the Y direction including the central axis AX. The orientation of the cover member 60 in the neutral state is a direction DT1 that approximately coincides with the Y direction. The "orientation of the cover member 60" can be defined, for example, by a straight line DT connecting the midpoint CP of the front surface 626 of the cover member 60 and the central axis AX. The "midpoint CP of the front surface 626" can be defined, for example, by using a position on the front surface 626 where the straight-line distance to the end side 623 and the straight-line distance to the end side 624 approximately coincide with each other.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 5, inside and around the cover member 60, a flow path is formed to guide the air for conditioning flowing in from the inlet 305 to the first outlet 101 and the second outlet 102. Specifically, inside the cover member 60, a first internal flow path 601 is formed between the first inclined surface 683 of the flow dividing section 68 and the upper surface portion 632, and a second internal flow path 603 is formed between the second inclined surface 685 and the lower surface portion 642. The first internal flow path 601 communicates with the first slit 602, and the second internal flow path 603 communicates with the second slit 604. A first retainer ventilation path 612 and a second retainer ventilation path 614 are formed outside the cover member 60. First retainer ventilation passage 612 is a flow passage defined between first retainer inner wall 302W and front surface 626 of cover member 60, and second retainer ventilation passage 614 is a flow passage defined between second retainer inner wall 304W and front surface 626. First retainer ventilation passage 612 communicates with first slit 602 and first air outlet 101, and second retainer ventilation passage 614 communicates with second slit 604 and second air outlet 102.

[0032] 5, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of first retainer inner wall 302W and second retainer inner wall 304W is a substantially arc shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of cover member 60. As a result, the flow path inside and around cover member 60 has the following features (1)-(3).

[0033] (1) A first distance T10 between a first side 306s1 of the first air outlet 101 and the front surface 626 and a second distance T20 between a second side 306s2 of the second air outlet 102 and the front surface 626 are configured to be approximately the same size. In other words, the opening width of the first air outlet 101 and the opening width of the second air outlet 102 are approximately the same.

[0034] From the viewpoint of achieving a good balance between the design of the air-conditioning register 100 and the flow rate of the air blown out, the first distance T10 in the first air outlet 101 is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. If the first distance T10 is greater than 10 mm, for example, the first air outlet 101 becomes easily visible, and there is a concern that the design of the air-conditioning register 100 may be reduced. If the first distance T10 is smaller than 1 mm, there is a concern that the flow resistance becomes excessively high, and a sufficient flow rate of the first air outlet 101 may not be obtained with air-conditioning air of a general flow rate and flow velocity. To achieve a better balance between the design and the flow rate of the air, the first distance T10 is more preferably 3 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0035] (2) First air-passage distance T1 between first retainer inner wall 302W and front surface 626 is substantially constant over the entire area of ​​first retainer air-passage 612. Also, second air-passage distance T2 between second retainer inner wall 304W and front surface 626 is substantially constant over the entire area of ​​second retainer air-passage 614. With this configuration, even if cover member 60 is rotated, first air-passage distance T1 and second air-passage distance T2 do not change.

[0036] (3) First air-passage distance T1 and second air-passage distance T2 are configured to be substantially the same as each other. In other words, the flow path height of first retainer air-passage 612 and the flow path height of second retainer air-passage 614 are substantially the same. By having the above features (1)-(3), it is possible to easily adjust the balance between the flow rate, flow speed, etc. of the air blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the air blown out from the second air outlet 102.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the blowing direction DS1 of the air blown out from the first blowing outlet 101 and the blowing direction DS2 of the air blown out from the second blowing outlet 102. The "blowout direction of the air" means the macroscopic flow direction of the air at the position of the blowing outlet. The blowing direction DS1 of the air can be determined, for example, by a tangent to the position of the first side 306s1 of the first retainer inner wall 302W in a cross-sectional view, or a tangent to the surface of the lid member 60 facing the position, and the blowing direction DS2 can be determined by a tangent to the second side 306s2 of the second retainer inner wall 304W, or a tangent to the surface of the lid member 60 facing the position. In this embodiment, the blowing direction DS1 and the blowing direction DS2 are configured to intersect with each other at an intersection IS shown in FIG. 5, and thus the air blown out from the first blowing outlet 101 and the air blown out from the second blowing outlet 102 are configured to join in the vicinity of the front surface 626.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, at least a part of the functional members of the air-conditioning register 100 is disposed in the space SP defined between the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the second retainer ventilation passage 614. In this embodiment, the space SP is a space surrounded by the front wall portion 62 and the flow dividing portion 68. When a member having an internal space, such as the cover member 60 shown in FIG. 5, is provided between the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the second retainer ventilation passage 614, the space SP may be defined by the outer shape of the member having the internal space. In FIG. 5, the range corresponding to the space SP is hatched to facilitate understanding of the technology. In the space SP, the shaft portion 666, which is a part of the fin 66, and the synchronization portion 670 are disposed. In this way, by disposing a functional portion capable of changing the function of the air-conditioning register 100 in the space SP defined between the multiple flow paths, the space SP can be effectively utilized. In this embodiment, by disposing the functional portion in the space SP, the air-conditioning register 100 can be made smaller.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow direction of air conditioning air inside the air conditioning register 100 in a neutral state. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow speed of the air flow in the air conditioning register 100 in a neutral state. When air from the air conditioning device is supplied to the air conditioning register 100, as shown by arrows S11 and S21 in FIG. 6, the air conditioning air that flows from the inlet 305 into the retainer ventilation passage 30S flows to the protruding portion 684 of the flow dividing portion 68, and is divided into the first internal flow path 601 and the second internal flow path 603 by the protruding portion 684 as shown by arrows S12 and S22. By rotating the shaft portion 666 by operating the fin 66 to switch the surface direction of the first fin 664 and the second fin 665, the flow direction of the air after the flow dividing as shown by the arrows S12 and S22 can be switched between left and right along the vehicle width direction.

[0040] Air flowing through first internal flow path 601 is sent out to the outside of cover member 60 through first slit 602, and as shown by arrow S13, flows through first retainer ventilation passage 612. Similarly, air flowing through second internal flow path 603 is sent out to the outside of cover member 60 through second slit 604, and as shown by arrow S23, flows through second retainer ventilation passage 614.

[0041] Here, in the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, in the neutral state, the first facing area and the second facing area are configured to be substantially the same. The "first facing area" refers to the area of ​​the region where the first retainer inner wall 302W and the front surface 626 of the cover member 60 face each other. The "second facing area" refers to the area of ​​the region where the second retainer inner wall 304W and the front surface 626 face each other. In other words, in the air-conditioning register 100 in the neutral state, the flow path length W11 of the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the flow path length W21 of the second retainer ventilation passage 614 are configured to be substantially the same. In addition, by configuring in combination with the above-mentioned features (1)-(3), in the neutral state, the flow path resistance of the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the flow path resistance of the second retainer ventilation passage 614 are configured to be substantially the same. As a result, in the neutral state, the flow rates and the like of the air blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the air blown out from the second air outlet 102 can be made substantially the same.

[0042] As indicated by arrows S14 and S24, the air blown out from first air outlet 101 and second air outlet 102 to the outside of retainer 30 flows over the surface of front surface 626 due to the Coanda effect, and joins together on the surface of front surface 626 or at a position separated from the surface of front surface 626 due to separation. As indicated by arrows S14 and S24, the air that joins together in a state where the flow rates and the like are approximately the same flows toward the front of air-conditioning register 100 in a substantially horizontal direction as indicated by arrow S200.

[0043] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow direction of air conditioning air inside the air conditioning register 100 in the first rotation state. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow speed of the air flow in the air conditioning register 100 in the first rotation state. In the air conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the direction of the air blown out can be adjusted up and down along the vertical direction by rotating the cover member 60. For example, a user can adjust the direction of the air by rotating the cover member 60 in the up and down direction by manually operating the exposed surface 606. The cover member 60 may be rotated by an operating lever via a link mechanism connected to the cover member 60, not limited to the manual operation of the exposed surface 606. When the cover member 60 is rotated to the upper side shown by the arrow D20, the direction of the cover member 60 is switched from the direction DT1 shown in FIG. 5 to the direction DT2. As a result, the air conditioning register 100 can be set to the first rotation state shown in FIG. 8.

[0044] In the first rotation state, compared to the neutral state, the first ventilation passage distance T1 of first retainer ventilation passage 612 shown in Fig. 5 is maintained, and the flow path length is extended from flow path length W11 to flow path length W12. Also, the second ventilation passage distance T2 of second retainer ventilation passage 614 is maintained, and the flow path length is shortened from flow path length W21 to flow path length W22. In other words, the first rotation state is a state in which, compared to the neutral state, the flow path resistance is increased by the amount that the flow path length of first retainer ventilation passage 612 is lengthened, and the flow path resistance is decreased by the amount that the flow path length of second retainer ventilation passage 614 is shortened.

[0045] As shown by arrows S31 and S41 in Fig. 8, when the air conditioning air that has flowed from the inlet 305 into the retainer ventilation passage 30S flows to the protruding portion 684 of the flow dividing portion 68, the air is divided into the first internal flow passage 601 and the second internal flow passage 603 by the protruding portion 684 as shown by arrows S32 and S42, and is guided to the first slit 602 and the second slit 604. The air flowing through the first internal flow passage 601 is sent out from the first slit 602 to the outside of the cover member 60, and flows through the first retainer ventilation passage 612 in a state in which the flow passage length is extended as shown by arrow S33. The air flowing through the second internal flow passage 603 is sent out from the second slit 604 to the outside of the cover member 60, and flows through the second retainer ventilation passage 614 in a state in which the flow passage length is shortened as shown by arrow S43.

[0046] In the first rotation state, the flow rate of air blown out from second air outlet 102 indicated by arrow S44 becomes larger than that in the neutral state in response to a decrease in flow path resistance, and becomes larger than the flow rate of air blown out from first air outlet 101 indicated by arrow S34. Therefore, the joining point of air from first air outlet 101 and air from second air outlet 102 is above the neutral state. As a result, as indicated by arrow S202 in Figures 8 and 9, the air blown out from air-conditioning register 100 flows upward relative to the horizontal direction, i.e., in a direction at an elevation angle.

[0047] Although not shown, in the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the cover member 60 is rotated downward from the neutral state to a second rotation state, so that the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100 into the vehicle cabin can be directed downward from the neutral state. The second rotation state can be formed, for example, by rotating the cover member 60 to a state in which the first rotation state is turned upside down with respect to the direction DT1. In the second rotation state, the flow path length is shortened while maintaining the first air passage distance T1 of the first retainer air passage 612, and the flow path length is extended while maintaining the second air passage distance T2 of the second retainer air passage 614, compared to the neutral state. As a result, the flow path resistance is reduced by the amount of the shortened flow path length in the first retainer air passage 612, and the flow path resistance is increased by the amount of the extended flow path length in the second retainer air passage 614, compared to the neutral state. As a result, the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100 can be made to flow downward from the horizontal direction, that is, toward a direction at a depression angle.

[0048] As described above, the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical retainer 30 that defines the retainer ventilation passage 30S, a diverter section 68 that is disposed inside the retainer 30 and that divides the retainer ventilation passage 30S into a first retainer ventilation passage 612 and a second retainer ventilation passage 614, and a functional member that includes at least one of a functional section that changes the function of the air-conditioning register 100 and an operating section that operates a device provided in the vehicle 80 that includes the air-conditioning register 100. At least a part of the functional member is disposed in a space SP that is defined between the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the second retainer ventilation passage 614. By disposing a functional section that can change the function of the air-conditioning register 100 in the space SP that is defined between a plurality of flow paths, the space SP can be effectively utilized. According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the air-conditioning register 100 can be made smaller by disposing the functional section in the space SP.

[0049] According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the functional member includes a fin 66 having a first fin 664, a second fin 665, and a shaft portion 666 serving as a fin connecting portion that connects the first fin 664 and the second fin 665, the shaft portion 666 being disposed in the space SP. By providing the fin connecting portion between the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the second retainer ventilation passage 614, the length of the fin connecting portion can be shortened compared to a case in which the fin connecting portion is provided in a location other than the space SP.

[0050] According to air-conditioning register 100 of the present embodiment, shaft portion 666 serving as the fin connecting portion is a rod-shaped shaft body, and shaft portion 666 is disposed in space SP. Therefore, by forming the fin connecting portion into a rod-shaped shaft body, the area occupied by the fin connecting portion in space SP can be made smaller than in a configuration in which the fin connecting portion is a plate-shaped member or the like, and space SP can be used more effectively.

[0051] The air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment includes, as a functional part, a synchronization part 670 that connects the fin connection parts of the multiple fins 66 to each other to synchronize the operations of the multiple fins 66, and the synchronization part 670 is disposed in the space SP. By providing the synchronization part 670 as a functional part in the space SP, the space SP can be utilized more effectively than when the synchronization part 670 is provided in a location other than the space SP, and the air-conditioning register 100 can be made smaller in size.

[0052] B. Second embodiment: FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air-conditioning register 100b according to the second embodiment. The air-conditioning register 100b of the second embodiment differs from the air-conditioning register 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a cover member 60b instead of the cover member 60, but the other configurations are similar. The cover member 60b differs from the cover member 60 in that it includes an operating unit 650 in a recess formed in the front surface 626 of the front wall portion 62. The operating unit 650 is disposed in a space SP defined between the first retainer ventilation passage 612 and the second retainer ventilation passage 614. In this embodiment, the space SP is a space surrounded by a virtual straight line BL connecting the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102, and the flow dividing portion 68. The straight line BL is, for example, a straight line connecting an intersection E1 between the normal line of the first side 306s1 and the front wall portion 62 and an intersection E2 between the normal line of the second side 306s2 and the front wall portion 62. The operation unit 250 is, for example, an operation panel for adjusting the temperature of the air for conditioning blown out from the air conditioning register 100b.

[0053] According to the air-conditioning register 100b of this embodiment, the functional member is an operation panel serving as the operation unit 650 for adjusting the temperature of the airflow blown out from the air-conditioning register 100, and the operation panel is disposed in the space SP. Therefore, by disposing the operation unit 250 for operating the devices provided in the vehicle 80, including the air-conditioning register 100b, in the space SP defined between the multiple flow paths, the space SP can be effectively utilized. According to the air-conditioning register 100b of this embodiment, by disposing the operation unit in the space SP, the air-conditioning register 100b can be made smaller.

[0054] C. Third embodiment: 11 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an air-conditioning register 100c according to the third embodiment. The air-conditioning register 100c of the third embodiment differs from the air-conditioning register 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a cover member 60c instead of the cover member 60 and a bezel 20c instead of the bezel 20, but otherwise has the same configuration. In this embodiment, the cover member 60c is fixed inside the retainer air passage 30S like the cover member 60b shown in the second embodiment, and the flow rate of air from the first air outlet 101c and the second air outlet 102c is adjusted by operating the flow dividing portion 68c described later.

[0055] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in Fig. 11. Fig. 12 shows the air-conditioning register 100c in a neutral state. The neutral state of the air-conditioning register 100c can be achieved by aligning the direction of the diverter 68c substantially with the Y direction. In this embodiment, the direction of the diverter 68c can be determined, for example, by a straight line DT5 connecting the tip of the protrusion 684 and the rotation axis AX5 of the diverter 68c.

[0056] 12, a synchronizing portion 670c, which is a functional member of the air-conditioning register 100c, is disposed in a space SP defined between the first retainer air passage 612c and the second retainer air passage 614c. In this embodiment, the space SP is a space surrounded by the front wall portion 62c and the flow dividing portion 68.

[0057] 12, the cover member 60c includes a front wall portion 62c, a plurality of fins 66c, a synchronization portion 670c, and a flow dividing portion 68c. The cover member 60c differs from the cover member 60 shown in the first embodiment in that it does not include an upper wall portion 63, a lower wall portion 64, a first slit 602, or a second slit 604. A first retainer ventilation passage 612c and a second retainer ventilation passage 614c are formed on the outside of the cover member 60c.

[0058] The front wall portion 62c is common to the front wall portion 62 shown in the first embodiment in that it has a front surface 626, but differs in that it does not have a shaft fitting portion 628. The front wall portion 62c is fixed to the retainer inner wall 30W by a fixing device (not shown).

[0059] The fin 66c is a first fin 664 and a second fin 665, which are separate bodies, and each has a central axis AX3, AX4 shown in FIG. 12. The synchronization part 670c connects the first fin 664 and the second fin 665, and synchronizes the rotation directions of the fins with each other. The synchronization part 670c has a long flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction. By making it a flat plate shape, the area occupied by the synchronization part 670c in the space SP can be reduced. As shown in FIG. 11, the synchronization part 670c extends to the outside of the air-conditioning register 100c, and is connected to an operation lever (not shown) outside the air-conditioning register 100c. The first fin 664 and the second fin 665 rotate around the central axis AX3, AX4 by sliding the synchronization part 670c along the vehicle width direction by operating the operation lever. As a result, the direction of the air blown out from the first air outlet 101c and the second air outlet 102c is switched between the left and right along the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The flow dividing portion 68c has two inclined surfaces, a first inclined surface 683 and a second inclined surface 685. The first inclined surface 683 and the second inclined surface 685 are connected to each other with the tip of the protruding portion 684 as an apex. The first inclined surface 683 defines a first internal flow path 601c between the first inclined surface 683 and the first retainer inner wall 302W, and the second inclined surface 685 defines a second internal flow path 603c between the first inclined surface 683 and the second retainer inner wall 304W. The first internal flow path 601c communicates with the first outlet 101c via the first retainer ventilation passage 612c, and the second internal flow path 603c communicates with the second outlet 102c via the second retainer ventilation passage 614c.

[0061] As shown by an arrow AG3 in FIG. 12, the diverter 68c is supported by the retainer inner wall 30W so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis AX5 located downstream of the diverter 68c. The protrusion 684 of the diverter 68c can be rotated around the rotation axis AX5 by, for example, operating an operating lever (not shown). The protrusion 684 is connected to the central axis AX5 by a shaft connecting portion 686. This allows the diverter 68c to switch the retainer ventilation passage 30S between a first diverter state in which the protrusion 684 is close to the first retainer inner wall 302W and a second diverter state in which the protrusion 684 is close to the second retainer inner wall 304W. In this embodiment, a restricting portion 669 is formed in the cover member 60c near the diverter 68c. The restricting portion 669 is a wall surface that defines a through hole formed in the cover member 60c. The restricting portion 669 is disposed between the first retainer ventilation passage 612c and the second retainer ventilation passage 614c, that is, in the space SP. The shaft connecting portion 686 is inserted through the through hole. As a result, the movement of the shaft connecting portion 686 is restricted by the restricting portion 669 within a range from the first branch state to the second branch state. This configuration facilitates flow rate adjustment from the first branch state to the second branch state. The restricting portion 669 is covered by the first inclined surface 683 and the second inclined surface 685 of the branch portion 68c. This configuration can suppress or prevent the air for air conditioning from the inlet 305 from flowing into the restricting portion 669. The first branch state is a state in which the opening degree of the first internal flow path 601c is reduced and the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603c is increased. The second branch state is a state in which the opening degree of the first internal flow path 601c is increased and the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603c is reduced. According to the air-conditioning register 100c of this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the direction of the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100c can be switched by a simple method of adjusting the flow rate using the flow dividing section 68c.

[0062] In the air-conditioning register 100c of this embodiment, the first retainer ventilation passage 612c and the second retainer ventilation passage 614c have a structure that is asymmetrical in the top and bottom, and the internal structure is not mirror-symmetrical with respect to the Y direction. Specifically, the flow paths and the like within the air-conditioning register 100c have the following characteristics (4)-(6).

[0063] (4) The first distance T13 at the first air outlet 101c and the second distance T23 at the second air outlet 102c are set to be different from each other. Specifically, the first distance T13 is set to be larger than the second distance T23, and the opening width of the first air outlet 101c is set to be larger than the opening width of the second air outlet 102c. In the example of FIG. 12, the first distance T13 is 10 mm, and the second distance T23 is 5 mm. Although not shown in the figure, the first air outlet 101c and the second air outlet 102c are configured so that their blowing directions intersect in front of the front surface 626. (5) The total length W51 of the first internal flow passage 601c and the first retainer ventilation passage 612c is greater than the total length W61 of the second internal flow passage 603c and the second retainer ventilation passage 614c. In other words, in the flow passages after the flow is divided by the flow dividing section 68c, the flow passage to the first outlet 101c is longer than the flow passage to the second outlet 102c. (6) In the flow path after the flow is divided by the flow dividing portion 68c, the average value of the height 612h of the flow path to the first outlet 101c is greater than the average value of the height 614h of the flow path to the second outlet 102c.

[0064] The above features (4)-(6) are set values ​​derived to make the flow resistance of the flow path up to the first outlet 101c and the flow resistance of the flow path up to the second outlet 102c in the flow path after the flow is divided by the flow dividing unit 68c approximately equal. By having the above features (4)-(6), even if the air-conditioning register 100c has a top-bottom asymmetric structure as in this embodiment, the flow rate of the air blown out from the first outlet 101c and the flow rate of the air blown out from the second outlet 102c in the neutral state can be made approximately equal.

[0065] The bezel 20c is different from the bezel 20 shown in the first embodiment in that it includes a flange 210. As shown in FIG. 12, the flange 210 is a portion continuing from the first side 306s1 of the retainer opening 306. The flange 210 has a shape that protrudes from the first side 306s1 toward the outside of the air-conditioning register 100c. By configuring in this manner, the first air outlet 101c is difficult to be seen by the user, so that even if the opening width of the first air outlet 101c is formed large as in this embodiment, the first air outlet 101c can be made difficult to be seen, and the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100c can be prevented from being seen by the user in the vehicle cabin. The flange may be formed on the retainer 30 instead of the bezel 20c.

[0066] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow direction of the air conditioning air inside the air conditioning register 100c in the neutral state. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the simulation result of the flow speed of the air flow in the air conditioning register 100c in the neutral state. In the air conditioning register 100c in the neutral state, the opening degree of the first internal flow path 601c by the flow dividing portion 68c is approximately the same as the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603c. As shown by arrows S91 and S101 in FIG. 13, the air conditioning air that flows from the inlet 305 to the retainer ventilation passage 30S flows to the flow dividing portion 68c, and is divided into the first internal flow path 601c and the second internal flow path 603c by the protruding portion 684 as shown by arrows S92 and S102.

[0067] The air flowing through first internal flow path 601c is sent to first retainer ventilation passage 612c as shown by arrow S93, and the air flowing through second internal flow path 603c is sent to second retainer ventilation passage 614b as shown by arrow S103. The flow path resistances of first retainer ventilation passage 612c and second retainer ventilation passage 614c are approximately the same, and the flow rate of air blown out from first outlet 101c and the flow rate of air blown out from second outlet 102c are approximately the same.

[0068] The air blown out from the second air outlet 102c flows over the surface of the front surface 626 due to the Coanda effect, and merges with the air blown out from the first air outlet 101c on the surface of the front surface 626, or at a position separated from the surface of the front surface 626 due to separation. The merged air flows toward the front of the air-conditioning register 100c substantially along the Y direction, as shown by arrow S208 in Figures 13 and 14.

[0069] Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow speed of the airflow in the air-conditioning register 100c in the first branching state. The first branching state can be formed by switching the direction of the branching section 68c to a direction DT6 above the direction DT5 shown in Fig. 14. In the first branching state, the flow rate from the second air outlet 102c is greater than the flow rate from the first air outlet 101c, so that the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100c flows more upward than in the neutral state, as shown by the arrow S210 in Fig. 15.

[0070] 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow speed of the airflow in the air-conditioning register 100c in the second flow division state. The second flow division state can be formed by switching the direction of the flow division section 68c to a direction DT7 that is lower than the direction DT5. In the second flow division state, the flow rate from the first air outlet 101c is greater than the flow rate from the second air outlet 102c, so that the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100c flows more downward than in the neutral state, as shown by the arrow S212 in FIG. 16.

[0071] According to the air-conditioning register 100c of this embodiment, the synchronizing portion 670c, which is a functional member, is disposed in the space SP defined between the first retainer ventilation passage 612c and the second retainer ventilation passage 614c. Therefore, even with the air-conditioning register 100c of this embodiment, by disposing a functional portion capable of changing the function of the air-conditioning register 100 in the space SP defined between multiple flow paths, the space SP can be effectively utilized and the air-conditioning register 100 can be made smaller.

[0072] D. Other embodiments: (D1) In the above first embodiment, an example was shown in which the lid member 60 was cylindrical. However, the lid member 60 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be any columnar body such as a polygonal prism, or may be a sphere. When the lid member 60 is a polygonal prism, the exposed surface 606 may be any one of the planes of the polygonal prism, or may be two or more planes including a corner portion.

[0073] (D2) In each of the above embodiments, an example has been shown in which the retainer opening 306 is rectangular. However, the retainer opening 306 is not limited to a rectangle, and may have any geometric shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. Also, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been shown in which the shape of the bezel opening 206 matches the shape of the retainer opening 306, but this is not limiting, and the shape of the bezel opening 206 and the shape of the retainer opening 306 do not have to match. In this case, the shape of the exposed surface 606 may also be any shape according to the retainer opening 306.

[0074] (D3) In the above embodiments, the first side 306s1 and the second side 306s2 of the retainer opening 306 are arranged along the vehicle width direction. In contrast, the air-conditioning register 100 may be arranged such that the first side 306s1 and the second side 306s2 of the retainer opening 306 are inclined at any angle, including perpendicular, to the vehicle width direction, such as arranged so that the first side 306s1 and the second side 306s2 intersect with the vehicle width direction.

[0075] (D4) In each of the above embodiments, the first side 306s1 and the second side 306s2 are linear, but they are not limited to being linear and may be curved in various ways, such as a circular arc, or may be wavy in various shapes. The same applies to the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10...instrument panel, 12...handle, 20, 20c...bezel, 30...retainer, 30S...retainer ventilation passage, 30W...retainer inner wall, 60, 60b, 60c...cover member, 62, 62c...front wall portion, 63...upper wall portion, 64...lower wall portion, 66, 66c...fin, 68, 68c...flow dividing portion, 100, 100b, 100c...air conditioning register, 101, 101c...first air outlet, 102, 10 2c...second air outlet, 206...bezel opening, 210...flange portion, 302...first wall portion, 302T...fitting hole, 302W...first retainer inner wall, 303...side wall portion, 304...second wall portion, 304T...fitting hole, 304W...second retainer inner wall, 305...inlet, 306...retainer opening, 306s1...first side, 306s2...second side, 308...fitting hole, 601, 601c...first internal flow path, 602...first slot slit, 603, 603c... second internal flow passage, 604... second slit, 606... exposed surface, 612, 612c... first retainer ventilation passage, 614, 614b, 614c... second retainer ventilation passage, 623... edge, 624... edge, 626... front surface, 628... shaft fitting portion, 632... upper surface portion, 632E... edge, 634... side wall portion, 634B... lower end, 638... fitting hole, 642... lower surface portion, 642E... edge, 64 4...side wall portion, 644T...upper end, 646...protrusion, 648...fitting hole, 650...operation portion, 662...protrusion, 664...first fin, 665...second fin, 666...shaft portion, 668...synchronous connection portion, 669...regulating portion, 670, 670c...synchronizing portion, 682...support recess, 683...first inclined surface, 684...protrusion, 685...second inclined surface, 686...shaft connection portion, CP...midpoint, HH...head, HM...driver, HN...knees

Claims

1. An air conditioning register for use in a vehicle, comprising: a cylindrical retainer that defines a retainer ventilation passage; a dividing portion disposed inside the retainer for dividing the retainer ventilation passage into a first retainer ventilation passage and a second retainer ventilation passage; a functional member including at least one of a functional unit that changes a function of the air-conditioning register and an operation unit that operates a device provided in the vehicle including the air-conditioning register; At least a portion of the functional member is disposed in a space defined between the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage. Air conditioning register.

2. 2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, the functional member includes, as the functional portion, a fin having a first fin for adjusting a direction of an airflow flowing through the first retainer ventilation passage, a second fin for adjusting a direction of an airflow flowing through the second retainer ventilation passage, and a fin connecting portion connecting the first fin and the second fin, At least a portion of the fin connection portion is disposed in the space. Air conditioning register.

3. 3. The air conditioning register according to claim 2, The fin connection portion is a rod-shaped shaft body, The shaft is disposed in the space. Air conditioning register.

4. 2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, the functional member includes, as the functional portion, a first fin for adjusting the direction of the airflow flowing through the first retainer ventilation passage, a second fin for adjusting the direction of the airflow flowing through the second retainer ventilation passage, and a plurality of fins having fin connecting portions connecting the first fin and the second fin, and a synchronizing portion for connecting the fin connecting portions of the plurality of fins to each other to synchronize the operations of the plurality of fins, At least a part of the synchronization unit is disposed in the space. Air conditioning register.

5. 2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, the functional member includes, as the operation unit, an operation panel for adjusting a temperature of the airflow blown out from the air-conditioning register; The operation panel is disposed in the space. Air conditioning register.

6. 2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, The flow dividing portion includes a central axis including a shaft member, the shaft member functions as the functional portion that, by rotating the diversion portion about the central axis, can switch between a first diversion state in which the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer ventilation passage is reduced and the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer ventilation passage is increased, and a second diversion state in which the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer ventilation passage is increased and the opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer ventilation passage is reduced, The shaft member is disposed in the space. Air conditioning register.

7. 2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, Further, a restricting portion is provided to restrict the movement of the diverter portion, the diverter section is switchable, by rotating about a central axis, between a first diverter state in which an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer ventilation passage is reduced and an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer ventilation passage is increased, and a second diverter state in which an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the first retainer ventilation passage is increased and an opening degree of the flow passage communicating with the second retainer ventilation passage is reduced, The regulating portion is Located in the space, The movement of the flow diverter is restricted within a range from the first flow diverter state to the second flow diverter state. Air conditioning register.

8. 8. The air conditioning register according to claim 7, The flow dividing section is a protruding portion protruding toward an upstream side of the retainer ventilation passage; A first inclined surface continuous with the protruding portion; a second inclined surface connected to the protruding portion and on the opposite side to the first inclined surface, The restriction portion is covered by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. Air conditioning register.

9. The air-conditioning register according to claim 4 , wherein the synchronization portion is in the form of an elongated flat plate.

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