Air conditioning register

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning resister which achieves improvement of design so as to make an internal structure invisible.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning register (100) includes: a cylindrical retainer (30) including a retainer inner wall (30W) defining a retainer ventilation passage (30S), and a retainer opening (306) provided at a downstream end of the retainer ventilation passage (30S); and a lid member (60) provided in the retainer (30) and having an exposed surface (606) exposed from the retainer opening (306) and a retainer facing surface which faces the retainer opening (306) to define an air outlet with the retainer opening (306).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is known an air conditioning register in which horizontal blades for adjusting the vertical direction of airflow and vertical blades for adjusting the horizontal direction of airflow are arranged in a crossing state at the front opening of a frame that blows out air supplied from a duct (for example, Patent Document 1). In this register, multiple horizontal blades are arranged spaced apart at equal intervals from each other, and multiple vertical blades are arranged adjacent to and behind the horizontal blades. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-138750 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, structures inside the register, such as vertical blades located behind the horizontal blades, can be seen through the spaces between the horizontal blades, which impairs the design. [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 including: a cylindrical retainer having a retainer inner wall that defines a retainer air passage and a retainer opening provided at a downstream end of the retainer air passage; and a cover member provided inside the retainer, the cover member having an exposed surface that is exposed from the retainer opening and a retainer-facing surface that faces the retainer opening and defines an air outlet between the retainer opening and the retainer opening. According to this form of air conditioning register, by exposing the cover member from inside the retainer through the retainer opening, it is possible to provide an air conditioning register with improved design, where the internal structure is not easily visible. (2) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the retainer opening may have one side and another side opposing the one side, and the retainer opposing surface may define, as the air outlets, a first air outlet between the retainer opening and the one side, and a second air outlet between the retainer opening and the other side. According to the air-conditioning register of this configuration, by providing the air outlets in two locations, it is possible to expand the range in which the airflow is blown out from the air-conditioning register. (3) In the air-conditioning register of the above form, the first air outlet and the second air outlet may be configured so that the direction of the airflow blown out from the first air outlet and the direction of the airflow blown out from the second air outlet intersect with each other. With this type of air conditioning register, the flow direction of the airflow blown out from the air conditioning register can be adjusted by the simple method of adjusting the balance of the airflow flow rates by merging the airflows blown out from the first air outlet and the second air outlet. (4) The air conditioning register of the above form may further include a first retainer ventilation passage defined between a first retainer inner wall that is continuous with one side of the retainer opening and the cover member and communicating with the first air outlet, a second retainer ventilation passage defined between a second retainer inner wall that is continuous with the other side of the retainer opening and the cover member and communicating with the second air outlet, and a diversion section that is disposed inside the retainer and diverts the retainer ventilation passage into the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage. With this type of air conditioning register, airflow can be blown out from multiple outlets, including the first air outlet and the second air outlet, without having to provide separate sources of air conditioning air for the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage. (5) In the air conditioning register of the above form, the cover member may be configured to be rotatable inside the retainer, and may be switchable between a first rotation state in which the rotation increases the first opposing area between the first retainer inner wall and the cover member while maintaining the first ventilation passage distance between the first retainer inner wall and the cover member, and decreases the second opposing area between the second retainer inner wall and the cover member while maintaining the second ventilation passage distance between the second retainer inner wall and the cover member, and a second rotation state in which the first opposing area is decreased while maintaining the first ventilation passage distance, and the second opposing area is increased while maintaining the second ventilation passage distance. According to the air-conditioning register of this aspect, the flow rate of the airflow from each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet can be adjusted by the simple method of rotating the cover member. (6) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the diverter portion has a first diverter 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 diverter 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. dichotomy The flow state may be switchable between a With this type of air conditioning register, the direction of the airflow blown out from the air conditioning register can be switched by the simple method of adjusting the flow rate of the flow path communicating with the first retainer ventilation passage and the flow path communicating with the second retainer ventilation passage. (7) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, a first distance between one side of the retainer opening at the first air outlet and the retainer facing surface may be greater than a second distance between another side of the retainer opening at the second air outlet and the retainer facing surface. Further, the air-conditioning register may include a flange portion that is continuous with the one side of the retainer opening and protrudes toward an outside of the retainer. According to this type of air-conditioning register, even if the opening of the first air outlet is enlarged, the flange portion can make it difficult to see from the outside. (8) In the air conditioning register of the above form, a first distance between one side of the retainer opening at the first air outlet and the retainer opposing surface and a second distance between the other side of the retainer opening at the second air outlet and the retainer opposing surface may be the same. According to the air-conditioning register of this configuration, the two air outlets are symmetrical, which can improve the design of the air-conditioning register. (9) In the air conditioning register of the above form, the cover member may be configured to be slidable inside the retainer, and may be switchable between a first sliding state in which the sliding increases the first ventilation passage distance between the first retainer inner wall and the cover member while maintaining the size of the first opposing area between the first retainer inner wall and the cover member, and decreases the second ventilation passage distance between the second retainer inner wall and the cover member while maintaining the size of the second opposing area between the second retainer inner wall and the cover member, and a second sliding state in which the first ventilation passage distance is decreased while maintaining the size of the first opposing area, and increases the second ventilation passage distance while maintaining the size of the second opposing area. According to the air-conditioning register of this aspect, the flow rate of the airflow from each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet can be adjusted by the simple method of sliding the cover member. (10) The air conditioning register of the above configuration may further include a flat first fin provided in the first retainer ventilation passage and configured to be rotatable around a central axis intersecting the first retainer inner wall, and a flat second fin provided in the second retainer ventilation passage and configured to be rotatable around a central axis intersecting the second retainer inner wall. According to this type of air-conditioning register, the flow direction of the airflow from the first air outlet and the flow direction of the airflow from the second air outlet can be switched by the simple method of rotating the first fins and the second fins. (11) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the exposed surface may be a curved surface that is convex toward an outside of the air-conditioning register. According to the air-conditioning register of this embodiment, the exposed surface is formed as a curved surface, thereby improving the design of the air-conditioning register. (12) In the air-conditioning register of the above aspect, the distance between the retainer opening and the retainer opposing surface at the air outlet may be 1 millimeter or more and 10 millimeters or less. According to this configuration, an air-conditioning register can be provided that has a good balance between design and the flow rate of the air blown out. The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than an air-conditioning register, such as a method for manufacturing an air-conditioning register, a mobile object including an air-conditioning register, an air-conditioning device, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installation of an air-conditioning register according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the air-conditioning register. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of each part of the air-conditioning register. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of each part of the lid member. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the VV position in Figure 2. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow direction of air conditioning air inside the air conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the airflow velocity in an air-conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow direction of air in the air-conditioning register in the first rotation state. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the airflow velocity in the air-conditioning register in the first rotation state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an air-conditioning register according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the direction of air flow in an air-conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow direction of air in the air-conditioning register in the first flow division state. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an air-conditioning register according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 14 . [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the direction of air flow in an air-conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the airflow velocity in an air-conditioning register in a neutral state. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow velocity of the air-conditioning register in the first branch state. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a simulation result of the flow velocity of the air-conditioning register in the second branch state. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the direction of airflow in a vehicle equipped with an air conditioning register; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an installation example of an air-conditioning register 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The air-conditioning register 100 is installed, for example, in the cabin of a moving object 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 conditioned air supplied through an air duct from an air conditioning unit (not shown) installed in the vehicle into the cabin. Note that X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 1 and the subsequent figures represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes are also referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. When specifying a direction, a positive direction is indicated by "+" and a negative direction by "-", and positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction, with the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure being the + direction and the opposite direction being the - direction. In this disclosure, an example will be described in which the X direction coincides with the width direction of the vehicle, the +X direction coincides with the right direction when viewed from behind the vehicle, the -X direction coincides with the left direction, the Y direction coincides with the direction of travel of the vehicle, 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, these directions do not limit the orientation in which the air conditioning register 100 is arranged.

[0009] 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 having a retainer ventilation passage 30S formed therein. 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 646 provided on the cover member 60, as described below. 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 the vehicle's air conditioning system. The retainer opening 306 is located at the downstream end of the retainer ventilation passage 30S and faces the vehicle interior. The retainer opening 306 is connected to the inlet 305 via the retainer ventilation passage 30S. The retainer opening 306 has a generally rectangular shape that is elongated along the vehicle width direction. One of the long sides of the retainer opening 306 is also referred to as the "first side 306s1," and the other side is also referred to as the "second side 306s2." In this embodiment, the first side 306s1 is located on the upper vertical side and is continuous with the first retainer inner wall 302W of the retainer inner wall 30W. The second side 306s2 is located on the lower vertical side facing the first side 306s1. The second side 306s2 is continuous with the second retainer inner wall 304W of the retainer inner wall 30W.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, when a 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 and 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 and along the second side 306s2. As indicated by arrows AR in FIG. 2, air for conditioning supplied from an air conditioner (not shown) flows into the retainer air passage 30S from the inlet 305 and is blown out into the vehicle cabin from the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102. Note that in the present disclosure, a position closer to the air conditioner with respect to a predetermined reference position in the flow direction of the air for conditioning air may also be referred to as "upstream" or "upstream side," and a position farther from the air conditioner may also be referred to as "downstream," "downstream side," "front face," or "front face side."

[0013] The cover member 60 is a hollow structure through which air-conditioning air can flow. As shown in FIG. 3 , the cover member 60 is formed with a first slit 602 that communicates with the first air outlet 101 and a second slit 604 that communicates with the second air outlet 102. The cover member 60 has a substantially cylindrical exterior shape and is disposed in the retainer air passage 30S so that its axial direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the cover member 60 is disposed in the retainer air passage 30S near the retainer opening 306 so as to cover the retainer opening 306 from inside the retainer 30. By covering the retainer opening 306 with the cover member 60, the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100 cannot be seen from the outside. Note that "the cover member 60 covers the retainer opening 306" means that the cover 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 cover 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, to improve design. "Decoration" means adding decorative elements. Decoration can include, for example, painting, plating, printing, coloring, surface treatment, surface processing, and adding decorative members. Decoration can be performed during the manufacture of the air conditioning register 100, or 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 to approximately 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 when viewed from the front.

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

[0017] The front wall 62 functions as the front wall surface of the cover member 60. The front wall 62 includes a front surface 626 and a shaft fitting portion 628. The shaft fitting portion 628 is provided on the back surface of the cover member 60, opposite the front surface 626, and the diverter portion 68 is fitted into the shaft fitting portion 628. The front surface 626 is configured as a curved surface that convexly extends outward from the air-conditioning register 100. The front surface 626 has a linear edge 623 located at its upper end and a linear edge 624 located at its lower end. A portion of the front surface 626 is exposed through the retainer opening 306, and the remaining portion faces the retainer inner wall 30W. The surface of the front surface 626 exposed through the retainer opening 306 functions as the exposed surface 606. The surface of the cover member 60 that faces the retainer inner wall 30W is also referred to as 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 a top surface portion 632 and two side wall portions 634 continuous with both ends of the top surface portion 632. The top surface portion 632 is formed with the same number of fitting holes 638 as the number of fins 66 for fitting with protrusions 662 provided on the fins 66. A linear edge 632E is formed on the front side of the top 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 the same number of fitting holes 648 formed therein as the number of fins 66, for fitting with protrusions 662 provided on the fins 66. A linear edge 642E is formed on the front side of the lower surface portion 642. When the lid member 60 is formed, the edge 642E faces and is spaced apart from the edge 624 of the front wall portion 62. As a result, a second slit 604 shown in FIG. 3 is formed between the edge 642E and the edge 624.

[0020] An upper end 644T of each of the two side wall portions 644 is joined to a lower end 634B of a side wall portion 634 of the upper wall portion 63. A protrusion 646 that protrudes toward the outside of the cover member 60 is formed on each of the upper ends 644T. The protrusion 646 has a generally cylindrical shape and fits into a fitting hole 308 formed in the side wall portion 303 of the retainer 30. This allows the cover member 60 to be rotatable about the central axis AX in the retainer ventilation passage 30S.

[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 protrusion 662, a first fin 664, a second fin 665, an axis 666, and a connecting portion 668.

[0022] The first fin 664 and the second fin 665 are substantially flat plate-shaped members having an outer diameter corresponding to the shape of the flow path inside the cover member 60. The first fin 664 and the second fin 665 are attached to the shaft portion 666 so that their surfaces can rotate around a central axis AX2, which is the axial direction of the shaft portion 666. In this embodiment, the first fin 664 and the second fin 665 are integrally formed with one shaft portion 666 and a connecting portion 668, and share the central axis AX2. Note that the first fin 664 and the second fin 665 may be separate members, and their central axes may be set independently.

[0023] The protrusions 662 are disposed at the upper and lower ends of the shaft 666. The protrusions 662 have a generally cylindrical shape and fit into the fitting holes 638 of the upper wall 63 and 648 of the lower wall 64. This allows the fin 66 to be rotatable about the central axis AX2 of the shaft 666 inside the cover member 60. 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 connecting portion 668 functions as a so-called link mechanism for rotating the shaft portion 666. In the present embodiment, for example, the connecting portion 668 can be connected to the front wall portion 62. In this case, by moving the front wall portion 62 back and forth along the vehicle width direction, the connecting portion 668 moves along the vehicle width direction. The back and forth movement of the connecting portion 668 is transmitted to the shaft portion 666, causing the shaft portion 666 to rotate 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 air inside the cover member 60 switches between left and right along the vehicle width direction. The connecting portion 668 may be connected to an operating lever (not shown) or the like instead of the front wall portion 62.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 4, the flow diverter 68 is a shaft member that is long along the vehicle width direction. The flow diverter 68 divides the flow path inside the cover member 60 into two directions. The flow diverter 68 includes a support recess 682 for rotatably supporting the shaft 666 of the fin 66, and a protrusion 684. The flow diverter 68 is assembled to the shaft fitting portion 628 of the front wall 62 with the shaft 666 inserted into the support recess 682.

[0026] The flow diverter 68 has two slopes, a first slope 683 and a second slope 685, which are connected to each other with the protrusion 684 at the apex. The protrusion 684 is located upstream of the retainer-air-passage passage 30S. As a result, the flow diverter 68 is located in the retainer-air-passage passage 30S, protruding toward the inlet 305. By forming the flow diverter 68 to protrude in one direction, the flow path can be diverted upward and downward while suppressing an increase in flow path resistance. The cross-sectional shape of the flow diverter 68 is not limited to a triangle, and may be various shapes such as a flat plate, a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, or other polygon. In cases where the retainer-air-passage passage 30S has two flow paths corresponding to the first outlet 101 and the second outlet 102, respectively, and air for conditioning is supplied to the first outlet 101 and the second outlet 102 separately, the flow diverter 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 providing a complex flow path in the retainer air passage 30S.

[0027] 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 approximately 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 will be described later. Note that in FIG. 5 and in FIGS. 6 and 8, which will be described later, the cross-sectional structures of the front wall portion 62 and the diverter portion 68 are simplified to facilitate understanding of the technology.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the neutral state is achieved when the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100 is in a so-called mirror-symmetric state, where the internal structure is vertically symmetrical 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 substantially coincides with the Y direction. The "orientation of the cover member 60" can be defined, for example, by a line DT connecting the midpoint CP of the front surface 626 of the cover member 60 to the central axis AX. The "midpoint CP of the front surface 626" can be defined, for example, by the position on the front surface 626 where the linear distance to the edge 623 and the linear distance to the edge 624 substantially coincide.

[0029] 5, flow paths are formed inside and around the cover member 60 to guide the conditioning air 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 632, and a second internal flow path 603 is formed between the second inclined surface 685 and the lower surface 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 air passage 612 and a second retainer air passage 614 are formed outside the cover member 60. First retainer ventilation passage 612 is a flow path defined between first retainer inner wall 302W and front surface 626 of cover member 60, and second retainer ventilation passage 614 is a flow path defined between second retainer inner wall 304W and front surface 626. First retainer ventilation passage 612 connects first slit 602 and first air outlet 101, and second retainer ventilation passage 614 connects second slit 604 and second air outlet 102.

[0030] 5, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of first retainer inner wall 302W and second retainer inner wall 304W are substantially arc-shaped corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of cover member 60. As a result, the flow paths inside and around cover member 60 have the following features (1) to (3).

[0031] (1) A first distance T10 between the first side 306s1 of the first air outlet 101 and the front surface 626 and a second distance T20 between the 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.

[0032] From the viewpoint of achieving a good balance between the design of the air-conditioning register 100 and the flow rate of the air being blown out, the first distance T10 at the first air outlet 101 is preferably 1 millimeter or more and 10 millimeters or less. If the first distance T10 is greater than 10 mm, for example, the first air outlet 101 becomes more visible, raising concerns that the design of the air-conditioning register 100 may be impaired. If the first distance T10 is less than 1 mm, the flow path resistance becomes excessively high, raising concerns that a sufficient flow rate at the first air outlet 101 may not be obtained with air-conditioning air of a typical flow rate and velocity. To achieve a better balance between the design and the flow rate of the air, a distance of 3 millimeters or more and 9 millimeters or less is more preferable.

[0033] (2) First air-passage distance T1 between first retainer inner wall 302W and front surface 626 is kept substantially constant throughout first retainer air-passage passage 612. Furthermore, second air-passage distance T2 between second retainer inner wall 304W and front surface 626 is kept substantially constant throughout second retainer air-passage passage 614. With this configuration, first air-passage distance T1 and second air-passage distance T2 do not change even when cover member 60 is rotated.

[0034] (3) First air-passage passage distance T1 and second air-passage passage distance T2 are configured to be approximately the same. In other words, the flow path height of first retainer air-passage passage 612 and the flow path height of second retainer air-passage passage 614 are approximately the same. By having the above features (1) to (3), it is possible to easily adjust the balance between the flow rate, flow velocity, etc. of the air blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the air blown out from the second air outlet 102.

[0035] FIG. 5 schematically shows the blowing direction DS1 of air blown out from the first outlet 101 and the blowing direction DS2 of air blown out from the second outlet 102. The "air blowing direction" refers to the macroscopic flow direction of air at the position of the outlet. The air blowing direction DS1 can be determined, for example, by a tangent to the position of the first edge 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 that position. The blowing direction DS2 can be determined by a tangent to the second edge 306s2 of the second retainer inner wall 304W, or a tangent to the surface of the lid member 60 facing that position. In this embodiment, the blowing directions DS1 and DS2 intersect at an intersection IS shown in FIG. 5. This allows the air blown out from the first outlet 101 and the air blown out from the second outlet 102 to merge near the front surface 626.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow direction of air conditioning air inside the air conditioning register 100 in the neutral state. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the air flow velocity in the air conditioning register 100 in the neutral state. When air from the air conditioning device is supplied to the air conditioning register 100, the air conditioning air flows from the inlet 305 into the retainer-air passage 30S as shown by arrows S11 and S21 in FIG. 6. When the air conditioning air reaches the protruding portion 684 of the diverter portion 68, the protruding portion 684 diverges the air into the first internal flow path 601 and the second internal flow path 603 as shown by arrows S12 and S22. By operating the fin 66 to rotate the shaft portion 666 and switch the surface directions of the first fin 664 and the second fin 665, the flow direction of the diverted air as shown by arrows S12 and S22 can be switched left and right along the vehicle width direction.

[0037] 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.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6 , the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment is configured such that the first opposing area and the second opposing area are substantially equal in the neutral state. The “first opposing 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 opposing 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, the air-conditioning register 100 in the neutral state is configured such that the flow path length W11 of the first retainer-air passage 612 and the flow path length W21 of the second retainer-air passage 614 are substantially equal. Furthermore, by combining the above-described features (1) to (3), the flow path resistance of the first retainer-air passage 612 and the flow path resistance of the second retainer-air passage 614 are substantially equal in the neutral state. As a result, in the neutral state, the flow rate 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.

[0039] 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 in accordance with the Coanda effect, and meets on the surface of front surface 626 or at a position separated from the surface of front surface 626 due to separation. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the air that meets with approximately the same flow rate and the like flows toward the front of air-conditioning register 100 in a substantially horizontal direction as indicated by arrow S200.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the flow direction of air-conditioning air inside the air-conditioning register 100 in the first rotation state. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating simulation results of the airflow velocity 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 being 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 manually rotating the cover member 60 up and down by manually operating the exposed surface 606. The cover member 60 does not have to be rotated manually by operating the exposed surface 606, but may also be rotated by an operating lever via a link mechanism connected to the cover member 60. When the cover member 60 is rotated upward as indicated by arrow D20, the orientation of the cover member 60 is switched from direction DT1 to direction DT2 shown in FIG. 5. As a result, the air-conditioning register 100 can be placed in the first rotation state shown in FIG. 8.

[0041] In the first rotation state, compared to the neutral state, first retainer-ventilation passage distance T1 shown in Fig. 5 is maintained, but the flow path length is extended from flow path length W11 to flow path length W12. Also, second retainer-ventilation passage distance T2 is maintained, but 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 of the lengthening of the flow path length of first retainer-ventilation passage 612, and the flow path resistance is decreased by the amount of the shortening of the flow path length of second retainer-ventilation passage 614.

[0042] 8, the air conditioning air that flows into retainer-ventilation passage 30S from inlet 305 flows to protruding portion 684 of diverter 68, where it is diverted by protruding portion 684 into first internal flow passage 601 and second internal flow passage 603, as shown by arrows S32 and S42, and is then guided to first slit 602 and second slit 604. The air flowing through first internal flow passage 601 is sent out from first slit 602 to the outside of cover member 60, and flows through first retainer-ventilation passage 612, the length of which is extended, as shown by arrow S33. The air flowing through second internal flow passage 603 is sent out from second slit 604 to the outside of cover member 60, and flows through second retainer-ventilation passage 614, the length of which is shortened, as shown by arrow S43.

[0043] In the first rotation state, the flow rate of air blown out from second outlet 102, indicated by arrow S44, is greater than that in the neutral state due to a decrease in flow path resistance, and is also greater than the flow rate of air blown out from first outlet 101, indicated by arrow S34. Therefore, the confluence point of air from first outlet 101 and air from second outlet 102 is higher than that in 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.

[0044] Although not shown, in the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, by rotating the cover member 60 downward from the neutral state to a second rotation state, the air blown from the air-conditioning register 100 into the vehicle cabin can be directed more downward than in the neutral state. The second rotation state can be achieved, for example, by rotating the cover member 60 to a state in which the first rotation state is upside down with respect to the direction DT1. In the second rotation state, the flow path length of the first retainer air passage 612 is shortened while maintaining the first air passage distance T1, and the flow path length of the second retainer air passage 614 is extended while maintaining the second air passage distance T2, compared to the neutral state. As a result, the flow path resistance of the first retainer air passage 612 is reduced by the amount of the shortened flow path length, and the flow path resistance of the second retainer air passage 614 is increased by the amount of the extended flow path length, compared to the neutral state. As a result, the air blown from the air-conditioning register 100 can flow downward, i.e., at a depression angle, relative to the horizontal direction.

[0045] As described above, the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical retainer 30 having a retainer inner wall 30W that defines a retainer ventilation passage 30S and a retainer opening 306 provided at the downstream end of the retainer ventilation passage 30S, and a lid member 60 that is disposed inside the retainer 30. The lid member 60 has an exposed surface 606 that is exposed from the retainer opening 306, and a retainer facing surface 608 that faces the retainer opening 306 and defines an air outlet between the retainer opening 306 and the exposed surface 606. Face and By exposing the cover member 60 from the inside of the retainer 30 through the retainer opening 306, it is possible to obtain an air-conditioning register 100 with improved design, in which the internal structure is not easily visible.

[0046] According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the retainer opening 306 has a first side 306s1 and a second side 306s2 opposing the first side 306s1. The front surface 626, which serves as the retainer opposing surface, defines a first air outlet 101 between the first side 306s1 and the front surface 626, and a second air outlet 102 between the first side 306s1 and the front surface 626. By providing air outlets in two locations, the range in which air is blown out from the air-conditioning register 100 can be expanded.

[0047] According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 are configured so that the air outlet direction DS1 of the air blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the air outlet direction DS2 of the air blown out from the second air outlet 102 intersect with each other at an intersection IS. By merging the air blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102, the flow direction of the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100 can be easily adjusted by a simple method of adjusting the balance between the air flow rates of the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102.

[0048] Air-conditioning register 100 of the present embodiment further includes a diverter 68 that is disposed inside retainer 30 and that divides retainer-air-passage passage 30S into first retainer-air-passage passage 612 and second retainer-air-passage passage 614. With this configuration, it is possible to cause air to flow to the multiple outlets of first air outlet 101 and second air outlet 102 with a simple configuration, without forming two flow paths that individually communicate with first retainer-air-passage passage 612 and second retainer-air-passage passage 614, and without providing individual air-conditioning air supply sources for first retainer-air-passage passage 612 and second retainer-air-passage passage 614.

[0049] In the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the cover member 60 is configured to be rotatable within the retainer 30. Rotation of the cover member 60 can be switched between a first rotation state in which the first opposing area is increased while maintaining the first air-passage distance T1, thereby increasing the flow resistance of the first retainer air-passage passage 612, and the second opposing area is decreased while maintaining the second air-passage distance T2, thereby decreasing the flow resistance of the second retainer air-passage passage 614, and a second rotation state in which the first opposing area is decreased while maintaining the first air-passage distance T1, thereby decreasing the flow resistance of the first retainer air-passage passage 612, and the second opposing area is increased while maintaining the second air-passage distance T2, thereby increasing the flow resistance of the second retainer air-passage passage 614. The flow rate of air through each of the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 can be adjusted simply by rotating the cover member 60. When air from first air outlet 101 and air from second air outlet 102 are joined together, the flow direction of the joined air can be switched by the simple method of rotating cover member 60. Furthermore, since the air flow direction can be adjusted by balancing the flow rate of first air outlet 101 and the flow rate of second air outlet 102 to be joined together, the flow direction of the air blown out from air-conditioning register 100 can be adjusted over a wider range than with conventional techniques that use fins or the like.

[0050] According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the first distance T10 between the first side 306s1 of the retainer opening 306 in the first air outlet 101 and the surface facing the retainer and the second distance T20 between the second side 306s2 in the second air outlet 102 and the surface facing the retainer are the same. By configuring the opening width of the first air outlet 101 and the opening width of the second air outlet 102 to be the same, it becomes easier to equalize the flow rate of the airflow from each air outlet. Furthermore, the symmetry of the two air outlets improves the design of the air-conditioning register 100.

[0051] The air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment is provided with a flat first fin 664 that is provided in the first retainer air passage 612 and configured to be rotatable about an axis that intersects with the first retainer inner wall 302W, and a flat second fin 665 that is provided in the second retainer air passage 614 and configured to be rotatable about an axis that intersects with the second retainer inner wall 304W. By simply rotating the first fin 664 and the second fin 665, the air flow direction of the first air outlet 101 and the air flow direction of the second air outlet 102 can be switched between the left and right in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the exposed surface 606 is configured with a curved surface that convexly extends outward from the air-conditioning register 100. Configuring the exposed surface 606 as a curved surface can improve the design of the air-conditioning register 100. Furthermore, the Coanda effect can be used to make it easier for the airflows blown out from the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 to merge near the exposed surface 606, allowing the flow rate and blowing direction of the airflow from the air-conditioning register 100 to be stably adjusted.

[0053] According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this embodiment, the first distance T10 at the first air outlet 101 and the second distance T20 at the second air outlet 102 are set to be equal to or greater than 1 millimeter and equal to or less than 10 millimeters. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air-conditioning register 100 that has a good balance between the design of the air-conditioning register 100 and the flow rate of the air blown out.

[0054] B. Second embodiment: FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the exterior 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 and in that it also includes an operating lever 40, but the configuration is otherwise similar. In the first embodiment, the cover member 60 is rotatably supported within the retainer-air-passage passage 30S. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cover member 60b is fixed within the retainer-air-passage passage 30S, and the air flow rates of the first air outlet 101b and the second air outlet 102b are adjusted by operating the flow diverter 68b using the operating lever 40, as described below.

[0055] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in Figure 10. Figure 11 shows the air-conditioning register 100b in a neutral state. As with the first embodiment, the neutral state of the air-conditioning register 100b is achieved by the internal structure being mirror-symmetric with respect to the Y direction including the central axis AX.

[0056] 11, lid member 60b includes a front wall portion 62b, fins 66b, and a flow dividing portion 68b. Lid member 60b differs from lid member 60 shown in the first embodiment in that lid member 60b does not include upper wall portion 63, lower wall portion 64, first slit 602, or second slit 604. First retainer-ventilation passage 612b and second retainer-ventilation passage 614b are formed on the exterior of lid member 60b. A first-ventilation passage distance T12 of first retainer-ventilation passage 612b and a second-ventilation passage distance T22 of second retainer-ventilation passage 614b are substantially the same, and a flow passage length W31 of first retainer-ventilation passage 612b and a flow passage length W41 of second retainer-ventilation passage 614b are substantially the same. That is, the first retainer-air-passage passage 612b and the second retainer-air-passage passage 614b are configured so that their flow path resistances are approximately the same. Note that the configurations of the first air outlet 101b and the second air outlet 102b are similar to those of the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 shown in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] The front wall portion 62b is the same as the front wall portion 62 shown in the first embodiment in that it has a front surface 626 with a similar cross-sectional shape, but differs in that it does not have a shaft fitting portion 628. The front wall portion 62b is fixed to the retainer inner wall 30W by a fixing tool (not shown).

[0058] The fin 66b rotates around the central axis AX2 inside the cover member 60b. The fin 66b differs in shape from the fin 66 shown in the first embodiment, but the function and configuration are otherwise similar. In this embodiment, the protrusion 662 at the upper end of the fin 66b is fitted into the fitting hole 302T of the first retainer inner wall 302W instead of the fitting hole 638 of the upper wall portion 63, and the protrusion 662 at the lower end is fitted into the fitting hole 304T of the second retainer inner wall 304W instead of the fitting hole 648 of the lower wall portion 64. The rotation of the fin 66b can be adjusted, for example, by operating an operating lever (not shown).

[0059] Diversion portion 68b is a plate-like member that is long along the vehicle width direction. The upstream end of diverter portion 68b functions as protrusion 684, and divides retainer-air-passage passage 30S into upper and lower portions. In the example of FIG. 12, diverter portion 68b is arranged in retainer-air-passage passage 30S so that its surface direction is in direction DT3, which is approximately the same as the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the orientation of diverter portion 68b can be determined by the surface direction of diverter portion 68b.

[0060] In this embodiment, a first internal flow path 601b is formed between the upper surface of flow dividing portion 68b and first retainer inner wall 302W, and a second internal flow path 603b is formed between the lower surface of flow dividing portion 68b and second retainer inner wall 304W. First internal flow path 601b communicates with first air outlet 101b via first retainer air passage 612b, and second internal flow path 603b communicates with second air outlet 102b via second retainer air passage 614b.

[0061] As shown by arrow AG2 in FIG. 11, flow diverter 68b is supported by retainer inner wall 30W so as to be rotatable around central axis AX, which is set near the downstream end of flow diverter 68b. Flow diverter 68b is connected to operating lever 40 shown in FIG. 10 by a link mechanism (not shown). Operating operating lever 40 in the up and down directions shown by arrow AG1 in FIG. 10 causes flow diverter 68b to rotate around central axis AX. This switches flow diverter 68b between a first flow diverting state in which protruding portion 684 is adjacent to first retainer inner wall 302W and a second flow diverting state in which protruding portion 684 is adjacent to second retainer inner wall 304W. In the first flow diverting state, the opening of first internal flow path 601b, which communicates with first retainer ventilation passage 612b, is reduced, and the opening of second internal flow path 603b, which communicates with second retainer ventilation passage 614b, is increased. The second branch state is a state in which the opening degree of the first internal flow path 601b is increased and the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603b is decreased.

[0062] 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow direction of air-conditioning air inside the air-conditioning register 100b in the neutral state. In the air-conditioning register 100b in the neutral state, the opening degree of the first internal flow path 601b and the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603b caused by the flow diverter 68b are substantially the same. As shown by arrows S51 and S61 in FIG. 12, the air-conditioning air that flows from the inlet 305 into the retainer-air-passage passage 30S flows to the protruding portion 684 of the flow diverter 68b, and then, as shown by arrows S52 and S62, is diverted by the protruding portion 684 into the first internal flow path 601b and the second internal flow path 603b.

[0063] Air flowing through first internal flow path 601b flows through first retainer ventilation passage 612b as shown by arrow S53. Air flowing through second internal flow path 603b flows through second retainer ventilation passage 614b as shown by arrow S63. The flow path resistance of first retainer ventilation passage 612b and second retainer ventilation passage 614b is approximately the same, and the flow rate of the airflow blown out from first outlet 101b and the flow rate of the air blown out from second outlet 102b are approximately the same.

[0064] As indicated by arrows S54 and S64, the air blown out from first air outlet 101b and second air outlet 102b to the outside of retainer 30 flows over the surface of front surface 626 in accordance with the Coanda effect and meets together on the surface of front surface 626 or at a position separated from the surface of front surface 626 due to separation. The meting air flows toward the front of air-conditioning register 100b in a substantially horizontal direction as indicated by arrow S204.

[0065] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the air flow direction inside the air-conditioning register 100b in the first flow diversion state. When the flow diversion portion 68b is rotated upward as indicated by arrow D21 by operating the operating lever 40, the surface direction of the flow diversion portion 68b is switched from direction DT3 to direction DT4. As a result, the first flow diversion state shown in FIG. 13 can be achieved.

[0066] As indicated by arrows S71 and S81, the air for air conditioning flows up to protruding portion 684 of diverter portion 68b. The air that reaches protruding portion 684 flows into first internal flow path 601b with its flow rate reduced by diverter portion 68b as indicated by arrow S32, and flows into second internal flow path 603b with its flow rate increased as indicated by arrow S42. As indicated by arrow S73, the air that flows into first internal flow path 601b flows through first retainer-ventilation passage 612b, and as indicated by arrow S83, the air that flows into second internal flow path 603b flows through second retainer-ventilation passage 614b.

[0067] In the first branch state, the flow rate of air sent to second retainer-air passage 614b is greater than in the neutral state and greater than the flow rate of air sent to first retainer-air passage 612b. Therefore, the flow rate of air blown out from second outlet 102b, indicated by arrow S84, is greater than the flow rate of air blown out from first outlet 101b, indicated by arrow S74. Therefore, the confluence of air from first outlet 101b and second outlet 102b is higher than in the neutral state. As a result, as indicated by arrow S206 in FIG. 13, the air blown out from air conditioning register 100b is directed more upward than in the neutral state.

[0068] Although not shown, in the air-conditioning register 100b of this embodiment, the air diverter 68b can be rotated downward from the neutral state by operating the operating lever 40 to set a second diverter state, thereby directing the air blown from the air-conditioning register 100b into the vehicle cabin in a more downward direction than in the neutral state. The second diverter state can be achieved, for example, by rotating the diverter 68b to turn the first diverter state upside down with respect to the direction DT3. In the second diverter state, the opening of the first retainer air passage 612b is increased to increase the flow rate, and the opening of the second retainer air passage 614b is decreased to decrease the flow rate, compared to the neutral state. As a result, the air blown from the air-conditioning register 100 can be caused to flow downward, i.e., at a depression angle, relative to the horizontal.

[0069] According to the air-conditioning register 100b of this embodiment, the flow dividing section 68b has a first flow dividing state in which the opening degree of the first internal flow path 601b communicating with the first retainer air passage 612b is reduced and the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603b communicating with the second retainer air passage 614b is increased, and a second flow dividing state in which the opening degree of the first internal flow path 601b is increased and the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603b is reduced. dichotomy Instead of switching the flow path resistance inside the air-conditioning register 100b, the direction of the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100b can be switched by a simple configuration in which the flow rates of the first internal flow path 601b and the second internal flow path 603b are adjusted by the flow dividing section 68b.

[0070] C. Third embodiment: 14 is a perspective view showing the exterior 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 lid member 60c instead of the lid member 60 and a bezel 20c instead of the bezel 20, but otherwise has the same configuration. In this embodiment, the lid member 60c is fixed within the retainer-air-passage passage 30S, like the lid 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 a diverter 68c, which will be described later.

[0071] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in Figure 14. Figure 15 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 portion 68c substantially with the Y direction. In this embodiment, the direction of the diverter portion 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 portion 68c.

[0072] 15, lid member 60c includes a front wall portion 62c, fins 66c, and a flow dividing portion 68c. Lid member 60c differs from lid member 60 shown in the first embodiment in that it does not include upper wall portion 63, lower wall portion 64, first slit 602, or second slit 604. First retainer ventilation passages 612c and second retainer ventilation passages 614c are formed on the outside of lid member 60c.

[0073] The front wall portion 62c is the same as 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 tool (not shown).

[0074] The fin 66c is composed of a first fin 664 and a second fin 665, which are separate bodies and each have their own central axes AX3 and AX4, as shown in FIG. 15. The connecting portion 668c connects the first fin 664 and the second fin 665, synchronizing the rotational directions of the fins. The connecting portion 668c has a long, flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. 14, the connecting portion 668c extends to the outside of the air-conditioning register 100c and is connected to an operating lever (not shown) outside the air-conditioning register 100c. The first fin 664 and the second fin 665 rotate around the central axes AX3 and AX4 when the connecting portion 668c slides along the vehicle width direction by operating the operating 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 left and right along the vehicle width direction.

[0075] Flow dividing section 68c has two inclined surfaces: first inclined surface 683 and second inclined surface 685. First inclined surface 683 and second inclined surface 685 are connected to each other with the tip of protruding portion 684 serving as an apex. First inclined surface 683 defines a first internal flow path 601c between first retainer inner wall 302W, and second inclined surface 685 defines a second internal flow path 603c between second retainer inner wall 304W. First internal flow path 601c communicates with first air outlet 101c via first retainer air passage 612c, and second internal flow path 603c communicates with second air outlet 102c via second retainer air passage 614c.

[0076] As shown by arrow AG3 in FIG. 15 , 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 diverter 68c can be rotated around the rotation axis AX5, for example, by operating an operating lever (not shown). This allows the diverter 68c to switch the retainer-ventilation passage 30S between a first diverter state in which the protruding portion 684 is adjacent to the first retainer inner wall 302W and a second diverter state in which the protruding portion 684 is adjacent to the second retainer inner wall 304W. In the first diverter state, the opening of the first internal flow path 601c is reduced and the opening of the second internal flow path 603c is increased. In the second diverter state, the opening of the first internal flow path 601c is increased and the opening of the second internal flow path 603c is reduced. According to the air-conditioning register 100c of this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the direction of the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100c can be switched by the simple method of adjusting the flow rate using the flow dividing section 68c.

[0077] In the air-conditioning register 100c of this embodiment, the first retainer air passage 612c and the second retainer air passage 614c have a structure that is asymmetrical in the up-down direction, 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) to (6).

[0078] (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 greater than the second distance T23, and the opening width of the first air outlet 101c is greater than the opening width of the second air outlet 102c. In the example of Fig. 15, 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 the air outlet directions intersect in front of the front surface 626. (5) The total length W51 of first internal flow path 601c and first retainer-ventilation passage 612c is greater than the total length W61 of second internal flow path 603c and second retainer-ventilation passage 614c. That is, in the flow paths after branching by branching section 68c, the flow path to first outlet 101c is longer than the flow path to 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.

[0079] The above features (4) to (6) are set values ​​derived to make the flow path resistance of the flow path up to the first outlet 101c and the flow path up to the second outlet 102c substantially equal in the flow path after the flow is divided by the flow dividing unit 68c. By having the above features (4) to (6), even in the case where 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 can be made substantially equal in the neutral state.

[0080] The bezel 20c differs from the bezel 20 shown in the first embodiment in that it includes a flange 210. As shown in FIG. 15 , 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. This configuration makes the first air outlet 101c less visible to the user. Therefore, even when the opening width of the first air outlet 101c is formed large as in this embodiment, the first air outlet 101c can be made less visible, and the internal structure of the air-conditioning register 100c can be prevented from being seen by the user in the vehicle cabin. Note that the flange may be formed on the retainer 30 instead of the bezel 20c.

[0081] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow direction of air-conditioning air inside the air-conditioning register 100c in the neutral state. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the airflow velocity 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 and the opening degree of the second internal flow path 603c caused by the flow-diverter portion 68c are substantially the same. As shown by arrows S91 and S101 in FIG. 16, the air-conditioning air that flows from the inlet 305 into the retainer-air-passage passage 30S flows to the flow-diverter portion 68c, and then, as shown by arrows S92 and S102, is diverted by the protrusion 684 into the first internal flow path 601c and the second internal flow path 603c.

[0082] Air flowing through first internal flow path 601c is sent to first retainer ventilation passage 612c as shown by arrow S93, and 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.

[0083] The air blown out from second air outlet 102c flows over the surface of front surface 626 in accordance with the Coanda effect and merges with the air blown out from first air outlet 101c on the surface of front surface 626 or at a position separated from the surface of front surface 626 due to separation. The merged air flows toward the front of air-conditioning register 100c substantially in the Y direction, as shown by arrow S208 in FIGS. 16 and 17 .

[0084] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the flow speed of the airflow in the air-conditioning register 100c in the first flow diversion state. The first flow diversion state can be created by switching the orientation of the flow diversion section 68c to a direction DT6 above the direction DT5 shown in Figure 17. In the first flow diversion state, the flow rate from the second air outlet 102c is greater than the flow rate from the first air outlet 101c, and therefore, as shown by arrow S210 in Figure 18, the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100c flows more upward than in the neutral state.

[0085] 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a simulation of the airflow velocity in the air-conditioning register 100c in the second flow division state. The second flow division state can be achieved by switching the direction of the flow division section 68c to direction DT7, which is downward from 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, and therefore, as shown by arrow S212 in FIG. 19, the air blown out from the air-conditioning register 100c flows more downward than in the neutral state.

[0086] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow direction within a vehicle 80 equipped with an air-conditioning register 100c according to this embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a driver HM operating the vehicle 80 in the driver's seat 82. The air-conditioning register 100c can adjust the airflow direction by balancing the flow rate of the first air outlet 101c and the flow rate of the second air outlet 102c. Therefore, compared to conventional techniques that use horizontal blades to adjust the airflow direction, the airflow direction can be adjusted over a wider range. Generally, air-conditioning registers using horizontal blades can adjust the airflow direction from an elevation angle of approximately 30 degrees to a depression angle of approximately 30 degrees relative to the horizontal direction HZ. In contrast, the air-conditioning register 100c according to this embodiment can adjust the airflow direction from an elevation angle of approximately 60 degrees, indicated by angle θ10 in FIG. 20, to a depression angle of approximately 35 degrees, indicated by angle θ12, or over a wider range.

[0087] For example, when cool air is blown out from the air-conditioning register 100c to cool the interior of the vehicle 80, an airflow at an elevation angle of 30 degrees would directly hit the head HH of the driver HM, potentially causing discomfort to the driver HM. In contrast, as shown by arrow S300, an airflow at an elevation angle of 60 degrees, realized by the air-conditioning register 100c of this embodiment, can be blown toward the ceiling 80T of the vehicle 80 without directly hitting the head HH of the driver HM. The cool air that reaches the ceiling 80T spreads throughout the vehicle cabin along the ceiling 80T and, due to the characteristics of the cool air, becomes a downflow, as shown by arrow S302, cooling the entire vehicle cabin. This reduces or prevents discomfort to the driver HM, while uniformly cooling the vehicle cabin through the downflow from the upper part of the vehicle cabin.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, when warm air is blown out from the air conditioning register 100c to heat the interior of the vehicle 80, it is difficult to blow the air toward the driver HM's knees HN or the lower legs below the knees HN with an airflow depression angle of 30 degrees. In contrast, as shown by arrow S310, an airflow with an angle of depression of 35 degrees or more can blow the warm air toward the knees HN or the lower legs. In this case, the lower legs can be directly warmed. Furthermore, when warm air is supplied to the driver HM's toes from a heating device provided on the underside 80B of the vehicle 80 as shown by arrow S400, an airflow with an angle of depression of 35 degrees or more can function as an air curtain, which prevents the warm air from the heating device from rising and causes it to stagnate near the driver HM's lower legs, as shown by arrow S402.

[0089] D. Other Embodiments: (D1) In the above first embodiment, an example was shown in which lid member 60 rotates inside retainer 30 to switch between a first rotation state in which the first opposing area between first retainer inner wall 302W and lid member 60 is increased while maintaining first ventilation passage distance T1 and the second opposing area between second retainer inner wall 304W and lid member 60 is decreased while maintaining second ventilation passage distance T2, and a second rotation state in which the first opposing area is decreased while maintaining first ventilation passage distance T1 and the second opposing area is increased while maintaining second ventilation passage distance T2. In contrast to this, lid member 60 may be configured to be able to adjust the flow rates of first air outlet 101 and second air outlet 102 by sliding, for example, up and down in the vertical direction inside retainer 30. For example, by sliding lid member 60 downward in the vertical direction, lid member 60 is positioned closer to second retainer inner wall 304W than to first retainer inner wall 302W, thereby establishing a first sliding state in which the first ventilation passage distance between first retainer inner wall 302W and lid member 60 is increased while maintaining the size of the first opposing area between first retainer inner wall 302W and lid member 60, and the second ventilation passage distance between second retainer inner wall 304W and lid member 60 is decreased while maintaining the size of the second opposing area between second retainer inner wall 304W and lid member 60. Furthermore, by sliding lid member 60 upward in the vertical direction, a second sliding state can be established in which the first ventilation passage distance is decreased while maintaining the size of the first opposing area, and the second ventilation passage distance is increased while maintaining the size of the second opposing area. According to the air-conditioning register 100 of this configuration, the flow rate of the airflow from each of the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 can be adjusted by the simple method of sliding the cover member 60.

[0090] (D2) In the above embodiments, an example was shown in which the air-conditioning register 100 was provided with two air outlets, the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102. However, for example, only one of the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102 may be provided. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to provide an air-conditioning register 100 with improved design.

[0091] (D3) In the first embodiment, the lid member 60 is cylindrical. However, the lid member 60 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be any cylindrical 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 flat surfaces of the polygonal prism, or may be two or more flat surfaces including corners.

[0092] (D4) In each of the above embodiments, an example was shown in which the retainer opening 306 was 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. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example was 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 that matches the shape of the retainer opening 306.

[0093] (D5) 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. However, 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 by being arranged so that they intersect with the vehicle width direction.

[0094] (D6) 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 an arc, or may have various shapes, such as a wave shape. The same applies to the first air outlet 101 and the second air outlet 102.

[0095] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10...instrument panel, 20, 20c...bezel, 30...retainer, 30S...retainer ventilation passage, 30W...retainer inner wall, 40...operating lever, 60, 60b, 60c...cover member, 62, 62b, 62c...front wall portion, 63...upper wall portion, 64...lower wall portion, 66...protrusion portion, 66, 66b, 66c...fin, 68, 68b, 68c...diverter portion, 80B...bottom surface, 80T...ceiling, 82...driver's seat, 100, 100b, 100c... Air conditioning register, 101, 101b, 101c...first air outlet, 102, 102b, 102c...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 holes, 601, 601b, 601c...first internal flow passage, 602...first slit, 603, 603b, 603c...second internal flow passage, 604...second slit, 606...exposed surface, 612, 612b, 612c...first retainer ventilation passage, 612h...height, 614, 614b, 614c...second retainer ventilation passage, 614h...height, 623...end edge, 624...end edge, 626...front surface, 628...shaft fitting portion, 632...upper surface, 632E ...edge, 634...side wall portion, 634B...lower end, 638...fitting hole, 642...lower surface portion, 642E...edge, 644...side wall portion, 644T...upper end, 646...protrusion, 648...fitting hole, 662...protrusion, 664...first fin, 665...second fin, 666...shaft portion, 668, 668c...connecting portion, 682...support recess, 683...first inclined surface, 684...protrusion, 685...second inclined surface, CP...midpoint, HH...head, HM...driver, HN...knee

Claims

1. An air conditioning register, a cylindrical retainer having a retainer inner wall defining a retainer ventilation passage and a retainer opening provided at a downstream end of the retainer ventilation passage; a cover member provided inside the retainer, the cover member having an exposed surface exposed from the retainer opening and a retainer-facing surface facing the retainer opening to define an air outlet between the retainer opening and the exposed surface; the retainer opening has one side and another side opposite to the one side, the retainer facing surface defines, as the air outlets, a first air outlet between the retainer facing surface and one side of the retainer opening, and a second air outlet between the retainer facing surface and another side of the retainer opening, a first retainer ventilation passage defined between the cover member and a first retainer inner wall that is continuous with one side of the retainer opening and that communicates with the first air outlet; a second retainer ventilation passage defined between the cover member and a second retainer inner wall that is continuous with another side of the retainer opening and that communicates with the second air outlet; a dividing portion disposed inside the retainer for dividing the retainer ventilation passage into the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage, The cover member is The retainer is configured to be rotatable within the retainer, The rotation can be switched between a first rotation state in which a first opposing area between the first retainer inner wall and the cover member is increased while maintaining a first ventilation passage distance between the first retainer inner wall and the cover member, and a second rotation state in which the first opposing area between the second retainer inner wall and the cover member is decreased while maintaining a second ventilation passage distance between the second retainer inner wall and the cover member, and a second rotation state in which the first opposing area is decreased while maintaining the first ventilation passage distance, and the second opposing area is increased while maintaining the second ventilation passage distance. Air conditioning register.

2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, a first distance between one side of the retainer opening at the first air outlet and the retainer opposing surface and a second distance between another side of the retainer opening at the second air outlet and the retainer opposing surface are the same. Air conditioning register.

3. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, a distance between the retainer opening and the retainer opposing surface at the air outlet is 1 millimeter or more and 10 millimeters or less; Air conditioning register.

4. An air conditioning register, a cylindrical retainer having a retainer inner wall defining a retainer ventilation passage and a retainer opening provided at a downstream end of the retainer ventilation passage; a cover member provided inside the retainer, the cover member having an exposed surface exposed from the retainer opening and a retainer-facing surface facing the retainer opening to define an air outlet between the retainer opening and the exposed surface; the retainer opening has one side and another side opposite to the one side, the retainer facing surface defines, as the air outlets, a first air outlet between the retainer facing surface and one side of the retainer opening, and a second air outlet between the retainer facing surface and another side of the retainer opening, a first retainer ventilation passage defined between the cover member and a first retainer inner wall that is continuous with one side of the retainer opening and that communicates with the first air outlet; a second retainer ventilation passage defined between the cover member and a second retainer inner wall that is continuous with another side of the retainer opening and that communicates with the second air outlet; a dividing portion disposed inside the retainer for dividing the retainer ventilation passage into the first retainer ventilation passage and the second retainer ventilation passage, the diverter section is switchable between a first diverter state in which an opening degree of the flow path communicating with the first retainer ventilation passage is reduced and an opening degree of the flow path communicating with the second retainer ventilation passage is increased, and a second diverter state in which an opening degree of the flow path communicating with the first retainer ventilation passage is increased and an opening degree of the flow path communicating with the second retainer ventilation passage is reduced, a first distance between one side of the retainer opening and the retainer opposing surface at the first air outlet is larger than a second distance between another side of the retainer opening and the retainer opposing surface at the second air outlet, The retainer further includes a flange portion that is continuous with one side of the retainer opening and protrudes toward the outside of the retainer. Air conditioning register.

5. The air-conditioning register according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first air outlet and the second air outlet are configured so that the direction of the airflow blown out from the first air outlet and the direction of the airflow blown out from the second air outlet intersect with each other. Air conditioning register.

6. The air-conditioning register according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first fin having a flat plate shape that is provided in the first retainer ventilation passage and is configured to be rotatable around a central axis that intersects with the first retainer inner wall; a flat-plate-shaped second fin provided in the second retainer ventilation passage and configured to be rotatable around a central axis intersecting the second retainer inner wall, Air conditioning register.

7. The air-conditioning register according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The exposed surface is a curved surface that is convex toward the outside of the air conditioning register. Air conditioning register.

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