In-vehicle air supply structure

Abstract

To improve unity of an outward appearance.SOLUTION: An in-cabin ventilation structure comprises: a first panel part P1 which is adjacent to a front side of a cabin 11 and extends in a right and left direction; a pair of second panel parts P2 which are adjacent to right and left sides of the cabin 11 and respectively extend in a front and rear direction; a first groove part 35 which is formed at a rear face of the first panel part P1 facing the cabin 11 and extends in an opened state in the right and left direction; and a second groove part 41 which is formed at at least one of the pair of second panel parts P2 and extends in an opened state on an inside surface facing the cabin 11 in the front and rear direction. At least one part of right and left end parts 35a of the first groove part 35 and at least one part of a front-end part 41a of the second groove part 41 are connected in an overlapped state with each other at a boundary part between the first panel part P1 and the second panel part P2. The first groove part 35 includes a first passage 36 of air-conditioning air A1. A first air outlet 37 of the air-conditioning air A1 is constructed at the open portion of the first groove part 35 on the rear face of the first panel part P1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle air blowing structure for blowing air for air conditioning into a vehicle interior.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes one form of an in-vehicle air blowing structure. In a position adjacent to the front side of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle interior, an instrument panel extending in the vehicle width direction is disposed. In positions adjacent to both sides in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle interior, a pair of side doors are disposed. At the end of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction, an air outlet for air conditioning is provided. The air outlet has an elongated rectangular shape in the vehicle width direction. The air for air conditioning is blown out from the air outlet into the vehicle interior.

[0003] Inside each side door, a partition member is stored in a state of being wound by a winding mechanism. In the door trim of the side door, an opening for pulling out the partition member is formed. The opening has an elongated rectangular shape in the front-rear direction. Then, the partition member is pulled out from the opening and deployed in the vehicle interior. By this deployed partition member, the space in front of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat is partitioned vertically. Therefore, it is possible to intensively blow and retain the air for air conditioning against the upper body or the lower body of the occupant. It is possible to improve the air conditioning efficiency in the vehicle interior.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the air vents on the instrument panel and the openings in the door trim are adjacent to each other. Because the vents and openings are located close together, they are easily visible to the occupants at the same time. However, because these vents and openings are located independently of each other, they may give the occupants the impression of lacking visual unity. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the conventional in-cabin ventilation structure in terms of improving the visual unity without compromising the function of supplying air conditioning to the cabin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This section describes various configurations of an in-vehicle ventilation structure designed to solve the above problems. [Aspect 1] An in-vehicle ventilation structure comprising: a first panel portion adjacent to the front side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction and extending in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle's passenger compartment; and a pair of second panel portions adjacent to both sides of the passenger compartment in the vehicle width direction and each extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first panel portion has a first groove portion extending in the vehicle width direction with an opening on the rear surface facing the passenger compartment; and at least one of the pair of second panel portions has a second groove portion extending in the longitudinal direction with an opening on the inner surface facing the passenger compartment; at least a portion of the end of the first groove portion in the vehicle width direction and at least a portion of the front end of the second groove portion in the longitudinal direction are connected in an overlapping state at the boundary portion between the first panel portion and the second panel portion; the first groove portion has a passage for air conditioning air; and the portion of the first groove portion that is open on the rear surface of the first panel portion constitutes an air outlet for the air conditioning air.

[0007] According to the above configuration, at least a portion of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioning system flows through the space within the first groove of the first panel. This conditioned air is then blown out into the passenger compartment from the opening of the first groove on the rear surface of the first panel, which serves as the air outlet. The blown-out conditioned air maintains a comfortable temperature and humidity throughout the passenger compartment.

[0008] Incidentally, when an occupant looks into the interior of the vehicle, a first panel section having a first groove is visible at the front of the interior, and a second panel section having a second groove is visible on at least one side of the interior in the vehicle width direction.

[0009] Here, at least a portion of the end of the first groove in the vehicle width direction and at least a portion of the front end of the second groove are connected in an overlapping manner at the boundary between the first panel and the second panel. As a result, the first groove and the second groove appear to be continuously connected, forming a single line. This improves the visual uniformity compared to conventional cabin ventilation structures where the instrument panel vents and the door trim openings are provided independently of each other.

[0010] [Aspect 2] The vehicle interior air supply structure according to [Aspect 1], wherein when the flow path in the first groove is designated as the first flow path and the outlet is designated as the first outlet, the second groove has a second flow path for the air conditioning air, and the portion of the inner surface of the second panel where the second groove is open constitutes the second outlet for the air conditioning air.

[0011] According to the above configuration, a portion of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioning system flows through the space within the first groove of the first panel, which serves as the first airflow path. This conditioned air is then blown out into the passenger compartment from the opening of the first groove on the rear surface of the first panel, which serves as the first air outlet.

[0012] In addition, a portion of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioning system flows through the space within the second groove of the second panel section, which serves as a second airflow path. This conditioned air is then blown into the passenger compartment from the second outlet, which is the opening of the second groove on the inner surface of the second panel section.

[0013] As described above, conditioned air is blown into the vehicle interior from both the first and second air outlets. Therefore, compared to when conditioned air is blown from only the first air outlet, it is possible to blow conditioned air over a wider area of ​​the vehicle interior. This makes it possible to more efficiently maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity throughout the vehicle interior.

[0014] [Aspect 3] A vehicle interior ventilation structure according to [Aspect 1], wherein a part of each second panel is formed by a side door, the flow path in the first groove is designated as the first flow path, and the outlet is designated as the first outlet, the portion of the second groove that is in front of the side door in the front-rear direction has a second flow path for the air conditioning air, the second flow path is in communication with the first flow path, and the portion of the inner surface of the second panel where the second groove has an opening constitutes the second outlet for the air conditioning air.

[0015] According to the above configuration, a portion of the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioning unit flows through the space within the first groove as the first airflow path. This portion of the conditioned air is then blown out into the passenger compartment from the opening of the first groove on the rear surface of the first panel, which serves as the first air outlet.

[0016] A portion of the conditioned air flowing through the first channel moves from the end of the first channel in the vehicle width direction to the second channel in the second groove. As the conditioned air flows through the second channel, it is blown into the passenger compartment from the second outlet, which is the opening of the second groove on the inner surface of the second panel.

[0017] As described above, conditioned air is blown into the vehicle interior from both the first and second air outlets. Therefore, compared to when conditioned air is blown from only the first air outlet, it is possible to blow conditioned air over a wider area of ​​the vehicle interior. This makes it possible to more efficiently maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity throughout the vehicle interior.

[0018] [Aspect 4] The vehicle interior ventilation structure according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 3], wherein the first panel portion comprises a plurality of first panel components, and the first groove portion is formed by gaps formed between adjacent first panel components.

[0019] In a first panel section comprising multiple first panel components, a boundary (trimming) is created between adjacent first panel components. By adjusting the spacing between adjacent first panel components, that is, by adjusting the width of the boundary, a gap constituting the first groove is formed. Therefore, it is possible to form the first groove without significantly altering the design of the first panel components.

[0020] [Aspect 5] The vehicle interior ventilation structure according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 4], wherein the second panel portion comprises a plurality of second panel components, and the second groove portion is formed by gaps formed between adjacent second panel components.

[0021] In a second panel section comprising multiple second panel components, a boundary (trimming) is created between adjacent second panel components. By adjusting the spacing between adjacent second panel components, that is, by adjusting the width of the boundary, a gap constituting the second groove is formed. Therefore, it is possible to form the second groove without significantly altering the design of the second panel components.

[0022] [Aspect 6] An in-vehicle ventilation structure according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 5], wherein at least the first panel portion of the first panel portion and the pair of second panel portions have a sub-groove formed thereon, the sub-groove in the first panel portion extends in the vehicle width direction with an opening on the rear surface of the first panel portion, at least the portion of the sub-groove in the first panel portion has an optical path for light emitted from a light source, and the portion of the sub-groove that is open on the rear surface of the first panel portion constitutes the light transmission opening.

[0023] According to the above configuration, at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source passes through the space within the sub-groove, at least in the first panel section, as an optical path. At least a portion of this light is emitted into the passenger compartment through the opening of the sub-groove on the rear surface of the first panel section, which acts as a transmission opening. This light makes the sub-groove appear luminous to the occupants, thus decorating the first panel section.

[0024] [Aspect 7] When the auxiliary groove portion in the first panel portion is defined as the first auxiliary groove portion, the optical path is defined as the first optical path, and the through hole is defined as the first through hole, in the second panel portion, a second auxiliary groove portion that opens on the inner surface and extends rearward in the longitudinal direction in a state of being connected to the end portion of the first auxiliary groove portion in the vehicle width direction is formed. The second auxiliary groove portion has a second optical path for the light emitted from the light source, and the portion where the second auxiliary groove portion opens on the inner surface of the second panel portion constitutes the second through hole for the light. The vehicle interior air blowing structure according to [Aspect 6].

[0025] According to the above configuration, at least a part of the light emitted from the light source passes through the space in the first auxiliary groove portion as the first optical path. At this time, the light is emitted into the vehicle interior through the portion where the first auxiliary groove portion opens on the rear surface of the first panel portion as the first through hole.

[0026] Also, at least a part of the light emitted from the light source passes through the space in the second auxiliary groove portion as the second optical path. At this time, the light is emitted into the vehicle interior through the portion where the second auxiliary groove portion opens on the inner surface of the second panel portion as the second through hole. By these lights, the first auxiliary groove portion and the second auxiliary groove portion appear to shine to the occupant, and the first panel portion and the second panel portion are decorated. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the unity of appearance. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a partial perspective view showing a main part of the vehicle interior air blowing structure in one embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a partial plan view showing a main part of the vehicle interior air blowing structure in the above embodiment. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0029] An embodiment of the in-vehicle ventilation structure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the following description, the forward direction of vehicle 10 will be referred to as "front," and the reverse direction as "rear." Furthermore, the vertical direction refers to the vertical direction of vehicle 10, and the horizontal direction refers to the vehicle width direction, which coincides with the horizontal direction of vehicle 10 when moving forward.

[0030] The vehicle 10 is provided with a passenger compartment 11 as a space for the occupants. A vehicle seat 12 is placed inside the passenger compartment 11. The vehicle seat 12 is not shown in Figure 2.

[0031] <First panel section P1 and second panel section P2> A first panel section P1 extending in the left-right direction is positioned adjacent to the front of the passenger compartment 11. The first panel section P1 comprises a plurality of first panel components. The rear surface of the first panel section P1 faces the passenger compartment 11. A pair of second panel sections P2 extending in the front-rear direction are positioned adjacent to both sides of the passenger compartment 11 in the left-right direction. The pair of second panel sections P2 sandwich the passenger compartment 11 from both the left and right sides. The inner surfaces of each of the pair of second panel sections P2 face the passenger compartment 11. Each second panel section P2 comprises a plurality of second panel components. The first and second panel components will be described later.

[0032] The entirety of the first panel section P1 and the front portions of each of the pair of second panel sections P2 are equipped with a toe board 15 and two types of cowls 21 and 25. <Toeboard 15> The toe board 15 is a plate-shaped member that separates the passenger compartment 11 from the portion of the vehicle 10 in front of the passenger compartment 11, for example, the engine compartment (not shown). The toe board 15 is where the feet of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 12 are placed.

[0033] The toe board 15 comprises a front plate portion 16, a pair of side plate portions 17, and an upper plate portion 18. The front plate portion 16 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and a vertical plane (neither of which is shown) such that the upper part is located further forward on the front side of the passenger compartment 11.

[0034] The right side panel 17 extends rearward from the right end of the front panel 16. The upper surface of the right side panel 17 extends approximately horizontally rearward from the upper right end of the front panel 16. The rear surface of the right side panel 17 is inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes, with the upper part being positioned further forward. In contrast, the left side panel 17 is formed to be symmetrical with respect to the right side panel 17.

[0035] Most of the upper plate portion 18 extends forward from the upper end of the front plate portion 16. The right end of the upper plate portion 18 is formed on at least the upper front end of the right side plate portion 17. In contrast, the left end of the upper plate portion 18 is formed on at least the upper front end of the left side plate portion 17.

[0036] <Cowl 21, 25> One cowl 21 is positioned above the toe board 15. The cowl 21 comprises a front plate portion 22 and a pair of side plate portions 23. The front plate portion 22 is inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes so that it is positioned further forward towards the top, above the upper plate portion 18 of the toe board 15. The right side plate portion 23 extends rearward from the right end of the front plate portion 22. The left side plate portion 23 extends rearward from the left end of the front plate portion 22. The left and right side plate portions 23 are inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes so that the distance between them increases towards the top.

[0037] The other cowl 25 is positioned above the cowl 21. The cowl 25 comprises a front plate portion 26 and a pair of side plate portions 27. The front plate portion 26 is positioned above the front plate portion 22 of the cowl 21. The right side plate portion 27 extends rearward from the right end of the front plate portion 26. The left side plate portion 27 extends rearward from the left end of the front plate portion 26.

[0038] <First panel component and second panel component> Of the toe board 15 and cowl 21, 25 described above, the following portions adjacent to the front of the passenger compartment 11 correspond to a plurality of first panel components that constitute the first panel section P1.

[0039] • Front panel portion 16 of the toe board 15 described above. The portion of the upper plate portion 18 of the toe board 15 located on the front plate portion 16. • Front plate portion 22 of the cowl 21.

[0040] • Front plate portion 26 of cowl 25. The rear surfaces of each of the above-mentioned parts face the passenger compartment 11 as part of the rear surface of the first panel section P1.

[0041] The parts shown below constitute a portion of each of the pair of second panel sections P2. • A pair of side panel sections 17 in the above-mentioned toe board 15. The portion of the top plate portion 18 of the toe board 15 located on the pair of side plate portions 17.

[0042] A pair of side plate sections 23 in the cowl 21. A pair of side plate sections 27 in the cowl 25. The inner surfaces of each of the above-mentioned parts face the passenger compartment 11 as part of the inner surface of each second panel section P2.

[0043] Each of the left and right second panel sections P2 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned components, a front side wall section 31, a side door 32, and a side sill 34 as second panel components. The side door 32 is configured to open and close the door opening 33 provided in the vehicle body. The side door 32 may be a hinged door (swing door) or a sliding door. The side sill 34 is provided on the left and right sides of the floor and constitutes the lower end of the door opening 33. Note that in Figures 1 and 2, only a portion of the front side wall section 31 and the side door 32 are shown.

[0044] Each front side wall 31 in the second panel section P2 is adjacent to the side door 32 in front and also adjacent to the side plate sections 17, 23, and 27. The front upper part of each front side wall 31 is adjacent to the upper part of the side plate section 17. The lower surface of the front upper part of each front side wall 31 extends substantially horizontally, similar to the upper surface of the side plate section 17. The rear lower part of each front side wall 31 is adjacent to the rear of the side plate section 17. The front surface of the rear lower part of each front side wall 31 is inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes, corresponding to the rear surface of the side plate section 17, such that the upper part is located further forward.

[0045] <First groove 35 and second groove 41> The first panel portion P1 has a first groove 35 extending in the left-right direction, which is formed across the entire width of the first panel portion P1. The first groove 35 opens on the rear surface of the first panel portion P1.

[0046] The first groove 35 is formed by the gap between adjacent first panel components. In this embodiment, the portion of the upper plate 18 of the toe board 15 located on the front plate 16 and the front plate 22 of the cowl 21 are adjacent first panel components. Generally, a boundary called a trim is created between adjacent parts. Such a boundary is also created between the portion of the upper plate 18 of the toe board 15 located on the front plate 16 and the front plate 22 of the cowl 21. In this embodiment, a gap is formed by adjusting the distance between the upper plate 18 and the front plate 22, that is, by adjusting the width of the boundary. The first groove 35 is formed by this gap.

[0047] Each second panel portion P2 has a second groove 41 that extends in the front-rear direction. The second groove 41 of each second panel portion P2 opens on the inner surface of that second panel portion P2. The second groove 41 in each second panel section P2 is formed by the gap between adjacent second panel components. In this embodiment, the side plate section 17 and the front side wall section 31 of the toe board 15 are adjacent second panel components. Also, the side sill 34 and the side door 32 are adjacent second panel components.

[0048] Furthermore, by adjusting the distance between the side plate portion 17 and the front side wall portion 31 for each second panel portion P2, that is, by adjusting the width of the boundary (trimming) between the parts that occurs between the side plate portion 17 and the front side wall portion 31, a gap is formed. This gap constitutes a part of the second groove portion 41. In addition, by adjusting the distance between the side sill 34 and the side door 32 for each second panel portion P2, that is, by adjusting the width of the boundary (trimming) that occurs between the side sill 34 and the side door 32, a gap is formed. This gap constitutes a part of the second groove portion 41.

[0049] In each second panel section P2, the second groove 41 between the side plate section 17 and the front side wall section 31 is connected to the second groove 41 between the side sill 34 and the side door 32, forming a continuous line.

[0050] At least a portion of each left and right end 35a of the first groove 35 and at least a portion of the front end 41a of the second groove 41 located behind the ends 35a are connected in an overlapping manner at the boundary between the first panel portion P1 and the second panel portion P2. In this embodiment, the entirety of the end 35a and the entirety of the front end 41a are connected in an overlapping manner.

[0051] The first groove 35 has a first flow path 36 for the conditioned air A1 extending across the entire width of the first panel P1. A ventilation duct (not shown) having an air passage is connected to the first groove 35. In this embodiment, the conditioned air A1 sent from the blower of the air conditioning unit is supplied to the first groove 35 from the front through the air passage in the ventilation duct.

[0052] The portion of the rear surface of the first panel P1 where the first groove 35 is open constitutes the first air outlet 37 for the air conditioning air A1. The portion of the second groove 41 in each second panel section P2 that is in front of the side door 32 has a second flow path 42 for the air conditioning air A1. The second flow path 42 in each second groove 41 is in communication with the first flow path 36. On the inner surface of each second panel section P2, the portion of each second groove 41 that has a second flow path 42 is open and constitutes a second air outlet 43 for the air conditioning air A1.

[0053] <Minor groove> Of the first panel portion P1 and both second panel portions P2, at least the first panel portion P1 has a sub-groove formed therein. In this embodiment, the sub-grooves are formed in the first panel portion P1 and both second panel portions P2. Here, in order to distinguish between the sub-groove in the first panel portion P1 and the sub-grooves in each second panel portion P2, the former is referred to as the first sub-groove 45 and the latter as the second sub-groove 51.

[0054] The first sub-groove 45 extends in the left-right direction while being open on the rear surface of the first panel P1. The first sub-groove 45 is formed across the entire width of the first panel P1. The first sub-groove 45 is formed by the gap between adjacent first panel components. In this embodiment, the front plate portion 22 of the cowl 21 and the front plate portion 26 of the cowl 25 are adjacent first panel components. By adjusting the distance between the two front plate portions 22 and 26, that is, by adjusting the width of the boundary (trimming) between the two front plate portions 22 and 26, a gap is formed. This gap constitutes the first sub-groove 45.

[0055] The second sub-groove 51 is formed by the gap between adjacent second panel components. In this embodiment, the side plate portion 23 of the cowl 21 and the side plate portion 27 of the cowl 25 are adjacent second panel components. By adjusting the distance between the side plate portions 23 and 27, that is, by adjusting the width of the boundary (trimming) between the side plate portions 23 and 27, a gap is formed. This gap constitutes the second sub-groove 51.

[0056] The first sub-groove 45 has a first optical path 46 for light emitted from a light source (not shown). The portion of the first sub-groove 45 that is open on the rear surface of the first panel P1 constitutes a first light transmission opening 47.

[0057] Each second panel section P2 has a second sub-groove 51 that opens at the front end of the inner surface of the second panel section P2. Each second panel section P2 has a second sub-groove 51 that is connected to the end of the first sub-groove 45 in the left-right direction and extends rearward from that end.

[0058] Each second sub-groove 51 has a second optical path 52 for light emitted from the light source. The portion of the inner surface of each second panel P2 where the second sub-groove 51 is open constitutes a second light transmission opening 53.

[0059] <Light source> As the above light source, for example, a light guide rod can be used. Light guide rods are typically used for illumination, decorative lighting, auxiliary lighting, etc., of a vehicle 10. With a light guide rod, light spreads in all directions (all directions), and the entire light guide rod glows. As a light guide rod, one that extends in the left-right direction only in the first sub-groove 45 may be used. Alternatively, the light guide rod may extend across the first sub-groove 45 and both second sub-grooves 51. Furthermore, as a light source, a light source that emits light in the first optical path 46 and a light source that emits light in the second optical path 52 may be provided separately. Alternatively, a flexible tape-shaped light source may be used instead of a light guide rod. Note that the above is merely an example, and other types of light sources may be used.

[0060] Within the passenger compartment 11, a steering wheel, which is operated when steering the vehicle 10, is provided in front of the vehicle seat 12 and near the first panel P1. A display for showing various information is also provided in the same location. Figures 1 and 2 omit the illustration of these steering wheel and display.

[0061] Next, the operation of this embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained. A portion of the conditioned air A1 supplied from the air conditioning unit via a ventilation duct flows through the first flow path 36 in the first groove 35. This conditioned air A1 is blown into the passenger compartment 11 from the first outlet 37 which is open on the rear surface of the first panel P1.

[0062] Furthermore, a portion of the conditioned air A1 flowing through the first channel 36 moves from the ends of the first channel 36 in the left-right direction to the second channel 42 of each second groove 41. As the conditioned air A1 flows through each second channel 42, it is blown out into the passenger compartment 11 from the second outlet 43 which is open on the inner surface of each second panel P2.

[0063] Incidentally, when an occupant looks inside the passenger compartment 11, they can see a first panel section P1 having a first groove 35 in front of the passenger compartment 11, and a pair of second panel sections P2, each having a second groove 41, on either side of the passenger compartment 11 in the left-right direction. The first groove 35 and both second grooves 41 are connected at the boundary between the first panel section P1 and the second panel sections P2, and appear to be continuous, forming a single line.

[0064] Furthermore, when the light source emits light, at least a portion of that light passes through the first light path 46 in the first sub-groove 45 of the first panel portion P1. At least a portion of this light is emitted into the passenger compartment 11 from the first transmissive opening 47 which is open on the rear surface of the first panel portion P1. This light causes the first sub-groove 45 to appear luminous to the occupants.

[0065] Furthermore, at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source passes through the first optical path 46 in the first sub-groove 45, as well as the second optical paths 52 in each of the left and right second sub-grooves 51. This light is emitted into the passenger compartment 11 from the second transmissive openings 53 that are open on the inner surface of each second panel portion P2. This light makes the first sub-groove 45 and both second sub-grooves 51 appear to the occupants as if they are continuously connected, forming a single line.

[0066] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) In this embodiment, a first groove 35 extending in the left-right direction is formed across the entire width of the first panel P1. A second groove 41 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in each of the left and right second panel P2. The entire ends 35a of the first groove 35 in the left-right direction and the entire front end 41a of each second groove 41 are connected in an overlapping manner at the boundary between the first panel P1 and the second panel P2. As a result, the first groove 35 and both second grooves 41 appear to be continuously connected as if forming a single line. Therefore, the sense of visual unity can be improved compared to conventional in-cabin ventilation structures in which the instrument panel vents and the door trim openings are provided independently of each other.

[0067] (2) In this embodiment, the internal space of the first groove 35 is used as the first flow path 36 for the conditioned air A1, and the portion of the rear surface of the first panel P1 where the first groove 35 is open is used as the first outlet 37 for the conditioned air A1. Therefore, the conditioned air A1 blown out from the first outlet 37 can make the overall temperature and humidity inside the vehicle compartment 11 comfortable.

[0068] (3) In this embodiment, the portion of the upper plate portion 18 of the toe board 15 that is located on the front plate portion 16 and the front plate portion 22 of the cowl 21 are made to be adjacent first panel components in the first panel portion P1. A gap is formed between the upper plate portion 18 and the front plate portion 22, and this gap constitutes the first groove portion 35. Therefore, the first groove portion 35 can be formed in the first panel portion P1 without significantly changing the design of the first panel components.

[0069] (4) In this embodiment, the side plate portion 17 and the front side wall portion 31 of the toe board 15 are adjacent second panel components in the second panel portion P2. Also, the side sill 34 and the side door 32 are adjacent second panel components in the second panel portion P2. A gap is formed between the side plate portion 17 and the front side wall portion 31, and this gap constitutes a part of the second groove portion 41. Also, a gap is formed between the side sill 34 and the side door 32, and this gap constitutes a part of the second groove portion 41. Therefore, the second groove portion 41 can be formed in the second panel portion P2 without significantly changing the design of the second panel components.

[0070] (5) In this embodiment, a first sub-groove 45 is formed on the rear surface of the first panel P1, extending left to right across the entire width of the first panel P1, with the sub-groove 45 being open. The internal space of the first sub-groove 45 serves as the first optical path 46 for light emitted from a light source. The portion of the first sub-groove 45 that is open on the rear surface of the first panel P1 serves as the first light-transmitting opening 47. As a result, the first sub-groove 45 appears to the occupants as shining in a linear fashion. Therefore, the first panel P1 can be decorated with this linear light.

[0071] (6) In this embodiment, a second sub-groove 51 is formed on the inner surface of each second panel P2, opening and connected to the end of the first sub-groove 45 in the left-right direction, and extending rearward from that end. The internal space of each second sub-groove 51 serves as a second optical path 52 for light emitted from a light source. The portion of the inner surface of each second panel P2 where the second sub-groove 51 opens serves as a second light transmission opening 53. Therefore, to the occupants, the first sub-groove 45 and both second sub-grooves 51 appear to be illuminated in a connected state. In addition to the first panel P1, the front ends of both second panel P2 can be decorated with light.

[0072] (7) In this embodiment, the front plate portion 22 of the cowl 21 and the front plate portion 26 of the cowl 25 are adjacent first panel components in the first panel portion P1. A gap is formed between the two front plate portions 22 and 26, and this gap constitutes the first sub-groove portion 45. Therefore, the first sub-groove portion 45 can be formed in the first panel portion P1 without significantly changing the design of the first panel components.

[0073] (8) In this embodiment, the side plate portion 23 of the cowl 21 and the side plate portion 27 of the cowl 25 are adjacent second panel components in the second panel portion P2. A gap is formed between the side plate portions 23 and 27, and this gap constitutes the second sub-groove portion 51. Therefore, the second sub-groove portion 51 can be formed in the second panel portion P2 without significantly changing the design of the second panel components.

[0074] Furthermore, the above embodiment can also be implemented as a modified example with the following changes. The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0075] <Regarding the first groove 35> The first groove 35 does not necessarily have to be formed across the entire width of the first panel P1. The first groove 35 may be divided, for example, in the middle portion of the first panel P1 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the first groove 35 may be formed on the right or left portion of the first panel P1. In this case, the second groove 41 in the second panel P2 on the side of the pair of second panel P2 that does not have the first groove 35 can be omitted.

[0076] Even with this modification, the first groove 35 and the second groove 41 appear to be continuously connected, forming a single line. Therefore, this modification also improves the visual uniformity.

[0077] <Regarding the formation of the first groove 35 and the second groove 41> The first groove 35 may be formed in the first panel P1 at a location different from the space between adjacent first panel components. Similarly, the second groove 41 may be formed in the second panel P2 at a location different from the space between adjacent second panel components.

[0078] <Regarding the cross-sectional shapes of the first groove 35 and the second groove 41> The cross-sectional shape of the first groove 35 and the cross-sectional shape of the second groove 41 may be different. This difference in cross-sectional shape includes differences in the shape itself, as well as differences in groove width and depth.

[0079] The cross-sectional shape of the first groove 35 may be the same or different in the left-right direction. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove 41 may be the same or different in the front-rear direction. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove 41 on the right side and the cross-sectional shape of the second groove 41 on the left side may be the same as or different from each other.

[0080] <Regarding the length of the second groove 41> The left and right second grooves 41 may extend to the rear end of the second panel P2, for example, to the rear end of the vehicle 10.

[0081] In this case, a groove is formed on the front surface of a panel adjacent to the rear of the passenger compartment and extending in the left-right direction, extending in the left-right direction with an opening, across the entire width of the panel. The rear ends of both left and right second grooves 41 may then be connected by the grooves formed in the panel.

[0082] In this way, the groove is provided around the entire circumference of the passenger compartment 11. To put it another way, the passenger compartment 11 is surrounded by the groove. Therefore, the visual uniformity of the ventilation structure inside the passenger compartment can be further improved.

[0083] <Regarding the combination of the first groove 35 and the second groove 41> Multiple combinations of the first groove 35 and the second groove 41 connected thereto may be provided. For example, the above combination may be provided at multiple locations in the vertical direction of the first panel section P1 and the second panel section P2.

[0084] <Regarding the connection method between the first groove 35 and the second groove 41> The end portion 35a of the first groove 35 and the front end portion 41a of the second groove 41 may be connected in a manner different from that of the above embodiment. However, at least a portion of the end portion 35a and at least a portion of the front end portion 41a must be connected in an overlapping manner at the boundary portion of the first panel portion P1 and the second panel portion P2. Therefore, only a portion of the end portion 35a and only a portion of the front end portion 41a may be connected in an overlapping manner. Even with this modification, the effect can be obtained in which the first groove portion 35 and the second groove portion 41 appear to be continuously connected in a single line over a wide area around the passenger compartment 11.

[0085] <Regarding the airflow path for air conditioning A1> The internal space of the first groove 35 and the internal space of the second groove 41 may be modified, provided that at least the internal space of the first groove 35 is used as a flow path for the air conditioning air A1 (first flow path 36).

[0086] For example, the flow path may be formed by only the internal space of the first groove 35 (first flow path 36) among the internal spaces of the first groove 35 and the second groove 41. Furthermore, in addition to the internal space of the first groove 35 (first flow path 36), the internal space of the second groove 41 may also be used as a flow path for the conditioned air A1. In this case, a separate ventilation duct from the one connected to the first groove 35 may be connected to the second groove 41, and the conditioned air A1 may be supplied to the second groove 41 through the ventilation passage of the latter ventilation duct. The region of the second groove 41 to which the conditioned air A1 is supplied by the latter ventilation duct may be limited to the region between the side sill 34 and the side door 32. For the region of the second groove 41 in front of the side door 32, the conditioned air A1 may be supplied via the first groove 35.

[0087] Alternatively, the air conditioning air A1 may be supplied to the entire second groove 41 from the latter air duct without passing through the first groove 35. According to this modified example, a portion of the air conditioning air A1 sent from the air conditioning system flows through the first flow path 36 in the first groove 35 of the first panel section P1. This air conditioning air A1 is blown into the passenger compartment 11 from the first outlet 37 which is open on the rear surface of the first panel section P1. In addition, a portion of the air conditioning air A1 sent from the air conditioning system flows through the second flow path 42 in the second groove 41 of the second panel section P2 without passing through the first groove 35. This air conditioning air A1 is blown into the passenger compartment 11 from the second outlet 43 which is open on the inner surface of the second panel section P2, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figures 1 and 2. As described above, the air conditioning A1 blown out from the first outlet 37 and the air conditioning A1 blown out from the second outlet 43 bring the overall temperature and humidity inside the vehicle compartment 11 to a comfortable level.

[0088] <Regarding the secondary groove section> The first sub-groove 45 does not necessarily have to be formed over the entire width of the first panel P1. The first sub-groove 45 may be divided, for example, in the middle portion of the first panel P1 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the first sub-groove 45 may be formed on the right or left portion of the first panel P1. In this case, the second sub-groove 51 in the second panel P2 on the side of the pair of second panel P2 that does not have the first sub-groove 45 can be omitted.

[0089] The two second sub-grooves 51 may be omitted, and the sub-grooves may be composed solely of the first sub-groove 45. The second sub-groove 51 may be formed in the second panel portion P2 to be longer rearward than in the above embodiment.

[0090] The entire secondary groove section may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 10... Vehicles 11...Vehicle compartment 16, 22, 26… Front panel section (first panel component) 17, 23, 27… Side panel section (second panel component) 18…Upper panel section (first panel component, second panel component) 31…Front wall section (second panel component) 32…Side door (second panel component) 34…Side sill (second panel component) 35...First groove 35a...end 36…First channel (channel) 37...1st air outlet (air outlet) 41...Second groove 41a...front end 42...Second channel 43…Second outlet 45…First secondary groove section (secondary groove section) 46…1st optical path (light path) 47...1st transmission port (transmission port) 51…Second secondary groove section (secondary groove section) 52…Second optical path 53…Second transmission port A1...Air for air conditioning P1...First Panel Section P2... Second Panel Section

Claims

1. A first panel portion is adjacent to the front side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extends in the width direction relative to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, The vehicle compartment is provided with a pair of second panel sections adjacent to both sides in the vehicle width direction and each extending in the front-rear direction, The first panel portion has a first groove portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and is open on the rear surface facing the passenger compartment. At least one of the pair of second panel portions has a second groove portion that extends in the front-rear direction and is open on the inner surface facing the vehicle compartment. At least a portion of the end of the first groove in the vehicle width direction and at least a portion of the front end of the second groove in the front-rear direction are connected in an overlapping manner at the boundary portion between the first panel and the second panel. The first groove has a passage for air conditioning air, The portion of the rear surface of the first panel where the first groove is open constitutes an in-vehicle air supply structure that forms the air outlet for the air conditioning.

2. When the flow path in the first groove is designated as the first flow path and the outlet is designated as the first outlet, The second groove has a second flow path for the air conditioning air, The vehicle interior air supply structure according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the inner surface of the second panel portion in which the second groove portion is open constitutes the second air outlet for the air conditioning air.

3. A portion of each second panel section is formed by a side door. When the flow path in the first groove is designated as the first flow path and the outlet is designated as the first outlet, The portion of the second groove that is in the front-to-rear direction relative to the side door has a second flow path for the air conditioning air, The second channel is in communication with the first channel, The vehicle interior air supply structure according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the second groove having the second flow path that is open on the inner surface of the second panel portion constitutes the second air outlet for the air conditioning air.

4. The first panel section comprises a plurality of first panel components, The vehicle interior ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein the first groove is formed by a gap formed between adjacent first panel components.

5. The aforementioned second panel section comprises a plurality of second panel components, The vehicle interior ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein the second groove is formed by a gap formed between adjacent second panel components.

6. Of the first panel portion and the pair of second panel portions, at least the first panel portion has a sub-groove formed therein. The sub-groove portion in the first panel portion extends in the vehicle width direction while being open on the rear surface of the first panel portion. Of the aforementioned sub-grooves, at least the portion in the first panel has an optical path for light emitted from the light source. The vehicle interior ventilation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the portion of the rear surface of the first panel portion in which the sub-groove portion is open constitutes the light transmission opening.

7. When the sub-groove in the first panel portion is designated as the first sub-groove, the optical path as the first optical path, and the through-hole as the first through-hole, The second panel portion has a second sub-groove portion that opens on the inner surface and is connected to the end of the first sub-groove portion in the vehicle width direction, and extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the end. The second sub-groove portion has a second optical path for light emitted from the light source, The vehicle interior ventilation structure according to claim 6, wherein the portion of the inner surface of the second panel portion in which the second sub-groove portion is open constitutes the second light transmission opening.

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