Air conditioning register

Abstract

To reduce pressure loss when a pair of fins are located at neutral positions.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning register 10 comprises: downstream fins 31 and 41 (a pair of fins) disposed upstream of an outlet 16 in a ventilation passage 21 in a retainer 11; and an actuation mechanism M1 for actuating both of the downstream fins 31 and 41 between neutral positions and inclined positions. In a flow direction changed by both of the downstream fins 31 and 41, a flow direction of air-conditioning air A1 immediately before flowing in between both of the downstream fins 31 and 41 is defined as an inflow direction. At the neutral positions, the actuation mechanism M1 causes both of the downstream fins 31 and 41 to face each other in a direction (a vertical direction in the figure) orthogonal to the inflow direction in a state of extending in the inflow direction. At the inclined positions, the actuation mechanism M1 causes both of the fins 31 and 41 to be moved so as to be respectively located at locations which are separated upstream and downstream from the neutral positions, and causes both of them to be inclined with respect to the inflow direction so as to be each located more inward in the ventilation passage 21 toward a downstream side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air-conditioning register that changes the direction of air-conditioning air sent from an air conditioner and blown out from a blowout port by fins or the like.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle, an air-conditioning register for changing the direction of air-conditioning air sent from an air conditioner and blown into the vehicle interior from a blowout port is incorporated. As one form of this air-conditioning register, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe a retainer having an air passage for air-conditioning air and a pair of fins disposed in the air passage. The air passage has a blowout port at the downstream end in the flow direction of the air-conditioning air. The pair of fins is disposed upstream of the blowout port in the air passage.

[0003] Here, among the flow directions changed by both fins, the flow direction of the air-conditioning air immediately before flowing into between both fins is defined as the inflow direction. The position of both fins for blowing out the air-conditioning air from the blowout port in a direction along the above inflow direction is defined as the neutral position. The position of both fins for blowing out the air-conditioning air from the blowout port in a direction inclined with respect to the above inflow direction is defined as the inclined position.

[0004] Both fins in the air-conditioning registers of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 (hereinafter referred to as conventional air-conditioning registers) each have an inclined portion that is always inclined with respect to the inflow direction so as to be located inward of the air passage toward the downstream.

[0005] The above conventional air-conditioning register is provided with an operating mechanism for operating both fins between the above neutral position and the above inclined position. In the neutral position, the two inclined sections are positioned by an operating mechanism to face each other in directions perpendicular to the inflow direction. In this case, the conditioned air flowing near each fin flows along the inclined section of each fin, changing its flow direction toward the inside of the air passage. The two inclined sections are inclined in opposite directions such that the distance between them narrows as you move downstream in the inflow direction. As a result, the conditioned air passes between the two inclined sections while converging in the center between the fins.

[0006] One of the inclined sections is inclined with respect to the inflow direction at the inclined position, away from the neutral position and further inward into the air passage as it flows downstream. The other fin is inclined with respect to the inflow direction at the inclined position, away from the neutral position and further inward into the air passage as it flows downstream.

[0007] As described above, the conditioned air flowing near the downstream fins changes direction towards the inside of the air passage by flowing along the slope of the fins. Similarly, the conditioned air flowing near the upstream fins changes direction towards the inside of the air passage by flowing along the slope of the fins. This conditioned air also changes direction by hitting the slope of the downstream fins and flowing along that slope.

[0008] Therefore, the amount of conditioned air that flows along the inclined section of the downstream fins and is then blown out of the outlet increases because the conditioned air whose flow direction is changed by the inclined section of the upstream fins is added to it. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-322981 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-152633 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, in the conventional air conditioning register described above, the inclined portion of each fin is always inclined with respect to the inflow direction, not only in the inclined position but also in the neutral position, so that it is located further inward into the air passage as it flows downstream. In the neutral position, where both inclined portions face each other in directions perpendicular to the inflow direction, the distance between the two inclined portions narrows as it flows downstream, resulting in increased pressure loss.

[0011] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the conventional air conditioning registers described above in terms of reducing pressure loss at the neutral position and improving air conditioning performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This document describes various embodiments of air conditioning registers that address the above-mentioned problems. [Aspect 1] An air conditioning register comprising: a retainer having a ventilation passage formed therein with an outlet at the downstream end in the flow direction of air conditioning air; and a pair of fins positioned upstream of the outlet in the ventilation passage, wherein, of the flow directions changed by both fins, the flow direction of the air conditioning air immediately before it flows between the two fins is defined as the inflow direction, the position of both fins for blowing the air conditioning air out of the outlet in a direction along the inflow direction is defined as the neutral position, and the position of both fins for blowing the air conditioning air out of the outlet in a direction inclined with respect to the inflow direction is defined as the inclined position, and an operating mechanism is provided for operating both fins between the neutral position and the inclined position, wherein in the neutral position, both fins are positioned facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction while extending along the inflow direction, and in the inclined position, both fins are moved to a location further upstream and further downstream from the neutral position, and are inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that the downstream fins are positioned further inward in the ventilation passage.

[0013] According to the above configuration, in the neutral position, the fins are positioned by the operating mechanism to extend along the inflow direction and face each other in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction. The conditioned air near each fin flows along that fin, maintaining a flow direction along the inflow direction. The conditioned air is blown out from the outlet in a direction along the inflow direction.

[0014] Furthermore, in the neutral position described above, the distance between the two fins is constant or approximately constant at any point in the flow direction. Therefore, compared to conventional air conditioning registers in which both fins each have an inclined portion, and these inclined portions are always inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further inward into the air passage downstream, the distance between the downstream ends of the two fins is wider. As a result, the airflow resistance is reduced, and thus the pressure loss is reduced.

[0015] One fin is moved by an operating mechanism in the inclined position to a location further upstream from the neutral position, and is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located further inward into the air passage as it flows downstream. The other fin is moved by an operating mechanism in the inclined position to a location further downstream from the neutral position, and is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located further inward into the air passage as it flows downstream.

[0016] The conditioned air flowing near the fins located downstream is able to change its direction of flow towards the inside of the air passage by flowing along the fins. The conditioned air is then blown out from the outlet in a direction that is inclined relative to the direction of inflow.

[0017] Furthermore, the conditioned air flowing near the upstream fins changes direction as it flows along the fins, thereby changing its flow direction inward into the air passage. A portion of the conditioned air that flows along the upstream fins then strikes the downstream fins, and changes direction as it flows along those downstream fins.

[0018] Therefore, the amount of conditioned air that flows along the downstream fins and is then blown out of the outlet increases because the conditioned air whose flow direction is changed by the fins located upstream is added to the flow.

[0019] [Aspect 2] Each fin comprises a plate-shaped portion extending in the longitudinal direction, an upstream shaft extending from the plate-shaped portion in the longitudinal direction, and a downstream shaft extending from the plate-shaped portion in the longitudinal direction downstream of the upstream shaft, the operating mechanism comprises an upstream cam groove into which the upstream shaft is rotatably and movably engaged, and a downstream cam groove into which the downstream shaft is rotatably and movably engaged, and both fins are operated between the neutral position and the inclined position by the operating mechanism, the position of the upstream shaft in the upstream cam groove and the position of the downstream shaft in the downstream cam groove.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the upstream shaft of each fin can only rotate and move within the engaged upstream cam groove. The downstream shaft of each fin can only rotate and move within the engaged downstream cam groove. Once the engagement position of the downstream shaft within the downstream cam groove is determined, the engagement position of the upstream shaft within the upstream cam groove is also determined. Conversely, once the engagement position of the upstream shaft within the upstream cam groove is determined, the engagement position of the downstream shaft within the downstream cam groove is also determined. Once the engagement positions of the upstream and downstream shafts are determined as described above, the position and inclination of the fins are determined.

[0021] Furthermore, the operating mechanism allows both fins to be operated between the neutral position and the inclined position by rotating and moving the upstream shaft along the upstream cam groove, and rotating and moving the downstream shaft along the downstream cam groove.

[0022] [Aspect 3] The upstream cam groove extends along the inflow direction. Among the downstream cam grooves, the upstream portion of the intermediate portion in the inflow direction is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located more inward of the ventilation passage as it goes upstream, and among the downstream cam grooves, the downstream portion of the intermediate portion in the inflow direction is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located more inward of the ventilation passage as it goes downstream. In the neutral position, the downstream shaft is positioned at the intermediate portion of the downstream cam groove by the operating mechanism. The air conditioner register according to [Aspect 2].

[0023] According to the above configuration, the upstream shaft for each fin rotates and moves along the upstream cam groove, thereby changing the position in the inflow direction while maintaining the position in the direction orthogonal to the inflow direction.

[0024] On the other hand, the downstream shaft for each fin rotates and moves along the upstream portion of the downstream cam groove relative to the intermediate portion, or rotates and moves along the downstream portion of the downstream cam groove relative to the intermediate portion, thereby changing the position in the inflow direction while changing the position in the direction orthogonal to the inflow direction.

[0025] Then, when the downstream shaft is positioned at the intermediate portion of the downstream cam groove by the operating mechanism, the fin is positioned at the neutral position. When the downstream shaft is rotated and moved by the operating mechanism at the upstream portion of the downstream cam groove relative to the intermediate portion, the fin is moved to a position away from the neutral position upstream, and is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located more inward of the ventilation passage as it goes downstream.

[0026] When the downstream shaft is rotated and moved by the operating mechanism at the downstream portion of the downstream cam groove relative to the intermediate portion, the fin is moved to a position away from the neutral position downstream, and is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located more inward of the ventilation passage as it goes downstream.

[0027] [Aspect 4] An air conditioning register according to any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 3], wherein each fin has a plate-like portion extending in the longitudinal direction, the outlets each have a pair of sides extending in the longitudinal direction and facing each other, and a housing chamber is provided upstream of the outlet of the retainer and outward in the direction in which both sides face each other with respect to the outlet, and when both fins are in the neutral position, at least a portion of the fin in the thickness direction of the plate-like portion of each fin is housed in the housing chamber.

[0028] According to the above configuration, when each fin is in a neutral position, the fin is housed in the containment chamber in a manner that satisfies the above requirements, so that at least a portion of the fin in the thickness direction of the plate-like portion is located upstream outward from the outlet in the direction in which both sides face each other.

[0029] Therefore, the portion of the fin located upstream between the two sides of the outlet is smaller than when the entire plate-like section is located in the thickness direction. Consequently, the influence of the fin on the actual opening area of ​​the outlet is reduced. The actual opening area is the area of ​​the parts of the air conditioning register that are not projected onto the projection plane, when the plane perpendicular to the flow direction at the outlet is used as the projection plane. Generally, as the actual opening area decreases, the airflow resistance increases. In this respect, with the above configuration, at least a portion of the fin in the thickness direction of the plate-like section is housed in the containment chamber, thus suppressing the reduction in the actual opening area of ​​the outlet due to the fin. The airflow resistance caused by the fin is further reduced.

[0030] [Aspect 5] The air conditioning register according to [Aspect 3], wherein the operating mechanism further comprises a link member rotatably supported by a support shaft portion extending in the longitudinal direction, and the link member is connected to the downstream shaft of one fin and the downstream shaft of the other fin in a manner that enables power transmission.

[0031] According to the above configuration, when the link member rotates around the pivot shaft, that rotation is transmitted to the downstream axes of both fins. The downstream axes of both fins rotate and move within their corresponding downstream cam grooves. Consequently, the upstream axes of both fins rotate and move within their corresponding upstream cam grooves. As a result, both fins are operated in a synchronous manner between the neutral position and the tilted position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, pressure loss can be reduced when a pair of fins are positioned in a neutral position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] In one embodiment, this is a front view from the downstream side of an air conditioning register in which both downstream fins are positioned in an upward-sloping position. [Figure 2] The above embodiment shows an air conditioning register when both downstream fins are in the neutral position, and is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical plane set between the link member and the left vertical wall. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioning register, with the link members, operating knobs, upstream transmission mechanism, etc., omitted from the illustration. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the upstream cam groove and the upstream shaft, and the positional relationship between the downstream cam groove and the downstream shaft, when both downstream fins are in the neutral position, in the above embodiment. [Figure 5] The diagram shows the air conditioning register in the above embodiment when both downstream fins are in the neutral position, and is a side cross-sectional view (end view) in the vertical plane passing through the operating knob. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of both downstream fins and the operating knob in the above embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the downstream fins, link member, operating knob, etc. in the above embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure corresponds to Figure 2 and is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioning register when both downstream fins are in an upward-sloping position. [Figure 9] This diagram corresponds to Figure 3 and is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioning register, with the link members, operating knobs, upstream transmission mechanism, etc., omitted from the illustrations in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This diagram corresponds to Figure 4 and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the upstream cam groove and the upstream shaft, and the positional relationship between the downstream cam groove and the downstream shaft, when both downstream fins are in an upward-sloping position. [Figure 11] This figure corresponds to Figure 5 and is a side cross-sectional view (end view) of the air conditioning register when both downstream fins are in an upward-sloping position. [Figure 12] This figure corresponds to Figure 2 and is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioning register when both downstream fins are in a downward-sloping position. [Figure 13] This figure corresponds to Figure 3 and is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioning register, with the link members, operating knobs, upstream transmission mechanism, etc., omitted from the illustrations in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The following describes one embodiment of a vehicle air conditioning register, with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction of travel (forward) of the vehicle will be referred to as "front," the direction of reverse movement as "rear," and the height direction as "up and down." Furthermore, the direction of the vehicle width (left and right) will be defined based on the view of the vehicle from the rear.

[0035] In the vehicle's interior, an instrument panel is provided in front of the front seats (driver's seat and passenger seat). Air conditioning registers 10, as shown in Figure 1, are incorporated into the center and sides of the instrument panel in the left-right direction. The main function of these air conditioning registers 10 is to change the direction of the conditioned air A1 (see Figures 3, 9, and 13) that is sent from the air conditioning system and blown into the vehicle's interior.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air conditioning register 10 includes a retainer 11, a pair of downstream fins 31 and 41, a plurality of upstream fins 47, an operating knob 51, an operating mechanism M1, and an upstream transmission mechanism 90. Next, the individual parts constituting the air conditioning register 10 will be described.

[0037] <Retainer 11> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the retainer 11 connects a ventilation duct of an air conditioning system (not shown) to an opening provided in the instrument panel. The retainer 11 comprises an outer retainer 12, an inner retainer 13, and a bezel 14. The retainer 11 has a ventilation passage 21, which is a flow path for the conditioned air A1.

[0038] The ventilation passage 21 is surrounded by the four walls of the retainer 11. These four walls consist of a pair of vertical walls 22 that face each other in the left-right direction and a pair of horizontal walls 23 that face each other in the up-down direction.

[0039] Here, with respect to the flow direction of the air conditioning air A1, the direction approaching the air conditioning unit is referred to as "upstream," etc., and the direction moving away from the air conditioning unit is referred to as "downstream," etc. Also, when explaining the positional relationship of each part of the air conditioning register 10, of the thickness directions of the vertical wall portion 22 and horizontal wall portion 23 of the retainer 11, the direction approaching the ventilation passage 21 is referred to as "inward," "inside," etc. Of the above thickness directions, the direction moving away from the ventilation passage 21 is referred to as "outward," "outside," etc.

[0040] The outer retainer 12 and the inner retainer 13 are both cylindrical in shape, with their upstream and downstream ends open and their left-right dimensions greater than their up-down dimensions. The inner retainer 13 is located inside the downstream portion of the outer retainer 12.

[0041] The bezel 14 is mounted on the downstream end of the outer retainer 12 and the downstream end of the inner retainer 13. The downstream end surface of the bezel 14 constitutes the design surface 15 of the air conditioning register 10 (see Figure 1). The bezel 14 has an outlet 16 that constitutes the downstream end of the air passage 21. The shape of the outlet 16 will be described later.

[0042] <Downstream fins 31, 41> As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the pair of downstream fins 31 and 41 are for changing the vertical direction of the conditioned air A1 blown out from the outlet 16. The pair of downstream fins 31 and 41 correspond to the pair of fins in the claims. Both downstream fins 31 and 41 are located upstream of the outlet 16 in the air passage 21 and are positioned at different locations in the vertical direction from each other.

[0043] The upper downstream fin 31 comprises a plate-like portion 32, a bulging portion 33, a plurality of ribs 34, a pair of upstream shafts 35, and a pair of downstream shafts 36. The plate-like portion 32 extends within the inner retainer 13 in the longitudinal direction (left-right) and in the flow direction. The bulging portion 33 bulges upward from the downstream end of the plate-like portion 32. The bulging portion 33 is formed along the entire length of the plate-like portion 32 in the left-right direction. Each rib 34 is plate-like. The plurality of ribs 34 are formed on the upper surface of the plate-like portion 32 at locations spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. These ribs 34 are provided for purposes such as increasing the rigidity of the plate-like portion 32.

[0044] The pair of upstream shafts 35 extend from the upstream ends of both end faces of the plate-shaped portion 32 in the left-right direction, toward sides that are far apart from each other in the left-right direction. The pair of downstream shafts 36 extend from the downstream ends of both end faces of the plate-shaped portion 32 in the left-right direction, toward sides that are far apart from each other in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the upstream shafts 35 and downstream shafts 36 on the same side are spaced apart from each other in the flow direction.

[0045] The upper downstream fin 31 is supported on the upper part of the left vertical wall portion 22 of the inner retainer 13 by the left upstream shaft 35 and the left downstream shaft 36. The upper downstream fin 31 is also supported on the upper part of the right vertical wall portion 22 of the inner retainer 13 by the right upstream shaft 35 and the right downstream shaft 36. Further details will be described later.

[0046] The lower downstream fin 41 comprises a plate-like portion 42, a bulging portion 43, a plurality of ribs (not shown), a pair of upstream shafts 45, and a pair of downstream shafts 46. The plate-like portion 42 extends within the inner retainer 13 in the longitudinal direction (left-right) and in the flow direction. The bulging portion 43 bulges downward from the downstream end of the plate-like portion 42. The bulging portion 43 is formed along the entire length of the plate-like portion 42 in the left-right direction. Each rib is plate-like. The plurality of ribs are formed on the lower surface of the plate-like portion 42 at locations spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. These ribs are provided for purposes such as increasing the rigidity of the plate-like portion 42.

[0047] The pair of upstream shafts 45 extend from the upstream ends of both end faces of the plate-shaped portion 42 in the left-right direction, toward sides that are moving away from each other in the left-right direction. The pair of downstream shafts 46 extend from the downstream ends of both end faces of the plate-shaped portion 42 in the left-right direction, toward sides that are moving away from each other in the left-right direction.

[0048] The lower downstream fin 41 is supported by the left upstream shaft 45 and the left downstream shaft 46 to the lower part of the left vertical wall portion 22 of the inner retainer 13. The lower downstream fin 41 is also supported by the right upstream shaft 45 and the right downstream shaft 46 to the lower part of the right vertical wall portion 22 of the inner retainer 13. Further details will be described later.

[0049] [Inflow direction] Here, as shown in Figure 3, among the flow directions (vertical direction) that are changed by the two downstream fins 31 and 41, the flow direction of the air conditioning air A1 just before it flows into the space between the two downstream fins 31 and 41 is defined as the inflow direction. In Figure 3, the direction from left to right is the inflow direction.

[0050] [Neutral position and tilted position] Each downstream fin 31, 41 is capable of rotation and movement between a neutral position and an inclined position. The neutral position is the position taken by both downstream fins 31, 41 when the conditioned air A1 is blown out from the outlet 16 in the direction of the inflow described above. In the neutral position, both downstream fins 31, 41 extend along the inflow direction and face each other in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the inflow direction.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9 and 13, the inclined position is the position taken by both downstream fins 31 and 41 when the conditioned air A1 is blown out from the outlet 16 in a direction inclined with respect to the inflow direction. There are two inclined positions: an upward inclined position (Figure 9) taken by both downstream fins 31 and 41 when the conditioned air A1 is blown out from the outlet 16 diagonally upward and rearward, and a downward inclined position (Figure 13) taken by both downstream fins 31 and 41 when the conditioned air A1 is blown out diagonally downward and rearward. Note that if there is no need to distinguish between the upward inclined position and the downward inclined position, it may simply be referred to as the inclined position.

[0052] In the upper inclined position, as shown in Figure 9, the upper downstream fin 31 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at a point further upstream from the neutral position (Figure 3), it is located further inward into the air passage 21 as it flows downstream. Similarly, the lower downstream fin 41 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at a point further downstream from the neutral position, it is located further inward into the air passage 21 as it flows downstream.

[0053] In the downward inclined position, as shown in Figure 13, the upper downstream fin 31 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at a point further downstream from the neutral position, it is located further inward into the air passage 21 as it flows downstream. Similarly, the lower downstream fin 41 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at a point further upstream from the neutral position, it is located further inward into the air passage 21 as it flows downstream.

[0054] [Outlet 16] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air outlet 16 has a pair of sides facing each other. Each side extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the plate-like parts 32 and 42, in this case, in the left-right direction. The air outlet 16 has a shape in which each side is longer than the distance between the two sides.

[0055] In this embodiment, the air outlet 16 has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, which is more narrow in the left-right direction than in the vertical direction. The air outlet 16 consists of a pair of short sides 17 that face each other in the left-right direction, and a pair of long sides 18 that face each other in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the two short sides 17 face each other, and are longer than each of the short sides 17. Here, the pair of long sides 18 corresponds to the pair of sides mentioned above.

[0056] [Detention Rooms 24, 25] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, storage chambers 24 and 25 are provided upstream of the outlet 16 of the retainer 11 and outward in the direction in which both long sides 18 face the outlet 16. Storage chamber 24 is provided upstream of the outlet 16 of the retainer 11 and above the outlet 16. Storage chamber 25 is provided upstream of the outlet 16 of the retainer 11 and below the outlet 16.

[0057] [Positional relationship between downstream fins 31, 41 and containment chambers 24, 25] The vertical positions of the downstream fins 31 and 41 are set to satisfy the following requirement 1.

[0058] Requirement 1: As shown in Figures 3 and 5, when the downstream fins 31 and 41 are in the neutral position, at least a portion of the downstream fins 31 and 41 in the vertical direction, which is the thickness direction of the plate-like portions 32 and 42, is housed in the housing chambers 24 and 25.

[0059] In the case of the upper downstream fin 31, at least the upper part of the downstream fin 31 is housed in the upper accommodation chamber 24. In the case of the lower downstream fin 41, at least the lower part of the downstream fin 41 is housed in the lower accommodation chamber 25.

[0060] In this embodiment, the vertical position of the downstream fin 31 is set such that when the upper downstream fin 31 is in the neutral position, the entire downstream fin 31 is housed in the upper housing chamber 24. Similarly, the vertical position of the lower downstream fin 41 is set such that when the lower downstream fin 41 is in the neutral position, the entire downstream fin 41 is housed in the lower housing chamber 25.

[0061] <Upstream Fin 47> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the multiple upstream fins 47 are for changing the lateral direction of the conditioned air A1 blown out from the outlet 16. The multiple upstream fins 47 are positioned upstream of the downstream fins 31 and 41 in the air passage 21. The multiple upstream fins 47 are arranged parallel to each other and at equal intervals in the lateral direction.

[0062] Each upstream fin 47 comprises a plate-like portion 48 and a pair of fin shafts 49. The plate-like portion 48 of each upstream fin 47 extends vertically and in the flow direction within the air passage 21. The pair of fin shafts 49 of each upstream fin 47 extend from both end faces of the plate-like portion 48 in the vertical direction, moving away from each other in the same direction. Each fin shaft 49 is supported by the corresponding side wall portion 23 in the internal retainer 13. Each upstream fin 47 is tiltable in the left-right direction about both fin shafts 49.

[0063] <Operation knob 51> As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the operating knob 51 is a component operated by the occupant to change the direction of air conditioning air A1 blown out from the air outlet 16. The operating knob 51 comprises a base 52, a shaft 55, and a gripping portion 56. The base 52 is disc-shaped and has a pair of shaft portions 53 (see Figure 5) extending in the vertical direction. The gripping portion 56 is the part that is gripped by the occupant and is located downstream of the bezel 14. The shaft portion 55 is positioned to straddle both the upstream and downstream sides of the bezel 14 via the air outlet 16 and connects the base 52 and the gripping portion 56.

[0064] The control knob 51 is operated in the same direction when changing the direction of airflow vertically. The control knob 51 is operated in the same direction when changing the direction of airflow horizontally. <Operating mechanism M1> The operating mechanism M1 is a mechanism for operating both downstream fins 31 and 41 between the neutral position and the inclined position. In the neutral position, as shown in Figure 3, the operating mechanism M1 positions both downstream fins 31 and 41 so that they extend along the inflow direction and face each other in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction. In the upper inclined position, as shown in Figure 9, the operating mechanism M1 moves the upper downstream fin 31 to a location further upstream from the neutral position and inclins it with respect to the inflow direction so that it becomes lower as it flows downstream. In the upper inclined position, the operating mechanism M1 moves the lower downstream fin 41 to a location further downstream from the neutral position and inclins it with respect to the inflow direction so that it becomes higher as it flows downstream.

[0065] In the downward tilt position, the operating mechanism M1 moves the upper downstream fin 31 to a location further downstream from the neutral position, as shown in Figure 13, and tilts it with respect to the inflow direction so that it becomes lower as it flows downstream. In the downward tilt position, the operating mechanism M1 moves the lower downstream fin 41 to a location further upstream from the neutral position, and tilts it with respect to the inflow direction so that it becomes higher as it flows downstream.

[0066] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the operating mechanism M1 has two sets of upstream and downstream cam groove combinations in the vertical direction. The upper combination consists of an upper upstream cam groove 61 and an upper downstream cam groove 62. The lower combination consists of a lower upstream cam groove 71 and a lower downstream cam groove 72. The upper and lower combinations are provided for each pair of left and right vertical wall sections 22.

[0067] [Upper upstream cam groove 61 and upper downstream cam groove 62] The upstream cam groove 61 and the downstream cam groove 62 are formed on the upper parts of both the left and right vertical wall portions 22 of the inner retainer 13, and are open to the air passage 21. The upstream cam groove 61 extends linearly in the inflow direction at a location away from the bezel 14 upstream. In the vertical direction, the upstream cam groove 61 is formed at a location higher than the upper long side portion 18 of the outlet 16. The upstream cam groove 61 has a groove width that is slightly wider than the diameter of the upstream shaft 35. Here, a groove width that is slightly wider means a groove width that allows the upstream shaft 35 to rotate and move within the upstream cam groove 61 without rattling, or in a state close to rattling.

[0068] Furthermore, the above-mentioned matters concerning groove width also apply when describing the groove widths of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72, and the groove width of the upstream cam groove 71, which will be explained later, even if the groove width is slightly wider. Similarly, the above-mentioned matters concerning groove width also apply when describing the width of the elongated hole 86, which will be explained later, even if the width is slightly wider.

[0069] The downstream cam groove 62 comprises an upstream inclined portion 64 that constitutes the portion upstream of the intermediate portion 63 in the inflow direction, and a downstream inclined portion 65 that constitutes the portion downstream of the intermediate portion 63. The intermediate portion 63 is located downstream of the upstream cam groove 61 and below the upstream cam groove 61, and is further inside the air passage 21. The upstream inclined portion 64 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located further inside the air passage 21 as it flows upstream. The upstream portion of the upstream inclined portion 64 is located below the downstream portion of the upstream cam groove 61. The downstream inclined portion 65 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is located further inside the air passage 21 as it flows downstream.

[0070] Thus, in the downstream cam groove 62, the upstream inclined portion 64 and the downstream inclined portion 65 are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the inflow direction and are connected at the intermediate portion 63. Each downstream cam groove 62 has a groove width slightly wider than the diameter of the downstream shaft 36.

[0071] The upstream shaft 35 is rotatably and movably engaged with the upstream cam groove 61. The downstream shaft 36 is rotatably and movably engaged with the downstream cam groove 62. [Lower upstream cam groove 71 and lower downstream cam groove 72] The upstream cam groove 71 and the downstream cam groove 72 are formed at the lower part of both the left and right vertical wall portions 22 of the inner retainer 13, and are open to the air passage 21. The upstream cam groove 71 extends linearly in the inflow direction at a location away from the bezel 14 upstream. In the vertical direction, the upstream cam groove 71 is formed at a location lower than the lower long side portion 18 of the outlet 16. The upstream cam groove 71 has a groove width slightly wider than the diameter of the upstream shaft 45.

[0072] The downstream cam groove 72 includes an upstream inclined portion 74 located upstream of the intermediate portion 73 in the inflow direction, and a downstream inclined portion 75 located downstream of the intermediate portion 73. The intermediate portion 73 is located downstream of the upstream cam groove 71 and above the upstream cam groove 71, and is further inside the ventilation passage 21. The upstream inclined portion 74 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is further inside the ventilation passage 21 as it flows upstream. The upstream portion of the upstream inclined portion 74 is located above the downstream portion of the upstream cam groove 71. The downstream inclined portion 75 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that it is further inside the ventilation passage 21 as it flows downstream.

[0073] Thus, in the downstream cam groove 72, the upstream inclined portion 74 and the downstream inclined portion 75 are inclined in opposite directions to each other with respect to the inflow direction and are connected at the intermediate portion 73. Each downstream cam groove 72 has a groove width that is slightly wider than the diameter of the downstream shaft 46.

[0074] The upstream shaft 45 is rotatably and movably engaged with the upstream cam groove 71. The downstream shaft 46 is rotatably and movably engaged with the downstream cam groove 72. [Relationship between the positions of the upstream axes 35, 45 and the downstream axes 36, 46, and the positions and inclination of the downstream fins 31, 41] Furthermore, the upstream shafts 35 and 45 are positioned in the intermediate portion of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 in the inflow direction, and the downstream shafts 36 and 46 are positioned in the intermediate portion 63 and 73 of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72, thereby positioning the downstream fins 31 and 41 in a neutral position.

[0075] As shown in Figures 9 and 13, the downstream shafts 36 and 46 are positioned in the intermediate portion of the upstream inclined sections 64 and 74 in the inflow direction, and the upstream shafts 35 and 45 are positioned upstream of the aforementioned intermediate portion of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 in the inflow direction. As a result, the downstream fins 31 and 41 are inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further upstream from the neutral position, and the downstream fins are located further inward into the air passage 21. The downstream shafts 36 and 46 are positioned at the upstream ends of the upstream inclined sections 64 and 74, and the upstream shafts 35 and 45 are positioned at the upstream ends of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71, thereby positioning the downstream fins 31 and 41 in an inclined position.

[0076] The downstream shafts 36 and 46 are positioned in the middle of the downstream inclined sections 65 and 75 in the inflow direction, and the upstream shafts 35 and 45 are positioned downstream of the aforementioned middle section of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 in the inflow direction. As a result, the downstream fins 31 and 41 are inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further downstream from the neutral position and are positioned more inward of the air passage 21 as they move downstream. The downstream shafts 36 and 46 are positioned at the downstream ends of the downstream inclined sections 65 and 75, and the upstream shafts 35 and 45 are positioned at the downstream ends of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71, thereby positioning the downstream fins 31 and 41 in an inclined position.

[0077] The operating mechanism M1 further includes a downstream transmission mechanism 80 that transmits the movement of the operating knob 51 to both downstream fins 31 and 41. [Downstream transmission mechanism section 80] As shown in Figure 7, the downstream transmission mechanism 80 includes a link member 81 and a pair of support plate portions 87.

[0078] The link member 81 comprises a pair of rotating parts 82, a pair of connecting parts 83, and a support shaft part 84 for each rotating part 82. Note that in Figure 7, only one of the support shaft parts 84 is shown. Each rotating part 82 is positioned between the downstream fins 31 and 41 and the left and right vertical wall parts 22 of the inner retainer 13 that are adjacent to the downstream fins 31 and 41. Each rotating part 82 has a pair of extensions 85 that extend radially from the support shaft part 84 in opposite directions.

[0079] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, each bridge portion 83 extends in the left-right direction between the downstream fins 31 and 41 and the pair of upper and lower lateral wall portions 23 in the inner retainer 13 that are adjacent to the downstream fins 31 and 41. Each bridge portion 83 spans between the left extension portion 85 furthest from the support shaft portion 84 and the right extension portion 85 furthest from the support shaft portion 84.

[0080] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the pair of support shafts 84 extend from the center of each rotating part 82 in the left-right direction, away from each other. Each support shaft 84 for each rotating part 82 is rotatably supported against the vertical wall portion 22 of the inner retainer 13. The support points of the support shafts 84 against the vertical wall portion 22 are set at the center in the vertical direction. In the flow direction, these support points are set in a certain region that is the same as or includes the position of the intermediate portions 63 and 73 of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72.

[0081] In each extension 85, an elongated hole 86 extending radially from the support shaft 84 is formed at a certain distance from the support shaft 84, penetrating in the left-right direction. Each elongated hole 86 has a width and a length. Here, the length is the dimension in the direction in which the elongated hole 86 extends. The width is the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the elongated hole 86 extends. The width of each elongated hole 86 is set to be slightly wider than the diameter of the downstream shafts 36 and 46. The length of each elongated hole 86 is set so as not to hinder the movement of the downstream shafts 36 and 46 in the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 when the downstream fins 31 and 41 are operated between the neutral and inclined positions.

[0082] The downstream shafts 36 and 46 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 are inserted through the elongated holes 86 and engaged with the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72. In this way, the downstream shaft 36 of the upper downstream fin 31 and the downstream shaft 46 of the lower downstream fin 41 are connected by the link member 81 so as to be able to transmit power.

[0083] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the pair of support plate portions 87 extend parallel to each other and spaced apart, from the left rotating portion 82 to the right rotating portion 82. Both support plate portions 87 sandwich the base portion 52 of the operating knob 51 from both sides in the vertical direction. The pair of shaft portions 53 on the base portion 52 are rotatably supported by each of the support plate portions 87.

[0084] <Upstream transmission mechanism 90> As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the upstream transmission mechanism 90 is a mechanism that transmits the left-right movement of the operating knob 51, that is, the left-right rotational movement around the two shafts 53, to each of the multiple upstream fins 47. Through this transmission, the upstream transmission mechanism 90 causes all of the upstream fins 47 to tilt in the left-right direction in a synchronized manner.

[0085] The mechanism used in the upstream transmission mechanism 90 can be any mechanism that can achieve the above objectives, and there are no particular restrictions. Such a mechanism may be, for example, a combination of multiple gears. Figures 2 and 5 illustrate some gear combinations in the upstream transmission mechanism 90. The base portion 52 has a drive gear portion 91 (see Figure 6) formed thereon, in which multiple teeth are arranged along an arc centered on the shaft portion 53.

[0086] Upstream of both support plate portions 87, a shaft portion 92 extending in the vertical direction is positioned. Each end of the shaft portion 92 in the vertical direction is rotatably supported by the upper and lower side walls 23 of the inner retainer 13. A fan-shaped driven gear portion 93 is formed in the middle portion of the shaft portion 92 in the vertical direction. The teeth of the driven gear portion 93 are arranged along an arc centered on the shaft portion 92.

[0087] The drive gear section 91 is meshed with the driven gear section 93. When the drive gear section 91 rotates, that rotation is transmitted to the driven gear section 93, causing the shaft section 92 to rotate.

[0088] Next, the operation of this embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained. For the purpose of explaining the operation, as an example, we assume that the shaft portion 55 of the operating knob 51 and the plate-shaped portions 48 of each upstream fin 47 are parallel to the vertical wall portion 22, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. Upstream of the two downstream fins 31 and 41, the conditioned air A1 flows along each upstream fin 47 and the vertical wall portion 22. The conditioned air A1 flows straight without changing its direction of flow from side to side.

[0089] <Position and inclination of downstream fins 31 and 41> As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the upstream shafts 35 and 45 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 can rotate and move only within the engaged upstream cam grooves 61 and 71. The downstream shafts 36 and 46 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 can rotate and move only within the engaged downstream cam grooves 62 and 72. Once the engagement positions of the downstream shafts 36 and 46 within the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 are determined, the engagement positions of the upstream shafts 35 and 45 within the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 are also determined. Consequently, the position and inclination of the downstream fins 31 and 41 are determined.

[0090] <Operation of downstream fins 31 and 41> The upstream shafts 35 and 45 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 rotate and move along the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71, thereby changing their position in the inflow direction while maintaining their position in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the inflow direction. When the downstream shafts 36 and 46 are positioned in the intermediate portions 63 and 73 of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72, the upstream shafts 35 and 45 are positioned in the intermediate portion of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 in the inflow direction. At this time, the downstream fins 31 and 41 are positioned in a neutral position.

[0091] The downstream shafts 36 and 46 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 rotate and move along the upstream inclined sections 64 and 74 from the intermediate sections 63 and 73, thereby changing their position in the vertical direction and their position in the inflow direction. The downstream fins 31 and 41 move to a position further upstream from the neutral position and are inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further inward of the ventilation passage 21 as they move downstream.

[0092] Furthermore, the downstream shafts 36 and 46 rotate and move along the downstream inclined sections 65 and 75 from the intermediate sections 63 and 73, thereby changing their position in the vertical direction and their position in the inflow direction. The downstream fins 31 and 41 move to a position further downstream from the neutral position and are inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further inward of the ventilation passage 21 as they move downstream.

[0093] On the other hand, the link member 81 shown in Figure 7 is rotatable about both support shafts 84. The rotation of the link member 81 is performed in response to the vertical operation of the operating knob 51. The rotation of the link member 81 is transmitted to the downstream shafts 36 and 46 of both downstream fins 31 and 41.

[0094] The downstream shafts 36 and 46 are inserted through both the elongated holes 86 and the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72. The downstream shafts 36 and 46 are positioned where the elongated holes 86 and the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 overlap. The downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 do not move, but each elongated hole 86 moves along an arc centered on the support shaft portion 84 as the link member 81 rotates. As the elongated holes 86 move, the point in the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 where they overlap, and consequently the position of the downstream shafts 36 and 46, changes. Note that the downstream shafts 36 and 46 rotate as they move through the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72.

[0095] When the positions of the downstream shafts 36 and 46 in the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 change, the positions of the upstream shafts 35 and 45 in the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 change accordingly, and the position and inclination of the downstream fins 31 and 41 change as well. The movement of the upstream shafts 35 and 45 through the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 is accompanied by rotation. Therefore, it is possible to position the pair of downstream fins 31 and 41 in a neutral position, an upward-tilted position, or a downward-tilted position.

[0096] Here, one pair of the elongated holes 86 are provided for each rotating part 82. The downstream shafts 36 and 46 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 are inserted through each elongated hole 86. Therefore, the changes in position and inclination of both downstream fins 31 and 41 occur in a synchronized manner.

[0097] Furthermore, by rotating and moving the upstream shafts 35 and 45 along the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71, and rotating and moving the downstream shafts 36 and 46 along the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72, it is possible to operate both downstream fins 31 and 41 between the neutral position and the upward-tilted position. It is also possible to operate both downstream fins 31 and 41 between the neutral position and the downward-tilted position. It is also possible to position both downstream fins 31 and 41 in a position intermediate between the neutral position and the upward-tilted position, or in a position intermediate between the neutral position and the downward-tilted position.

[0098] <When both downstream fins 31 and 41 are in the neutral position> Figures 2 to 7 show the case where the shaft portion 55 of the operating knob 51 is parallel to the side wall portion 23. The link member 81 is not tilted, and each rotating portion 82 extends in the vertical direction.

[0099] At this time, the upper downstream cam groove 62 overlaps with the upper end of the upper elongated hole 86 in the intermediate section 63. Also, the lower downstream cam groove 72 overlaps with the lower end of the lower elongated hole 86 in the intermediate section 73 (see Figure 2).

[0100] Therefore, the downstream shafts 36 and 46 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 are held in the intermediate portions 63 and 73 of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72. The upstream shafts 35 and 45 of each downstream fin 31 and 41 are held in the intermediate portions of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 in the inflow direction. As a result, both downstream fins 31 and 41 are held in the neutral position. In the neutral position, both downstream fins 31 and 41 are positioned so that they extend along the inflow direction and face each other in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction.

[0101] The conditioned air A1 near each downstream fin 31, 41 flows along the downstream fins 31, 41, maintaining a flow direction aligned with the inflow direction. The flow direction of the conditioned air A1 does not change significantly as it flows between the two downstream fins 31, 41. The conditioned air A1 is blown out from the outlet 16 in a direction aligned with the inflow direction.

[0102] Here, as shown in Figure 3, in the neutral position, the distance D1 between the two downstream fins 31 and 41 is constant or approximately constant at any point in the inflow direction. Therefore, compared to conventional air conditioning registers in which the fins have inclined portions and these inclined portions are always inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further inward into the air passage as they flow downstream, the distance D1 between the downstream ends of the two downstream fins 31 and 41 is wider.

[0103] As shown in Figure 5, in the neutral position, the entire thickness of the upper downstream fin 31 is housed in the upper housing chamber 24. Similarly, in the neutral position, the entire thickness of the lower downstream fin 41 is housed in the lower housing chamber 25. As a result of this housing, the entire thickness of each downstream fin 31 and 41 is positioned upstream of the outlet 16 in both the vertical and outward directions.

[0104] <When both downstream fins 31 and 41 are in an upward-sloping position> Figures 1, 8 to 11 show the case where the operating knob 51 is operated upward from the state shown in Figures 2 to 7, causing the shaft portion 55 to be tilted relative to the side wall portion 23 so that it becomes higher towards the downstream side.

[0105] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the link member 81 is inclined so that the upper part is located further upstream. The same applies to each of the elongated holes 86. At this time, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the upper downstream cam groove 62 overlaps with the upper elongated hole 86 in the vertical direction at the upstream end of the upstream inclined portion 64. The downstream shaft 36 of the upper downstream fin 31 is held at the upstream end of the upstream inclined portion 64. The upstream shaft 35 of the upper downstream fin 31 is held at the upstream end of the upstream cam groove 61. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the upper downstream fin 31 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction at a point further upstream from the neutral position, such that it is located further inward of the air passage 21 as it flows downstream, and in this case, it is lower as it flows downstream.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the lower downstream cam groove 72 overlaps with the upper end of the lower elongated hole 86 at the downstream end of the downstream inclined section 75. The downstream shaft 46 of the lower downstream fin 41 is held at the downstream end of the downstream inclined section 75. The upstream shaft 45 of the lower downstream fin 41 is held at the downstream end of the upstream cam groove 71. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the lower downstream fin 41 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at a point further downstream from the neutral position, it is located further inward of the air passage 21 as it flows downstream, and in this case, it is higher as it flows downstream.

[0107] As described above, in the upward tilted position, both downstream fins 31 and 41 are tilted, but the upper downstream fin 31 is tilted upstream of the lower downstream fin 41. Moreover, the upper downstream fin 31 is tilted in the opposite direction to the lower downstream fin 41.

[0108] The conditioned air A1 flowing near the lower downstream fin 41 located on the downstream side changes its flow direction by flowing along the downstream fin 41, in this case diagonally upward and backward into the air passage 21. The conditioned air A1 is then blown out from the outlet 16 diagonally upward and backward.

[0109] Furthermore, the conditioned air A1 flowing near the upper downstream fin 31 located on the upstream side changes its flow direction towards the inside of the ventilation passage 21, in this case diagonally backward and downward, by flowing along the downstream fin 31. A portion of the conditioned air A1 that has flowed along the downstream fin 31 hits the downstream fin 41, and changes its flow direction diagonally backward and upward by flowing along the downstream fin 41.

[0110] Therefore, the amount of conditioned air A1 that flows along the downstream fins 41 and is then blown out diagonally upward and backward from the outlet 16 increases due to the addition of conditioned air A1 whose flow direction has been changed by the downstream fins 31.

[0111] <When both downstream fins 31 and 41 are in a downward-sloping position> Figures 12 and 13 show the case where the operating knob 51 is operated downward from the state shown in Figures 2 to 7, causing the shaft portion 55 to be tilted relative to the side wall portion 23 so that it becomes lower as it moves downstream.

[0112] The link member 81 is inclined so that the upper part is located further downstream. The same applies to each of the elongated holes 86. At this time, the upper downstream cam groove 62 overlaps with the lower end of the upper elongated hole 86 at the downstream end of the downstream inclined section 65. The downstream shaft 36 of the upper downstream fin 31 is held at the downstream end of the downstream inclined section 65. The upstream shaft 35 of the upper downstream fin 31 is held at the downstream end of the upstream cam groove 61. The upper downstream fin 31 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at a point further downstream from the neutral position, it is located further inward of the air passage 21 as it flows downstream, and in this case, it becomes lower as it flows downstream.

[0113] Furthermore, the lower downstream cam groove 72 overlaps with the middle portion of the lower elongated hole 86 in the vertical direction at the upstream end of the upstream inclined portion 74. The downstream shaft 46 of the lower downstream fin 41 is held at the upstream end of the upstream inclined portion 74. The upstream shaft 45 of the lower downstream fin 41 is held at the upstream end of the upstream cam groove 71. The lower downstream fin 41 is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at a point further upstream from the neutral position, it is located further inward of the air passage 21 as it flows downstream, and in this case, it is higher as it flows downstream.

[0114] As described above, in the downward-sloping position, both downstream fins 31 and 41 are inclined, but the lower downstream fin 41 is inclined further upstream than the upper downstream fin 31. Moreover, the lower downstream fin 41 is inclined in the opposite direction to the upper downstream fin 31.

[0115] The conditioned air A1 flowing near the upper downstream fin 31 located on the downstream side changes direction as it flows along the downstream fin 31, in this case towards the inside of the air passage 21, diagonally downward and rearward. The conditioned air A1 is then blown out from the outlet 16 diagonally downward and rearward.

[0116] Furthermore, the conditioned air A1 flowing near the lower downstream fin 41 located on the upstream side changes its flow direction inward, in this case diagonally upward and backward, by flowing along the downstream fin 41. A portion of the conditioned air A1 that has flowed along the downstream fin 41 hits the downstream fin 31, and changes its flow direction diagonally downward and backward by flowing along the downstream fin 31.

[0117] Therefore, the amount of conditioned air A1 that flows along the downstream fins 31 and is then blown out diagonally downward and backward from the outlet 16 increases due to the addition of conditioned air A1 whose flow direction has been changed by the downstream fins 41.

[0118] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) In this embodiment, an operating mechanism M1 is provided to operate both downstream fins 31 and 41 between a neutral position and an inclined position. In the neutral position shown in Figure 3, the operating mechanism M1 positions both downstream fins 31 and 41 so that they extend along the inflow direction and face each other in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction.

[0119] Therefore, the conditioned air A1 can be blown out from the outlet 16 in a direction along the inflow direction. In addition, the distance D1 between the two downstream fins 31 and 41 can be kept constant or nearly constant at any point in the inflow direction. Consequently, the distance D1 can be made wider than the distance between the downstream ends of a pair of fins in a conventional air conditioning register, thereby reducing the airflow resistance. The pressure loss when the two downstream fins 31 and 41 are in the neutral position can be reduced, thereby improving air conditioning performance.

[0120] (2) As shown in Figure 5, in the neutral position, the entire upper downstream fin 31 in the thickness direction is housed in the upper housing chamber 24. The entire lower downstream fin 41 in the thickness direction is housed in the lower housing chamber 25.

[0121] Therefore, the portion of the downstream fins 31 and 41 located upstream of the outlet 16 can be reduced compared to when the entire downstream fins 31 and 41 are located upstream. This reduces the reduction in the actual opening area of ​​the outlet 16 caused by the downstream fins 31 and 41. The airflow resistance caused by the downstream fins 31 and 41 can be further reduced.

[0122] (3) In this embodiment, both downstream fins 31 and 41 are moved to positions further upstream and further downstream from the neutral position, respectively, whether in the upward inclined position shown in Figure 9 or the downward inclined position shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, both downstream fins 31 and 41 are inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that they are located further inward into the air passage 21 as they are downstream.

[0123] Therefore, the downstream fins 31(41) located on the upstream side direct the conditioned air A1 towards the inside of the air passage 21 and direct it towards the downstream fins 41(31) on the downstream side. By directing this conditioned air A1 along the downstream fins 41(31) on the downstream side, the amount of conditioned air A1 blown out from the outlet 16 diagonally upward and rearward or diagonally downward and rearward can be increased. The directivity of the conditioned air A1 blown out from the outlet 16 can be improved. In this respect as well, the air conditioning performance can be improved.

[0124] (4) In this embodiment, as described in (1) to (3) above, the vertical direction of the air conditioning air A1 can be changed using only the pair of downstream fins 31 and 41. Therefore, in order to make a similar change in the direction of airflow, it is not necessary to provide new downstream fins upstream of the intermediate portion of the air outlet 16 in the vertical direction.

[0125] Therefore, the degree to which the downstream fins 31 and 41 reduce the actual opening area of ​​the outlet 16 can be made smaller than when the downstream fins are newly provided upstream of the intermediate portion of the outlet 16 in the vertical direction. This suppresses the increase in pressure loss associated with the addition of downstream fins.

[0126] (5) In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, two types of shafts are used as the shafts of the downstream fins 31 and 41: upstream shafts 35 and 45 and downstream shafts 36 and 46. As shown in Figures 4 and 10, upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 into which the upstream shafts 35 and 45 engage, and downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 into which the downstream shafts 36 and 46 engage are provided as part of the operating mechanism M1.

[0127] Therefore, by determining the engagement positions of the downstream shafts 36 and 46 within the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72, the engagement positions of the upstream shafts 35 and 45 within the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 can be determined. By determining both engagement positions, the position and inclination of the downstream fins 31 and 41 can be determined.

[0128] Furthermore, by rotating and moving the downstream shafts 36 and 46 along the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72, and rotating and moving the upstream shafts 35 and 45 along the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71, both downstream fins 31 and 41 can be operated between the neutral position and the inclined position.

[0129] (6) As shown in Figures 4 and 10, in this embodiment, the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 are extended in a straight line along the inflow direction. The upstream inclined portions 64 and 74 of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 are inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further inward into the ventilation passage 21 as they are upstream. The downstream inclined portions 65 and 75 of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 are inclined with respect to the inflow direction so that they are located further inward into the ventilation passage 21 as they are downstream.

[0130] Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the operating mechanism M1 positions the downstream shafts 36 and 46 in the intermediate portions 63 and 73 of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72, thereby positioning the downstream fins 31 and 41 in a neutral position.

[0131] As shown in Figures 9 and 13, by rotating and moving the downstream shafts 36 and 46 in the upstream inclined sections 64 and 74, the downstream fins 31 and 41 can be inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that they are located further upstream from the neutral position and more inward of the air passage 21 as they move downstream.

[0132] Furthermore, by rotating and moving the downstream shafts 36 and 46 in the downstream inclined sections 65 and 75, the downstream fins 31 and 41 can be inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that, at points further downstream from the neutral position, they are positioned more inward of the air passage 21 as they move downstream.

[0133] (7) As described in (4) above, in this embodiment, downstream fins are not provided upstream of the intermediate portion of the air outlet 16 in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, when the air conditioning register 10, with both downstream fins 31 and 41 in the neutral position, is viewed from downstream, the downstream fins are not visible in the middle portion of the air outlet 16 in the vertical direction. As a result, the appearance of the air conditioning register 10 is improved.

[0134] (8) As explained in (2) above, in the neutral position, the entire upper downstream fin 31 in the thickness direction is housed in the upper housing chamber 24. Similarly, the entire lower downstream fin 41 in the thickness direction is housed in the lower housing chamber 25.

[0135] Therefore, when the air conditioning register 10 is viewed from downstream, the two downstream fins 31 and 41 are not visible or are difficult to see. As a result, the appearance of the air conditioning register 10 is further improved. (9) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment, a bulge 33 that bulges upward is provided at the downstream end of the plate-shaped portion 32 of the upper downstream fin 31. Also, a bulge 43 that bulges downward is provided at the downstream end of the plate-shaped portion 42 of the lower downstream fin 41. As a result, these bulges 33 and 43 can increase the rigidity of the plate-shaped portions 32 and 42, and consequently the downstream fins 31 and 41.

[0136] In particular, in this embodiment, the bulging portions 33, 43 of each downstream fin 31, 41 are provided along the entire length of the plate-like portions 32, 42 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the above effect of increasing rigidity can be obtained uniformly at any point on the plate-like portions 32, 42 in the left-right direction.

[0137] Furthermore, both bulging sections 33 and 43 bulge outwards from each other in the vertical direction. Neither bulging section 33 nor 43 bulges outwards between the two downstream fins 31 and 41. Therefore, the bulging sections 33 and 43 are less likely to obstruct the conditioned air A1 flowing between the two downstream fins 31 and 41.

[0138] (10) In the upward inclined position shown in Figure 11, the lower downstream fin 41 located on the downstream side is inclined so that it becomes higher towards the downstream side near the upstream side of the lower part of the air outlet 16. If the air conditioning register 10 in this state is viewed from downstream, if there is no bulge 43, the lower downstream fin 41 located on the lower surface of the plate-shaped part 42, such as a rib, may be visible.

[0139] Furthermore, in the downward-sloping position shown in Figure 13, the upper downstream fin 31 located on the downstream side slopes downwards towards the downstream side near the upper upstream part of the air outlet 16. When the air conditioning register 10 in this state is viewed from downstream, if the bulging portion 33 is not present, the upper downstream fins 31 located on the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 32, such as the ribs 34 (see Figures 6 and 7), may become visible, potentially degrading the appearance of the air conditioning register 10.

[0140] In this embodiment, as described in (9) above, bulging portions 33 and 43 are formed at the downstream end of each plate-like portion 32 and 42, bulging outwards from each other in the vertical direction. These bulging portions 33 and 43 conceal the downstream fins 31 and 41 that are located upstream of the bulging portions 33 and 43. Therefore, when both downstream fins 31 and 41 are in the upward-sloping position in Figure 11 or the downward-sloping position in Figure 13, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the downstream fins 31 and 41 that are located upstream of the bulging portions 33 and 43. In this respect as well, the appearance of the air conditioning register 10 can be improved.

[0141] Incidentally, Figure 1 shows the state in the upward-sloping position where the downstream fin 41 located upstream of the bulge 43 is hidden by the bulge 43. 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.

[0142] <Matters concerning retainer 11> The air outlet 16 may be a vertically elongated rectangle. In this case, the longer side 18 of the air outlet 16 extends vertically, and the shorter side 17 extends horizontally.

[0143] Furthermore, both long sides 18 and both short sides 17 may be inclined with respect to the vertical plane. The shape of the air outlet 16 may be changed to a rectangle other than a square. Furthermore, the shape of the air outlet 16 may be changed to a polygon other than a square, an ellipse, etc.

[0144] The retainer 11 may be composed of only one of the outer retainer 12 and the inner retainer 13. Alternatively, the retainer 11 may be composed of an additional component added to the outer retainer 12 and the inner retainer 13.

[0145] The air outlet 16 may be installed parallel to the vertical plane or at an inclination. <Matters concerning downstream fins 31 and 41> In Figure 3, when the upper downstream fin 31 is in the neutral position, only a portion of it, for example, only the upper part, may be housed in the upper housing chamber 24 instead of the entire fin in the thickness direction.

[0146] Furthermore, when the lower downstream fin 41 is in the neutral position, instead of the entire fin in the thickness direction, only a portion of it, for example, only the lower part, may be housed in the lower housing chamber 25. In the above case, as the portion of the downstream fins 31 and 41 that is exposed from the containment chambers 24 and 25 toward the inside of the ventilation passage 21 increases, the actual opening area of ​​the outlet 16 decreases.

[0147] Here, the length along the short side 17 of the portion of the downstream fin 31 that is exposed downward from the upper housing chamber 24 and the portion of the downstream fin 41 that is exposed upward from the lower housing chamber 25 is defined as the "length of the exposed portion".

[0148] In order to keep the ventilation resistance and pressure loss within acceptable limits, it is preferable that the length of each exposed portion at the top and bottom is 2 mm or less when the length of the short side portion 17 is 15 mm to 23 mm. In Figure 6, at least one of the rib 34 and the bulge 33 may be omitted from the upper downstream fin 31. The same applies to the lower downstream fin 41, where at least one of the rib and the bulge 43 may be omitted.

[0149] The positions of the upstream axis 35 and downstream axis 36 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the plate-shaped portion 32 may be changed to positions different from those at both ends. Similarly, the positions of the upstream axis 45 and downstream axis 46 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the plate-shaped portion 42 may be changed to positions different from those at both ends.

[0150] The upstream shaft 35 and downstream shaft 36 of the downstream fin 31 may be changed to different locations from those in the above embodiment, provided that the positions of each of them in the flow direction are spaced apart from each other in the same direction. Similarly, the upstream shaft 45 and downstream shaft 46 of the downstream fin 41 may be changed to different locations from those in the above embodiment, provided that the positions of each of them in the flow direction are spaced apart from each other in the same direction.

[0151] The upstream fin 47 may be omitted as appropriate. In Figure 6, the bulging portions 33 and 43 may be provided only on a portion of the plate-like portions 32 and 42 in the left-right direction.

[0152] In Figure 6, the bulging portions 33 and 43 may be provided upstream of the downstream ends of the plate-like portions 32 and 42. The plate-like portions 32 and 42 may have a shape that extends along the inflow direction, inclined with respect to the side wall portion 23 when the downstream fins 31 and 41 are in the neutral position.

[0153] The plate-like portions 32 and 42 of the downstream fins 31 and 41 may have a shape that curves upward or downward. <Matters concerning the operating knob 51> In Figure 1, the operating knob 51 may be located at a different location from the left end of the air outlet 16 in the left-right direction, for example, at the right end, in the middle, etc.

[0154] In Figure 1, the operating knob 51 may be positioned on the retainer 11 at a location away from the air outlet 16 in the left-right or up-down directions. Alternatively, the operating knob 51 may be positioned outside the retainer 11. In this case, the operating knob 51 may be positioned adjacent to the retainer 11 or at a location away from the retainer 11. Furthermore, the operating knob 51 may be omitted.

[0155] In any of the above modifications, the influence of the operating knob 51 on the actual opening area of ​​the outlet 16 can be reduced compared to the above embodiment in which the operating knob 51 is located inside the outlet 16. Therefore, pressure loss can also be reduced in this respect.

[0156] <About the operating mechanism M1> The operating mechanism M1 may also actuate the downstream fins 31 and 41 by transmitting the movement of the operating knob 51 to the upstream shafts 35 and 45 instead of the downstream shafts 36 and 46.

[0157] The shape of the upstream cam grooves 61 and 71 may be changed to a shape different from that of the above embodiment, provided that requirements 2 and 3 below are met. Similarly, the shape of the downstream cam grooves 62 and 72 may be changed to a shape different from that of the above embodiment.

[0158] Requirement 2: In the neutral position, both downstream fins 31 and 41 shall be positioned so as to extend along the inflow direction and face each other in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction. Requirement 3: In the inclined position, both downstream fins 31 and 41 are moved to locations further upstream and further downstream from the neutral position, and are inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that the downstream fins are located further inward of the ventilation passage 21.

[0159] A separate operating mechanism may be provided for operating the downstream fin 31 between the neutral position and the inclined position, and for operating the downstream fin 41 between the neutral position and the inclined position. <Matters concerning the application area> The above-mentioned air conditioning register 10 can also be applied to air conditioning registers located in areas other than the instrument panel within the vehicle interior, such as on the dashboard.

[0160] The above-mentioned air conditioning register 10 can be widely applied, not limited to vehicles, as long as it can change the direction of the conditioned air A1 sent from the air conditioning unit and blown into the room by at least the downstream fins 31 and 41. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10…Air conditioning register 11…Retainer 16…Air outlet 18... Long side (side) 21...Ventilation duct 24, 25… Detention chambers 31, 41… Downstream fins (fins) 32, 42… Plate-like part 35, 45… Upstream axis 36,46…downstream axis 61, 71… Upstream cam groove 62, 72… Downstream cam groove 63, 73... Middle section 64,74...upstream slope 65,75...downstream slope 81…Link member 84...Spindle part A1...Air for air conditioning M1...operational

Claims

1. A retainer having a ventilation passage with an outlet at the downstream end in the direction of airflow for air conditioning, and a pair of fins positioned upstream of the outlet in the ventilation passage, If, of the flow directions changed by both fins, the flow direction of the conditioned air immediately before it flows between the two fins is defined as the inflow direction, the position of both fins for blowing the conditioned air out of the outlet in a direction along the inflow direction is defined as the neutral position, and the position of both fins for blowing the conditioned air out of the outlet in a direction inclined with respect to the inflow direction is defined as the inclined position, An operating mechanism is provided to move both fins between the neutral position and the inclined position. The operating mechanism, in the neutral position, positions both fins facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction while extending along the inflow direction, and in the inclined position, moves both fins to a location further upstream and further downstream from the neutral position, and inclins them with respect to the inflow direction such that the downstream fins are located further inward within the air passage. Each fin comprises a plate-like portion extending in the longitudinal direction, an upstream axis extending from the plate-like portion in the longitudinal direction, and a downstream axis extending from the plate-like portion in the longitudinal direction downstream of the upstream axis. The aforementioned operating mechanism comprises an upstream cam groove into which the upstream shaft is rotatably and movably engaged, and a downstream cam groove into which the downstream shaft is rotatably and movably engaged, Both fins are operated between the neutral position and the inclined position by the operating mechanism, which changes the position of the upstream shaft in the upstream cam groove and the position of the downstream shaft in the downstream cam groove, thereby providing an air conditioning register.

2. The upstream cam groove extends along the inflow direction, Of the downstream cam groove, the portion upstream of the intermediate portion in the inflow direction is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that it is located further inward from the air passage as it flows upstream. Of the downstream cam groove, the portion downstream of the intermediate portion in the inflow direction is inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that it is located further inward of the air passage as it flows downstream. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, wherein in the neutral position, the operating mechanism positions the downstream shaft to the intermediate portion of the downstream cam groove.

3. Each fin has a plate-like portion that extends in the longitudinal direction, Each of the aforementioned outlets extends in the longitudinal direction and has a pair of sides that face each other, Upstream of the retainer from the outlet, and outward in the direction in which both sides face the outlet, each side is provided with a receiving chamber. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, wherein when both fins are in the neutral position, at least a portion of each fin in the thickness direction of the plate-like portion is housed in the housing chamber.

4. The aforementioned operating mechanism further comprises a link member rotatably supported by the longitudinally extending support shaft portion, The air conditioning register according to claim 2, wherein the link member is connected to the downstream shaft of one fin and to the downstream shaft of the other fin in a manner that enables power transmission.

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