Air discharge device

The air discharge device includes a duct defining: a main flow path through which an air flow passes; and a main hole opened in a flat shape to discharge the air flow as a working air flow toward a downstream from the main flow path. A throttle portion is provided in the duct to reduce a flow path height of the main flow path from an upstream of the air flow toward a downstream of the air flow. A plurality of partitions are arranged to divide the main flow path in a major direction into a pair of side flow paths and at least one center flow path. The plurality of partitions are disposed in the duct such that a flow path width of the center flow path is reduced from the upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air discharge device including a discharge unit configured to discharge an air flow.

BACKGROUND

In a known air conditioner, a partition plate is provided in an air discharge duct to divide a main flow path having a common width and a sub flow path outside the main flow path from each other, and a width of the main flow path is set in a predetermined range, so as to extend a reaching distance of the air flow discharged from the air conditioner.

SUMMARY

An air discharge device in one exemplar according to the present disclosure includes a duct defining a main flow path through which an air flow passes, and a main hole having an opening opened in a flat shape to discharge the air flow as a working air flow toward a downstream from the main flow path. A throttle portion is provided in the duct to reduce a flow path height of the main flow path from an upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow. A plurality of partitions are arranged to divide the main flow path into a pair of side flow paths located at both sides in a major direction, and at least one center flow path located between the pair of side flow paths. The plurality of partitions are disposed in the duct such that a flow path width of the center flow path is reduced from the upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A partition plate may be provided in an air discharge device to divide a main flow path having a common width and a sub flow path outside the main flow path from each other, and a width of the main flow path may be set in a predetermined range.

The present inventors studied an opening of an air outlet which has a flat shape. According to the study of the present inventors, air is easily diffused in a minor direction of the air outlet compared to that in a major direction of the air outlet, and it is difficult to increase a reaching distance of a discharged air.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air discharge device configured to increase a reaching distance of working air discharged from a duct.

An air discharge device in one exemplar according to the present disclosure includes a duct defining a main flow path through which an air flow passes, and a main hole having an opening opened in a flat shape and configured to discharge the air flow as a working air flow toward a downstream from the main flow path. Here, the opening of the main hole has a flow path height in a minor direction of the flat shape and a flow path width in a major direction of the flat shape. A throttle portion is provided in the duct to reduce the flow path height of the main flow path from an upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow. A plurality of partitions is arranged to divide the main flow path in the major direction, into a pair of side flow paths located at both sides in the major direction, and at least one center flow path located between the pair of side flow paths. The plurality of partitions are disposed in the duct, and the flow path width of the center flow path is reduced from the upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow.

Compared to a configuration in which the duct does not include the throttle portion, in the configuration in which the throttle portion configured to reduce the flow path height of the main flow path is provided in the duct, an air velocity distribution of the working air is equalized in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole. When the air velocity distribution of the working air is equalized, a velocity boundary layer of the working air discharged from the main hole is easily away from a central line of the working air. Because of this, the working air is restricted from being diffused in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole, when discharged.

The flow path width of the center flow path is gradually reduced by the multiple partitions from the upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow. In this configuration, the air easily flows through the center flow path, and the air discharged from the center flow path flows at a velocity higher than that of the air flow discharged through the side flow path.

As a result, in the center flow path, the air velocity distribution of the working air discharged from the main hole has a convex shape and is extended in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole, and the velocity boundary layer of the working air discharged from the main hole is easily away from the center of the working air. Therefore, when discharged, the working air is restricted from being diffused in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole.

In the air discharge device of the present disclosure including the above configurations, the working air is restricted from being diffused in the minor direction when discharged. Therefore, even when a main hole formed in a flat shape is employed as an air outlet, the reaching distance of the working air can be increased.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts which are the same as or equivalent to those described in the preceding embodiment(s) will be indicated by the same reference signs, and the description thereof may be omitted. Also, when only a part of constituent elements are described in the embodiments, constituent elements described in the preceding embodiments are applicable to other parts of the constituent elements. The respective embodiments described herein may be partially combined with each other as long as no particular problems are caused even without explicit statement of these combinations.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment in the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.1to12. As shown inFIG.1, an air discharge device50is connected to an indoor air conditioning unit1configured to perform air conditioning of a vehicle, through a duct30.

The indoor air conditioning unit1is disposed inside an instrument panel at a front area in a passenger compartment. The indoor air conditioning unit1includes a case2which forms an outer shell of the indoor air conditioning unit1. An air path is formed inside the case2so as to send air toward the passenger compartment.

An inside-outside air switching box5is disposed most upstream of the air path of the case2and includes an inside air introduction port3and an outside air introduction port4. An inside-outside air switching door6is disposed in the inside-outside air switching box5and configured to rotate. The inside-outside air switching door6is configured to switch between an inside air mode and an outside air mode. In the inside air mode, air inside the passenger compartment is introduced from the inside air introduction port3. In the outside air mode, air outside the passenger compartment is introduced from the outside air introduction port4. The inside-outside air switching door6is driven by an unillustrated servomotor.

A blower8of an electric powered type is disposed downstream of the inside-outside air switching box5and is configured to generate an air flow passing into the passenger compartment. The blower8includes a blower fan8aand a motor8b. The blower fan8ais a fan in a centrifugal type, and the motor8bdrives the blower fan8a.

An evaporator9is arranged downstream of the blower8and is configured to cool air flowing in the case2. The evaporator9is a cooling heat exchanger configured to cool blown air blown by the blower8. The evaporator9is one of the elements included in a known vapor-compression refrigeration cycle.

In the indoor air conditioning unit1, a heater core15is disposed downstream from the evaporator9and is configured to heat air flowing in the case2. The heater core15is a heating heat exchanger configured to heat cold air having passed through the evaporator9by using warm water of a vehicle engine as a heat source. A bypass passage16is formed at a side of the heater core15such that bypass air which bypasses the heater core15flows through the bypass passage16.

An air mix door17is arranged rotatably between the evaporator9and the heater core15. The air mix door17is driven by an unillustrated servomotor, and an opening degree of the air mix door17is continuously adjustable. Depending on the opening degree of the air mix door17, a ratio of a warm air volume, which is a volume of warm air passing through the heater core15, to a cold air volume, which is a volume of cold air passing through the bypass passage16while bypassing the heater core15, is adjusted. As a result, a temperature of the air discharged to the passenger compartment is adjusted.

A defroster outlet19, a face air outlet20, and a foot air outlet21are arranged most downstream of the air path in the case2. Conditioned air is discharged through the defroster air outlet19toward a window glass at a front of the vehicle, through the face air outlet20toward a face of an occupant, or through the foot air outlet21toward a foot of the occupant.

A defroster door22, a face door23, and a foot door24are arranged upstream from the outlets19,20,21, respectively, and configured to rotate. The doors22,23,24are operated to open or close by a common servomotor through an unillustrated link mechanism.

Generally, the instrument panel is required to be thinned in an up-down direction of the vehicle due to a viewpoint of enlargement of the passenger compartment or design. In addition, in the instrument panel, a large-sized information device tends to be installed at a center portion in a vehicle width direction or at a portion facing the occupant in a vehicle front-back direction. The large-sized information device is configured to inform various information showing a driving state of the vehicle.

Therefore, in the indoor air conditioning unit1, a countermeasure such as for reducing a width of an air outlet becomes thinner is required. However, if the width of the air outlet becomes thinner, a core portion of the air flow discharged from the air outlet is easily disturbed because of a transverse vortex generated downstream of the air outlet. As a result, a reaching distance of the air flow discharged into the passenger compartment is reduced.

In the indoor air conditioning unit1of the present embodiment, the air discharge device50is connected to the face air outlet20arranged in the case2through the duct30to enhance the reaching distance of the air flow. The conditioned air in which a temperature had been adjusted in the indoor air conditioning unit1passes from the case2to the duct30and is blown into the passenger compartment through the air discharge device50.

A configuration of the air discharge device50will be described with reference toFIGS.2to5. As shown inFIG.2, the air discharge device50includes a duct51, a first partition52, and a second partition53. The duct51, the first partition52, and the second partition53are made of resin. Although not shown, the indoor air conditioning unit1shown inFIG.1is connected to the duct51.

The duct51is a flow path forming member that forms a main flow path510through which the air passes. The duct51has a square tubular shape and a rectangular cross-section. The duct51includes an introduction hole511upstream of the air flow, and the conditioned air flows into the main flow path510through the introduction hole511.

The duct51includes a main hole512through which the air is discharged as working air to a downstream of the air flow. An opening direction of the main hole512is located such that the working air is discharged to the passenger compartment. The opening direction is a direction normal to a side including an edge of the main hole512.

As shown inFIG.3, an opening of the main hole512has a flat shape. More specifically, the opening of the main hole512has a rectangular shape including a pair of long edges512a,512bfacing each other through a predetermined space and a pair of short edges512c,512dconnecting the pair of long edges512a,512b, respectively. In addition, a distance between the pair of short edges512c,512dis larger than a distance between the pair of long edges512a,512b.

In the present embodiment, a major direction of the opening of the main hole512may be referred to as width direction DRw, and a minor direction of the opening of the main hole512may be referred to as height direction DRh. Further, in the present embodiment, a length in the height direction DRh in the main flow path510may be referred to as flow path height, and a length in the width direction DRw in the main flow path510may be referred to as flow path width. Here, the major direction of the opening of the main hole512is a direction in which the pair of long edges512a,512bof the main hole512extend. In addition, the minor direction of the opening of the main hole512is a direction in which the pair of short edges512c,512dof the main hole512extend.

As shown inFIG.4, the duct51includes an upstream flat portion513, a downstream flat portion514, and a throttle portion515. In the duct51, at the upstream flat portion513and the downstream flat portion514, the flow path height of the main flow path510is substantially constant. At the throttle portion515, the flow path height of the main flow path510is reduced gradually from an upstream of the air flow toward a downstream of the air flow. The throttle portion515is arranged between the upstream flat portion513and the downstream flat portion514. The throttle portion515is arranged closer to the main hole512than the introduction hole511in the main flow path510so as to generate a contraction flow in a vicinity of the main hole512. The throttle portion515has a curved surface such that a portion connected to the upstream flat portion513and a portion connected to the downstream flat portion514are rounded.

As shown inFIG.5, in the duct51, a plurality of partitions such as the first partition52and the second partition53are arranged and divide the main flow path510in the major direction of the opening of the main hole512(that is, in the width direction DRw).

Each of the first partition52and the second partition53is made of a flat plate. Downstream ends522,532provided most downstream of the air flow in the first partition52and the second partition53, respectively, are positioned upstream of the air flow from the opening position of the main hole512. More specifically, an upstream end521of the first partition52and an upstream end531of the second partition53are positioned downstream from an upstream end of the upstream flat portion513in the air flow. In addition, the downstream ends522,532are positioned upstream from a downstream end of the throttle portion515in the air flow.

The main flow path510is divided into a pair of side flow paths510A,512B and a center flow path510C by the first partition52and the second partition53. The side flow paths510A,512B are located on both sides of the main flow path510in the width direction DRw. The center flow path510C is located between the side flow path510A and the side flow path5106. The air introduced into the main flow path510through the introduction hole511of the duct51is divided and flows into the side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C after being rectified at the main flow path510.

The first partition52and the second partition53are arranged such that a flow path width of the center flow path510C is gradually reduced from the upstream toward the downstream of the air flow. More specifically, the first partition52and the second partition53are arranged such that a distance between the downstream ends522,532is smaller than a distance between the upstream ends521,531. Therefore, a velocity of the air blown from the center flow path510C is higher than that of the air blown from the side flow path510A,510B.

Further, in the duct51, a width expanding portion516is arranged at a portion connected to the main hole512, and a flow path width of the width enlarging portion516is enlarged as toward the downstream of the air flow. The width expanding portion516is positioned downstream from the throttle portion515and is formed at the downstream flat portion514.

If the flow path width of the main flow path510is extremely large because of the width expanding portion516, the air flow may be away from a wall surface of the width expanding portion516. In this case, disturbance caused around the main hole512may be increased. Therefore, the width expanding portion516is preferred to be structured such that an inclination of the wall surface of the width expanding portion516with respect to an opening direction of the main hole512is less than or equal to 7°.

Next, air flow in the air discharge device50will be described below. First, an air flow in an air discharge device CE, which is a comparative example to the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, will be described with reference toFIG.6. Unlike the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the air discharge device CE of the comparative example does not include the first partition52, the second partition53, the throttle portion515, or the width expanding portion516, and a flow path area of the main flow path510is constant.

When the blower8of the indoor air conditioning unit1starts operating, the air at the conditioned temperature is introduced from the indoor air conditioning unit1toward the air discharge device CE through the duct30. As shown inFIG.6, in the air discharge device CE of the comparative example, the air introduced into the duct51is discharged from the main hole512after passing through the main flow path510. After that, working air discharged from the main hole512is distributed in the height direction DRh because of a velocity difference with stationary fluid at an outside, and a reaching distance of the working air becomes shorter.

On the other hand, in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.7, the air introduced into the duct51is divided and flows into the side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C in the duct51. The flow path width of the center flow path510C is reduced toward the downstream of the air flow by the first partition52and the second partition53.

Therefore, a velocity of the air flowing in the center flow path510C is faster than that of the air discharged from the side flow path510A,510B. The air flowing in the center flow path510C is discharged from the main hole512at high velocity.

Further, the air flowing in the side flow path510A,510B flows toward the main hole512at a velocity lower than that of the air flowing in the center flow path510C. After that, the air flowing in the side flow path510A,510B is discharged from the main hole512. At this point, the air flowing in the side flow path510A,510B flows so as to be away from a central line CLw in the major direction of the opening of the main hole512(that is, in the width direction DRw) because of the width expanding portion516.

Because of this, entrainment of the stationary fluid at the outside of the duct51is easily caused at a position away from the central line CLw of the opening of the main hole512. That is, the transverse vortex Vt generated by a velocity difference with the stationary fluid at the outside of the duct51is likely to be generated at the position separated from the center flow path510C. Here, the transverse vortex is a vortex having a center of the vortex perpendicular to the flow direction of the air flow.

According to this, while the air flowing in the side flow paths510A,510B sacrifices, a flow velocity of the working air discharged from the center flow path510C is restricted from being reduced. Therefore, the reaching distance of the working air can be increased.

In addition, in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the duct51includes the throttle portion515which reduces the flow path height of the main flow path510. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the duct does not include the throttle portion515such as in the comparative example, an air velocity distribution of the working air is equalized in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole512(i.e., the height direction DRh).

As the air velocity distribution of the working air is equalized, a velocity boundary layer of the working air is away from a central line CLh of the main flow path510in the height direction DRh. Therefore, as shown inFIGS.8and9, when discharged, the working air is restricted from being distributed in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole512(i.e., the height direction DRh).

In particular, in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the air flow is discharged through the center flow path510C at a velocity higher than that of the air flow discharged through the side flow path510A,510B. Therefore, as shown by a solid line inFIG.10, the air velocity distribution of the working air in the center flow path510C has a convex shape and is extended in the height direction DRh more than that in the air discharge device50in which the main flow path510is not divided by the partitions52,53. If the air velocity distribution of the working air is extended in the height direction DRh, the velocity boundary layer of the working air tends to be away from the central line CLh of the main flow path510in the height direction DRh. Therefore, when discharged, the working air is restricted from being diffused in the height direction DRh. InFIG.10, a broken line shows an air velocity distribution in an air discharge device50in which the main flow path510is not divided by the partitions52,53.

Here,FIG.11is a graph showing a comparison of relationships between distances from the main hole512and air arrival rates Ar, according to the air discharge device CE of the comparative example and the air discharge device50of the present embodiment. A vertical axis inFIG.11shows the air arrival rate Ar. The air arrival rate Ar is calculated by dividing a maximum air velocity Vmax by an average air velocity Vave (i.e., Ar=Vmax/Vave). The maximum wind velocity Vmax is a maximum air velocity of the working air at a position downstream from the main hole512by a predetermined distance. The average air velocity Vave is an average air velocity of the working air at the main hole512.FIG.12is a graph showing a comparison of the air arrival rates Ar downstream from the main hole512by 700 mm in the air discharge device CE of the comparative example and in the air discharge device50in the present embodiment.

According toFIGS.11and12, in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the air arrival rate Ar is less likely to be reduced even at the position significantly away from the main hole512, compared to that in the air discharge device CE of the comparative example. More specifically, the air arrival rate Ar at the position away from the main hole512by 700 mm is about 0.42 in the air discharge device CE of the comparative example, while rises to about 0.60 in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment. As described above, the air discharge device50of the present embodiment enables the air discharged from the air discharge device50to reach further than that in the air discharge device CE in the comparative example.

In the air discharge device50described above, the throttle portion515is included in the duct51and reduces the flow path height of the main flow path510. Because of this, the air velocity distribution of the working air is equalized in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole512, compared to the contribution in which the duct51does not includes the throttle portion515. Therefore, the working air is restricted from being diffused in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole512.

In addition, in the air discharge device50, the flow path width of the center flow path510C is gradually reduced from the upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow by the first partition52and the second partition53. Therefore, the air flow easily passes into the center flow path510C, and the air flow discharged through the center flow path510C passes at a velocity higher than that of the air flow discharged through the side flow path510A,510B.

Therefore, the air velocity distribution of the working air in the center flow path510C has a convex shape extended in the height direction DRh, and the velocity boundary layer of the working air is easily away from the center of the working air. Therefore, the working air is restricted from being diffused in the height direction DRh when discharged.

As described above, in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the working air is restricted from being diffused in the height direction DRh when discharged. Therefore, even when the main hole512formed in a flat shape is employed as the air outlet, the reaching distance of the working air can be increased.

Further, in the duct51, the width expanding portion516is connected to the main hole512and expands the flow path width as toward the downstream of the air flow. Because of this, in the configuration including the width expanding portion516, the air flowing along the width expanding portion516connected to the main hole512of the duct51flows out the mail hole512to be away from the central line CLw in the major direction of the opening of the main hole512. Thereby, the stationary fluid at the outside of the duct51is easily entangled at the position away from the center of the opening of the main hole512, and the flow velocity of the air flowing in a center area of the opening of the main hole512can be restricted from being reduced. Therefore, the reaching distance of the working air can be increased.

Further, the first partition52and the second partition53are arranged such that the downstream ends522,532in the air flow direction are located upstream of the air flow from the opening of the main hole512, respectively. According to this, the air flow discharged from the main hole512is not disturbed by the first partition52or the second partition53, and the reduction of the flow velocity of the working air due to the first partition52and the second partition53can be sufficiently suppressed. In addition, an opening area of the main hole512is not reduced by the first partition52or the second partition53.

First Modification

In the above embodiment, an example in which the first partition52and the second partition53are formed by flat plates respectively has been described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. As the first partition52and the second partition53are arranged so as to intersect the flow direction of the air flow in the main flow path510, the air flow may be away from wall surfaces of the first partition52and the second partition53. Because of this, the disturbance caused around the main hole512may be increased.

Therefore, each of the first partition52and the second partition53is preferred to have a streamlined shape in a cross-section when viewed in the flow direction of the air flowing in the main flow path510. In particular, it is desirable that each of the first partition52and the second partition53has an airfoil profile which has excellent aerodynamic characteristics, as shown inFIG.13. That is, each of the first partition52and the second partition53is preferred to be configured such that the upstream end521,531at the upstream of the air flow has a sharp curved surface and the downstream end522,532at the downstream of the air flow has a curved surface rounded more than the upstream end521,531.

Specifically, the first partition52and the second partition53are configured such that inside wall surfaces523,533facing each other are formed in straight shapes, respectively. The inside wall surface523of the first partition52and the inside wall surface533of the second partition53extend and are inclined so as to approach each other as toward the downstream of the air flow in order to form the center flow path510C. In addition, an outside wall surface524of the first partition52and an outside wall surface534of the second partition53are formed such that the surface parts close to the upstream ends521,531extend linearly while surface parts close to the downstream ends522,532are curved to gradually approach the inside wall surfaces523,533, respectively.

Because of this, as shown inFIG.14, the air flow is restricted from being away from the surfaces of the first partition52and the second partition53. Therefore, the air flow is protected from disturbance caused by adding the first partition52and the second partition53around the main hole512. The above is effective to increase the reaching distance of the working air.

Second Modification

In the above embodiment, an example in which the width expanding portion516is connected to the main hole512in the duct51has been described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown inFIG.15, the duct51may include a height expanding portion517so as to expand the flow path height toward the downstream of the air flow, instead of the width expanding portion516. The height expanding portion517is provided at a portion connected to the main hole512and arranged downstream of the air flow from the throttle portion515so as not to overlap with the throttle portion515.

As described above, in the configuration including the height expanding portion517in the duct51, the air flowing along the height expanding portion517connected to the main hole512of the duct51flows out of the main hole512to be away from the central line CLh in the minor direction of the opening of the main hole512. Thereby, the stationary fluid at the outside of the duct51is easily entrained at the position away from the center of the opening of the main hole512, and the flow velocity of the air flowing in a center area of the opening of the main hole512can be restricted from being reduced. Therefore, the reaching distance of the working air can be increased.

In this modification, an example in which the duct51includes the height expanding portion517instead of the width expanding portion516has been described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The duct51may include both the width expanding portion516and the height expanding portion517.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.16to21. In the present embodiment, portions different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown inFIGS.16and17, the duct51includes a downstream duct51A and an upstream duct51B. The first partition52and the second partition53are arranged in the downstream duct51A. The upstream duct51B is arranged upstream from the first partition52and the second partition53.

The first partition52and the second partition53are arranged in the downstream duct51A. In the downstream duct51A, the pair of side flow path510A,510B and the center flow path510C are formed by the first partition52and the second partition53. In addition, in the downstream duct51A, the main hole512is opened downstream from the first partition52and the second partition53. The downstream duct51A is structured similarly to the duct51in the first embodiment.

An upstream main flow path510D is formed in the upstream duct51B to guide the air flow to the side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C. The upstream main flow path510D is arranged upstream from the first partition52and the second partition53in the main flow path510. In addition, the introduction hole511is opened at an upstream position in the upstream duct51B.

A flow path variable machine60is disposed at the upstream duct51B and is configured to change a flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D. In the present embodiment, the flow path variable machine60is configured as a pulsatile flow generator so as to discharge the air flow as pulsatile flow from the main hole512.

The upstream duct51B is provided with a flow path variable portion54at which the flow path area can be changed by the flow path variable machine60. The flow path variable portion54is arranged closer to the introduction hole511than the main hole512.

The flow path variable machine60includes a sliding door61, a drive unit62, and a door controller100. The sliding door61is configured to regulate the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D, and the drive unit62is configured to drive the sliding door61. In the flow path variable machine60, the drive unit62is arranged outside the duct51.

The sliding door61includes a single door portion611. The door portion611has a plate shape and is movable in a direction such that a plate surface of the door portion611intersects the central line CL of the main flow path510.

The sliding door61can be set at a first position or a second position. At the first position, most of the door portion611is located outside the upstream main flow path510D. At the second position, most of the door portion611is located inside the upstream main flow path510D.

When the sliding door61is set at the first position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is largest. On the other hand, when the sliding door61is set at the second position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced by the door portion611to close a part of the upstream main flow path510D. Here, the first position is a non-restrictive position in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is not limited by the sliding door61. The second position is a restrictive position in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is limited by the sliding door61.

The drive unit62is configured to change the position of the sliding door61. The drive unit62changes the position of the sliding door61so as to change the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D periodically. More specifically, the drive unit62changes the position of the sliding door61so as to alternately repeat a state in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is larger than the opening area of the main hole512and a state in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is smaller than the opening area of the main hole512.

The drive unit62includes an electric actuator such as a stepping motor and a linear motion converter. The linear motion converter converts a rotational output of the electric actuator into a linear motion of the sliding door61. The linear motion converter includes, for example, a rack and pinion. The drive unit62is controlled in accordance with a control signal output from the door controller100.

The door controller100includes a computer, including a processor and a memory, and a peripheral circuit. The door controller100performs various calculations and processes based on programs stored in a memory and controls the drive unit62connected to an output side of the door controller100. The memory of the door controller100includes a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

The door controller100is separated from an unillustrated air conditioner ECU which controls devices of the indoor air conditioner unit1. The door controller100may be included in the air conditioner ECU.

As shown by an upper graph inFIG.18, the door controller100controls the drive unit62such that the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is changed periodically. That is, the door controller100controls the drive unit62such that the position of the sliding door61is switched periodically between the non-restrictive position and the restrictive position. The door controller100controls the drive unit62such that a switching period to switch the position of the sliding door61is set around 0.1 to 2 seconds.

As a result, in the air flow discharged from the main hole512, the flow velocity (for example, average flow velocity) of a main flow is changed periodically as shown by a lower graph inFIG.18. Here, the main flow is a flow toward the opening direction orthogonal to an aperture of the main hole512.

As shown inFIGS.16and17, in the upstream duct51B, a rectifying structure is provided downstream from the sliding door61of the flow path variable machine and is configured to equalize a velocity distribution of the air flow. The rectifying structure70is arranged downstream from the flow path variable portion54of the upstream duct51B.

The rectifying structure70of the present embodiment is configured by a reducing portion71arranged at the upstream duct51B. The reducing portion71is arranged downstream from the flow path variable portion54and is a portion at which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is gradually reduced toward the downstream. A flow path area of the reducing portion71at the downstream is substantially equal to the opening area of the main hole512, and a flow path area of the reducing portion71at the upstream is larger than the opening area of the main hole512. More specifically, the reducing portion71has a cross-sectional area continuously reduced as closer to the first partition52and the second partition53. The reducing portion71is arranged such that a ratio of a maximum flow path area to a minimum flow path area of the reducing portion71is, for example, 7:2.

In the upstream duct51B configured as described above, because of the reducing portion71arranged downstream from the flow path variable portion54, the air flow is contracted by the reducing portion71after passing through the flow path variable portion54, and is rectified by the contraction flow.

Next, operation of the air discharge device50will be described. When the blower8of the indoor air conditioning unit1starts operating, the air in which the temperature had been conditioned is introduced from the indoor air conditioning unit1into the air discharge device50. The air introduced into the air discharge device50is discharged from the main hole512to the passenger compartment through the duct51.

FIG.19is a diagram for explaining a state of the air discharged from a discharge outlet AD in an air discharge device CE of a comparative example, comparative with the air discharge device50of the present embodiment. In the air discharge device CE of the comparative example, a duct DP has a tubular shape and includes an air flow path in which a cross-sectional shape is constant, and the air flow is discharged from the discharge outlet AD as steady flow. The steady flow is a flow almost without a change in the flow velocity.

As shown inFIG.19, when the air is blown from the air discharge device CE of the comparative example, friction is caused between the air flow and stopped air (that is stationary fluid). Because of this, a number of transverse vortexes Vt are generated around the main flow which is a core of the air flow. The transverse vortex Vt is a vortex in which an axis of the vortex is along an axial direction perpendicular to the main flow of the air flow.

More specifically, at the downstream from the discharge outlet AD, the transverse vortexes Vt rotating in directions opposite to each other are alternately generated and lined forming a zigzag. When the above vortexes are generated, a flow meandering (that is meandering flow) is formed downstream from the discharge outlet AD due to interference between the main flow and the vortex. By forming the meandering flow at the downstream from the discharge outlet AD, the diffusion of the air flow is promoted. Therefore, a reaching distance of the air flow discharged from the discharge outlet AD is shortened.

On the other hand, in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the flow path variable machine60changes periodically the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D so as to discharge the generated pulsatile flow from the main hole512.

In the air discharge device50, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is larger than that of the main hole512by the flow path variable machine60, the air flow having passed through the flow path variable portion54is rectified in the reducing portion71, as shown inFIG.16. The air flow rectified at the reducing portion71is discharged to the passenger compartment from the main hole512through the downstream duct51A.

The upstream main flow path510D includes the reducing portion71. Because of this, the contraction flow is generated before the air flow reaches the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C from the reducing portion71. Therefore, in the upstream main flow path510D, a flow velocity difference between a vicinity of the central line CL and a vicinity of an inner wall surface defining the upstream main flow path510D becomes small. As a result, the air flow, having a velocity distribution of a top-hat shape, flows into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C. The reason why the flow velocity of the air flow is increased in the vicinity of the inner wall surface defining the upstream main flow path510D is that a centrifugal force acts on the air flow along the inner wall surface defining the upstream main flow path510D, due to action of a curvature of the inner wall surface defining the upstream main flow path510D. Here, the contraction flow is a phenomenon in which a difference between a flow velocity around a wall surface of the flow path and a flow velocity of the main flow reduces because of a reduced cross-section of the flow path.

From the above state ofFIG.16, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced by the flow path variable machine60in the air discharge device50, the flow path area is reduced, and the sliding door61acts as a ventilation resistance, as shown inFIG.17. Therefore, the flow velocity of the air flow passing in the flow path variable portion54is reduced.

In addition, as the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced by the flow path variable machine60, the velocity distribution of the air flow is biased at the downstream from the flow path variable portion54. More specifically, at the downstream of the flow path variable portion54, the flow velocity of the air flow is reduced downstream from a plate of the sliding door61, and the flow velocity of the air flow is increased around an end of the sliding door61.

On the other hand, the reducing portion71is arranged downstream from the flow path variable portion54. Because of this, the contraction flow is generated before the air flow reaches the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C from the reducing portion71. Therefore, in the upstream main flow path510D, a flow velocity difference between a vicinity of the central line CL and a vicinity of an inner wall surface defining the upstream main flow path510D becomes small. As a result, the air flow, having a velocity distribution of a top-hat shape, flows into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C.

In the air discharge device50, the air flow becomes the pulsatile flow and is discharged from the main hole512. At this point, as shown inFIG.20, a following air flow AFb generated after a preceding air flow AFp is supplied intermittently to a downstream from the main hole512.

More specifically, as shown inFIG.21, when the air flow blown from the main hole512becomes the pulsatile flow, a position at which the transverse vortex Vt is generated, a size of the transverse vortex Vt, or the like at the downstream from the main hole512are changed. In addition, continuity of the transverse vortexes Vt generated downstream from the main hole512is easily interrupted. Because of this, development of the transverse vortexes Vt is restricted, and vortex street in which the vortexes are arranged in a staggered pattern is difficult to be generated downstream from the main hole512. Therefore, the air flow downstream from the main hole512is restricted from meandering.

The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The air discharge device50of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the action and effect produced by the configuration common to the first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In addition, in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the flow path variable machine60is arranged at the upstream main flow path510D. Because of this, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is changed by the flow path variable machine60, the air is discharged from the main hole512as the pulsatile flow. When the air flow discharged from the main hole512is the pulsatile flow, a generated position of the transverse vortex Vt, a generated size of the transverse vortex Vt, or the like at the downstream from the main hole512are changed. Therefore, the vortex street in which the vortexes in the staggered pattern are arranged is difficult to be formed downstream from the main hole512, and the air flow downstream from the main hole512is restricted from meandering. As a result, in the air discharge device in the present embodiment, the reaching distance of the air flow discharged from the main hole512can be increased.

Further, the air discharge device50is provided with the rectifying structure70at the downstream from the flow path variable portion54in the upstream main flow path510D to equalize the velocity distribution of the air flow. Because of this, a bias in the velocity distribution caused in the upstream main flow path510D by the flow path variable machine60is equalized by the rectifying structure70. Therefore, the air flowing in the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C is stabilized. As a result, the air easily flows into the center flow path510C, and the air is discharged through the center flow path510C at a velocity higher than that of the air discharged through the side flow path510A,510B.

More specifically, the rectifying structure70includes the reducing portion71arranged at the upstream duct51B. Due to this, the air flow passing through the reducing portion71is contracted, and the flow velocity difference of the main flow between a vicinity of a center and a vicinity of an inner wall surface defining the upstream duct51B becomes small. Because of this, a thickness of the velocity boundary layer formed around the inner wall surface defining the upstream duct51B can be reduced. As a result, the air flow which has a stable flow velocity distribution flows into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C.

A configuration to generate the pulsatile flow in the air discharge device50of the present embodiment has excellent responsiveness compared to a case when the pulsatile flow is generated by operating the blower8intermittently. That is, the air discharge device50in the present embodiment is configured to generate the pulsatile flow more suitably than a device which generates the pulsatile flow by operating the blower8intermittently.

Modification of Second Embodiment

In the above second embodiment, an example in which the flow path variable machine60including the sliding door61and the rectifying structure70including the reducing portion71are combined in the air discharge device50has been described, however, the air discharge device50is not limited to this. In the air discharge device50, for example, one of the flow path variable machine60or the rectifying structure70may be configured as described in other than the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.22and23. In this embodiment, portions different from those of the second embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown inFIGS.22and23, a flow path variable machine60includes a bi-parting door63such as double doors opened by sliding. The bi-parting door63includes a pair of doors631,632.

The pair of doors631,632are opposed to each other through the upstream main flow path510D. More specifically, the door631,632has a plate shape and can be disposed in a direction such that a plate surface of the door631,632intersects the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510.

The bi-parting door63is configured to be set at a first position in which the pair of doors631,632are located far from the central line CL of the main flow path510or a second position in which the pair of doors631,632approach the central line CL of the main flow path510.

When the bi-parting door63is set at the first position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is largest as shown inFIG.22. When the bi-parting door63is set at the second position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced because the plate surface of the bi-parting door63partially blocks the upstream main flow path510D as shown inFIG.23. Here, the first position is a non-restrictive position in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is not limited by the bi-parting door63. The second position is a restrictive position in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is limited by the bi-parting door63.

In addition, in the upstream duct51B, multiple fins72are arranged downstream from the flow path variable portion54and line in the upstream main flow path510D. The multiple fins72each have plate shapes and are arranged at the upstream main flow path510D such that plate surfaces of the multiple fins72are parallel with each other.

In the upstream duct51B configured as above, after the air flowing into the upstream main flow path510D is rectified by the multiple fins72, the air is discharged from the main hole512through the downstream duct51A. Because of this, the air flow which has the stable flow velocity distribution flows into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C.

The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment. The other parts of the air discharge device50according to the present embodiment have configurations common to that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the action and effect produced by the configuration of the second embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

In the air discharge device50according to this embodiment, the rectifying structure70includes the multiple fins72. Because of this, the air after passing through the flow path variable portion54is rectified by the multiple fins72. Therefore, the air flow which has the stable flow velocity distribution flows into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C.

Modification of Third Embodiment

In the third embodiment described above, the flow path variable machine60including the bi-parting door63and the rectifying structure70including the multiple fins72are combined in the air discharge device50, however, the air discharge device is not limited to this. In the air discharge device50, for example, one of the flow path variable machine60or the rectifying structure70may be configured as described in other than the third embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.24to26. In this embodiment, portions different from those of the second embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown inFIGS.24and25, in the upstream duct51B, the flow path variable portion54has the flow path area which can be changed by the flow path variable machine60and is deformed when force is applied from the outside. The flow path variable portion54is made of material which has elasticity (for example, rubber material).

The flow path variable machine60is enabled to change the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D by deforming the flow path variable portion54. The flow path variable machine60in the present embodiment is configured to deform the flow path variable portion54such that at least a part of an inner wall surface of the flow path variable portion54approaches the center of the upstream main flow path510D. More specifically, the flow path variable machine60includes a deforming member64configured to deform the flow path variable portion54.

The deforming members64have a pair of pressing portions641,642, respectively, to exert an external force to the flow path variable portion54. As shown inFIG.26, the pressing portion641,642is formed in an approximately triangular shape which includes an obtuse angle. The pair of pressing portions641,642are arranged such that tops Pm which have the obtuse angles are opposed to each other through the flow path variable portion54.

The pressing portion641,642has an upstream corner Ps located upstream and having an angle θα smaller than or at 20° and a downstream corner Pe located downstream and having an angle θβ smaller than or at 3.5°. Here, the angle θα is an angle between the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510D and a virtual line La connecting the upstream corner Ps to the top Pm. The angle θβ is an angle between the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510D and a virtual line Lβ connecting the top Pm to the downstream corner Pe.

At the pressing portion641,642of the present embodiment, the angle θα of the upstream corner Ps is larger than the angle θβ of the downstream corner Pe. However, at the pair of pressing portions641,642, for example, the angle θα of the upstream corner Ps may have a size similar to that of the angle θβ of the downstream corner Pe.

The deforming member64is configured to be set at a first position in which the tops Pm of the pair of pressing portions641,642are located far from the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510D or a second position in which the tops Pm of the pair of pressing portions641,642approach the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510D.

When the deforming member64is set at the first position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is largest, as shown inFIG.24. When the deforming member64is set at the second position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced by the tops Pm of the pair of pressing portions641,642approaching the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510D, as shown inFIG.25. Here, the first position is a non-restrictive position in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is not limited by the deforming member64. The second position is a restrictive position in which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is limited by the deforming member64.

As shown inFIG.25, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced, a reducing slope541and an enlarging slope542are formed at the flow path variable portion54. At the reducing slope541, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is continuously reduced. At the enlarging slope542, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is continuously increased. In addition, a flow path throat543is formed between the reducing slope541and the enlarging slope542in the flow path variable portion54. The flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is smallest at the flow path throat543in the flow path variable portion54. The enlarging slope542is formed downstream from the reducing slope541and the flow path throat543in the upstream duct51B.

As described above, the flow path variable machine60of the present embodiment is enabled to change the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D such that the flow path throat543is formed between the reducing slope541and the enlarging slope542to reduce the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D.

Next, operation of the air discharge device50will be described. When the blower8of the indoor air conditioning unit1starts operating, the air in which the temperature had been regulated is introduced from the indoor air conditioning unit1into the air discharge device50. The air introduced into the air discharge device50is discharged from the main hole512to the passenger compartment through the duct51. In the air discharge device50, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is periodically changed, and the air flow becomes the pulsatile flow and is discharged from the main hole512.

When the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced by the flow path variable machine60, the reducing slope541, the flow path throat543, and the enlarging slope542are formed in the upstream duct51B. In this case, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is changed by the flow path variable machine60, the air flowing from the reducing slope541toward the flow path throat543becomes the contraction flow. Therefore, the flow velocity difference of the main flow between the vicinity of the center and the vicinity of the inner wall surface defining the upstream duct51B is small, and the thickness of the velocity boundary layer formed around the inner wall surface defining the upstream duct51B can be reduced.

In addition, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is changed by the flow path variable machine60, the enlarging slope542is formed. Because of this, the velocity boundary layer of the air flow is easily formed so as to be away from the vicinity of the center of the upstream main flow path510D in accordance with a shape of an inner wall surface of the upstream duct51B. Therefore, the air flow which has the stable flow velocity distribution can flow into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C.

The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment. The other parts of the air discharge device50according to the present embodiment have configurations common to that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the action and effect produced by the configuration of the second embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

In the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced by the flow path variable machine60, the air flowing in the upstream main flow path510D is rectified by the reducing slope541, the flow path throat543, and the enlarging slope542. According to this, without the rectifying structure70at the upstream duct51B, the air flowing in the upstream main flow path510D can be rectified.

In the air discharge device50of the present embodiment, the flow path variable portion54is deformed by the flow path variable machine60such that at least a part of the inner wall surface of the flow path variable portion54approaches the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510D. According to this, the flow velocity distribution of the air flow is restricted from being biased at the downstream from the flow path variable portion54. Therefore, the air flow which has the stable flow velocity distribution can flow into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C.

Modification of Fourth Embodiment

In the fourth embodiment described above, an example in which the flow path variable portion54is pressed by the pair of pressing portions641,642which each have substantially triangular shapes has been described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the air discharge device50, for example, the flow path variable portion54may be pressed by a pair of pressing portions643,644which each include end surfaces formed in arc shapes, as shown inFIGS.27and28.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.29to31. In this embodiment, portions different from those of the second embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown inFIGS.29and30, the flow path variable machine60includes a regulating door65configured to regulate the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D. The regulating door65is a rotary door of a cantilever type and includes a door part651and a door shaft652. The door part651is formed in a plate shape, and the door shaft652is connected to an end of the door part651. The regulating door65is configured to be set at a first position, in which a plate surface of the door part651extends in parallel with a direction in which the upstream main flow path510D extends, or a second position, in which the plate surface of the door part651intersects the direction in which the upstream main flow path510D extends.

When the regulating door65is set at the first position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is largest as shown inFIG.29. When the regulating door65is set at the second position, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is reduced because the regulating door65blocks a part of the upstream main flow path510D, as shown inFIG.30.

In the upstream duct51B, a vortex generator73is arranged downstream from the flow path variable portion54. The vortex generator73is configured to generate an auxiliary vortex Va which has a vortex characteristic with a vortex rotation direction and a vortex axis direction, different from that of the transverse vortex generated downstream from the main hole512.

As shown inFIG.31, the vortex generator73includes a serration part731arranged in the upstream duct51B. The serration part731is arranged at a part of the inner wall surface of the upstream duct51B. However, the serration part731may be arranged at an entire periphery of the inner wall surface of the upstream duct51B.

More specifically, the serration part731includes multiple protrusions731aeach formed in quadrangular shapes and arranged through predetermined gaps, respectively. The protrusion731aprotrudes from the inside wall surface of the upstream duct51B toward the central line CL of the upstream main flow path510D.

Because of the vortex generator73arranged in the upstream duct51B, when the air flow passes around the vertex generator73, the auxiliary vortex Va which has at least one of the vortex rotation direction or the vortex axis direction different from that of the transverse vortex is generated in the upstream duct51B configured as described above.

In the above configuration, the air flowing in the upstream duct51B is rectified by the auxiliary vortex Va, and thickness of the velocity boundary layer formed around the inner wall surface defining the upstream duct51B can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the rectifying structure70is configured by the vortex generator73. The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

The other parts of the air discharge device50according to the present embodiment may have configurations common to that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the action and effect produced by the configuration of the second embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the vortex generator73is arranged as the rectifying structure70, and the flow velocity distribution of the air flow downstream from the flow path variable portion54is restricted from being biased. Therefore, the air flow which has the stable flow velocity distribution can flow into the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C.

Modification of Fifth Embodiment

In the fifth embodiment described above, an example in which the serration part731includes the multiple protrusions731aformed in the quadrangular shapes has been described, however, the serration part731is not limited to this. The serration part731may includes, for example, multiple protrusions formed in arc shapes, a recess-protrusion portion in which protrusions and recesses formed in arc shapes are arranged alternately, or multiple protrusions formed in a triangular shape.

In the fifth embodiment described above, the flow path variable machine60including the regulating door65and the rectifying structure70including the vortex generator73are combined in the air discharge device50, however, the air discharge device50is not limited to this. In the air discharge device50, for example, one of the flow path variable machine60and the rectifying structure70may be configured other than of the fifth embodiment. This also applies to a sixth embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.32and33. In this embodiment, portions different from those of the fifth embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown inFIG.32, the vortex generator73includes multiple block bodies732arranged in the upstream duct51B through predetermined spaces. The multiple block bodies732are arranged at a part of the inner wall surface of the upstream duct51B. However, the multiple block bodies732may be arranged at an entire periphery of the inner wall of the upstream duct51B.

The block body732protrudes from the inner wall of the upstream duct51B toward the upstream main flow path510D. More specifically, the block body732protrudes in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the main hole512.

As shown inFIG.33, the block body732includes a main body732aand a support part732bwhich has a bar shape and supports the main body732a. The main body732ais located closer to the center of the upstream main flow path510D than the support part732b. More specifically, the main body732ahas a circular shape when viewed from a front and a quadrangular shape when viewed from a side. The support part732bis fixed to the inner wall surface of the upstream duct51B.

The other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment. The air discharge device50of the present embodiment can obtain the action and effect produced by the configuration of the fifth embodiment in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment.

Modification of Sixth Embodiment

In the sixth embodiment described above, an example in which the block body732includes the main body732aformed in a disk-shape has been described, however, the block body732is not limited to this. For example, the block body732may include a main body formed in a sphere shape, a main body formed in an octahedral shape, or a main body formed in a hexahedral shape.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.34and35. In the present embodiment, portions different from those of the first embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIGS.34and35, the duct51is made of a double pipe structure at a portion connected to the main hole512, including an outer wall portion55and an inner wall portion56.

The outer wall portion55forms a part of an outer shell of the duct51. The outer wall portion55has a shape corresponding to the inner wall portion56so as to form a substantially constant gap between the outer wall portion55and the inner wall portion56. The inner wall portion56forms the main flow path510and the main hole512and is arranged at an inner side of the outer wall portion55.

An auxiliary flow path57is formed between the outer wall portion55and the inner wall portion56such that the air in the auxiliary flow path57flows in parallel with the air flowing in the main flow path510. A part of the air flowing in the main flow path510flows into the auxiliary flow path57.

The outer wall portion55and the inner wall portion56are connected to each other by a connecting wall portion58. The connecting wall portion58is arranged at an end forming the main hole512at a downstream side. The connecting wall portion58is arranged at an outer peripheral side surrounding the main hole512.

A plurality of auxiliary outlets59are arranged at the connecting wall portion58so as to blow out the auxiliary vortex Va which has the vortex characteristic including the vortex rotation direction and the vortex axis direction, different from that of the transverse vortex generated downstream from the main hole512. An opening of the auxiliary outlet59is smaller than that of the main hole512. The multiple auxiliary outlets59are arranged around the main hole512at the connecting wall portion58.

More specifically, the auxiliary outlets59are arranged at an entire connecting wall portion58through predetermined spaces. The opening of the auxiliary outlet59has a circular shape. The auxiliary outlet59may be formed in a part of the connecting wall portion58. The opening shape of the auxiliary outlet59may be a shape other than the circular shape.

The duct51configured as above includes the auxiliary flow path57. Therefore, a part of the air flowing in the main flow path510flows into the auxiliary flow path57. The air flowing in the auxiliary flow path57is discharged from the auxiliary outlet59. At this point, the auxiliary vortex Va, which has at least one of the vortex rotation direction and the vortex axis direction different from that of the transverse vortex, is generated. Therefore, the auxiliary vortex Va collides with the transverse vortex at the downstream from the main hole512, and the transverse vortex can be disturbed. In addition, the auxiliary vortex Va collides with the transverse vortexes, and development of the transverse vortex can be suppressed.

The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The other parts of the air discharge device50according to the present embodiment have same configurations as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the action and effect produced by the configuration of the first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, because of the auxiliary outlet59, the auxiliary vortex Va collides with the transverse vortex at the downstream from the main hole512, and the transverse vortex can be disturbed. In addition, the auxiliary vortex Va collides with the transverse vortexes, and development of the transverse vortex can be suppressed. Therefore, it is difficult to form the vortex street in which the vortexes are arranged in the staggered pattern downstream from the main hole512, and the air flow downstream from the main hole512is restricted from meandering.

Other Embodiments

The representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be variously modified as follows.

In the above embodiments, the opening of the main hole512has a rectangular shape, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The shape of the main hole512may be, for example, an elliptical shape formed by combining arcs and straight lines, an elliptical shape formed by connecting curved lines having large curvature radius and a small curvature radius, a polygonal shape such as hexagons formed by connecting straight lines, or a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The shapes of the pair of long edges512a,512band the pair of short edges512c,512dthat form main hole512are not limited to straight lines or arc shapes, and may be straight lines or arc shapes with roughness, respectively.

In the above embodiments, the main flow path510is divided to the three paths including the pair of side flow paths510A,510B and the center flow path510C by the first partition52and the second partition53, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The main flow path510may be, for example, divided to equal to or more than four paths by three partitions or more. In this case, flow paths located on both sides in the width direction DRw form a pair of side flow paths, and multiple flow paths between the pair of side flow paths form center flow paths.

In the above embodiments, an example in which the width expanding portion516is provided in the duct51has been described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The width expanding portion516may not be provided at the duct51.

In the above embodiment, the duct51includes the upstream flat portion513, the downstream flat portion514, and the throttle portion515, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the duct51, for example, one of the upstream flat portion513or the downstream flat portion514may be omitted.

In the above embodiments, the upstream end521,531of the partition52,53is located downstream from the upstream end of the upstream flat portion513, and the downstream end522,532of the partition52,53is located upstream from the downstream end of the throttle portion515; however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The partition52,53may be, for example, located such that the upstream end521,531of the partition52,53is positioned upstream from the upstream end of the upstream flat portion513. In addition, the partition52,53may be located such that the downstream end522,532is positioned downstream from the downstream end of the throttle portion515.

In the above embodiments, a flow path area of the upstream main flow path510D is changed by the flow path variable machine60, and the air flow is discharged as the pulsatile flow from the main hole512, however, the air discharge device50is not limited to this. In the air discharge device50, for example, the blower8may be operated intermittently to discharge the air flow as the pulsatile flow from the main hole512. In this case, the blower8is configured as the pulsatile flow generator.

In the above embodiments, the air discharge device50of the present disclosure is applied to the air outlet of the indoor air conditioning unit1, however, an applicable target of the air discharge device50is not limited to this. The air discharge device50in this disclosure is widely applicable to an air outlet of an installed air conditioning unit for a home use or the like, not only a moving body such as the vehicle. In addition, the air discharge device50in this disclosure is widely applicable to, for example, an air outlet of a humidifying device which humidifies a room, an air outlet of a temperature adjusting device which blows a temperature adjusted air to adjust a temperature of a heat generator or the like, or the like, not only the air conditioning unit to condition air in a room.

In the embodiments described above, it is needless to say that the elements configuring the embodiments are not necessarily essential except in the case where those elements are clearly indicated to be essential in particular, the case where those elements are considered to be obviously essential in principle, and the like.

In the embodiments described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific number of components of the embodiments, except when numerical values such as the number, numerical values, quantities, ranges, and the like are referred to, particularly when it is expressly indispensable, and when it is obviously limited to the specific number in principle, and the like.

In the embodiments described above, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, and the like of a component and the like, the present disclosure is not limited to the shape, positional relationship, and the like, except for the case of being specifically specified, the case of being fundamentally limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, and the like.

Overview

According to a first aspect described in a part or all of the above embodiments, an air discharge device includes a throttle portion and multiple partitions in a duct. A flow path height of the throttle portion is reduced from an upstream to a downstream of an air flow. The multiple partitions is configured to divide a main flow path in a major direction. The main flow path is divided by the multiple partitions into a pair of side flow paths located at the both sides in the major direction, and at least one center flow path located between the pair of side flow paths. The flow path width of the throttle portion is reduced gradually from the upstream of the air flow toward the downstream of the air flow.

According to a second aspect, a height expanding portion is arranged at a position connected to a main hole and located downstream of the air flow from the throttle portion in the duct. The flow path height of the height expanding portion is enlarged as toward the downstream of the air flow. In the configuration including the height expanding portion, the air flowing along the portions connected to the main hole of the duct flows so as to be away from a central line in a minor direction of an opening of the main hole. According to this, stationary fluid at the outside of the duct is easily entrained at the position away from a center of the opening of the main hole, and a flow velocity of the air flowing in a center area of the opening of the main hole can be restricted from being reduced. Therefore, a reaching distance of the working air can be increased.

According to a third aspect, the air discharge device includes a width expanding portion that is provided in the duct at the position connected to the main hole. A flow path width of the width expanding portion is enlarged toward the downstream of the air flow. In the configuration including the width expanding portion as described above, the air flowing along portions connected to the main hole of the duct flows so as to be away from the central line in the major direction of the opening of the main hole. According to this, the stationary fluid at the outside of the duct at the position away from the center of the opening of the main hole is relatively easily entrained, and the flow velocity of the air flowing in the center area of the opening of the main hole can be restricted from being reduced. Therefore, the reaching distance of the working air can be increased.

According to a fourth aspect of the air discharge device, each of the multiple partitions has a streamlined shape in a cross-section along a flow direction of the air flowing through the main flow path. In this case, by forming each of the multiple partitions in a streamlined shape, the air flow is restricted from being away from the wall surfaces of the multiple partitions. Therefore, an air flow disturbance caused due to the multiple partitions can be effectively reduced. The above is effective to increase the reaching distance of the working air.

According to a fifth aspect of the air discharge device, the downstream ends of the multiple partitions at the downstream side of the air flow is located upstream of the air flow from the position of the opening of the main hole. According to this, the air flow discharged from the main hole is not disturbed by the multiple partitions, and the attenuation of the flow velocity of the working air can be sufficiently suppressed. In addition, the opening area of the main hole is not reduced by the partition.

According to a sixth aspect, the main flow path includes an upstream main flow path located upstream from the multiple partitions. In the upstream main flow path, a pulsatile flow generator is arranged so as to discharge the air flow as the pulsatile flow from the main hole. Here, the “pulsatile flow” is a flow accompanied by periodic or irregular fluctuation. The “pulsatile flow” is not limited to a flow flowing in a constant direction, and also includes a flow in which a flow direction is reversed.

When the air flow discharged from the main hole becomes the pulsatile flow, a generated position of the transverse vortex, a size of the transverse vortex, or the like at the downstream from the main hole are changed. Therefore, the vortex street in which the vortexes are arranged in the staggered pattern is suppressed to be formed downstream from the main hole, and the air flow downstream from the main hole is restricted from meandering. Therefore, according to the air discharge device in the present perspective, the reaching distance of the air flow discharged from the main hole can be increased.

According to a seventh aspect, the pulsatile flow generator includes a flow path variable machine configured to change a flow path area of the upstream main flow path. According to this, the flow path area of the upstream main flow path is changed by the flow path variable machine, and the air flow can be discharged from the main hole as the pulsatile flow.

According to an eighth aspect, the flow path variable machine is enabled to change the flow path area of the upstream main flow path such that a flow path throat, at which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path is smallest, is formed between the reducing slope and the enlarging slope, so as to reduce the flow path area of the upstream main flow path.

According to this, when the flow path area of the upstream main flow path is changed by the flow path variable machine, the air flowing from a reducing slope toward the flow path throat becomes the contraction flow. Therefore, a flow velocity difference of the main flow between the vicinity of the center and a vicinity of an inner wall surface of the duct becomes small. Because of this, a thickness of a velocity boundary layer formed around the inner wall surface of the duct can be reduced. In addition, when the flow path area of the main flow path is changed by the flow path variable machine, an enlarging slope is formed. According to this, the velocity boundary layer of the air flow away from the central line of the main hole is easily formed in accordance with the shape of the inner wall surface of the duct. Therefore, the air can flow stably into the pair of side flow paths and the center flow path. It is effective to improve the reaching distance of the air flow discharged from the main hole.

According to a ninth aspect, a flow path variable portion of the duct, at which the flow path area is changed by the flow path variable machine, is made of a material which has elasticity. When reducing the flow path area of the upstream main flow path, at least a part of the flow path variable portion is deformed so as to approach the central line of the upstream main flow path.

As described above, the flow path variable machine is configured such that at least a part of an inner wall surface of the flow path variable portion is deformed so as to approach the central line of the main flow path. In this case, a flow velocity distribution of the air flow is restricted to be biased at the downstream from the flow path variable portion. Therefore, the air can flow stably into the pair of side flow paths and the center flow path.

According to a tenth aspect, a rectifying structure is provided between the pulsatile flow generator and the multiple partitions and configured to rectify the air flow passing through the upstream main flow path.

When the flow path area of the upstream main flow path is changed by the flow path variable machine, the flow velocity distribution of the air flow is restricted from being biased at the downstream from the pulsatile flow generator. If the flow velocity distribution is biased, the air flowing in the duct is not stable, and the reaching distance of the air flow discharged from the main hole may be reduced. On the other hand, in a case that the rectifying structure is arranged between the pulsatile flow generator and the multiple partitions, the air can flow stably into the pair of side flow paths and the center flow path.

According to an eleventh aspect, the rectifying structure includes a reducing portion at which the flow path area of the upstream main flow path is reduced toward the downstream. Because of this, the air flow passing through the reducing portion is contracted, and the flow velocity difference of the main flow between the vicinity of the center and the vicinity of the inner wall surface defining the duct becomes small. Because of this, the thickness of the velocity boundary layer formed around the inner wall surface of the duct can be reduced. As a result, the air can flow stably into the pair of side flow paths and the center flow path.

According to a twelfth aspect, the rectifying structure includes a vortex generator arranged at the inner wall surface of the duct. The vortex generator is configured to generate an auxiliary vortex which has a vortex characteristic including a vortex rotation direction and a vortex axis direction, different from that of a transverse vortex generated downstream from the main hole.

Because of this, when the air passes around the vortex generator, the auxiliary vortex in which at least one of the rotational direction of the vortex and the direction of the vortex axis is different from that of the transverse vortex is generated. In the above configuration, because the air flowing in the duct is rectified by the auxiliary vortex, the thickness of the velocity boundary layer formed around the inner wall surface of the duct can be reduced. Therefore, the air can flow stably into the pair of side flow paths and the center flow path. Here, the vortex characteristic indicates a vortex flow state including the vortex rotation direction, the vortex axis direction, a vortex flow velocity, a fluid viscosity, a vortex radius, and the like.

According to a thirteenth aspect, an auxiliary outlet is arranged at the duct so as to discharge the auxiliary vortex which has the vortex characteristic including the vortex rotation direction and the vortex axis direction, different from that of the transverse vortex generated downstream from the main hole. According to this, the auxiliary vortex collides with the transverse vortex at the downstream from the main hole, and the transverse vortex can be disturbed. In addition, the auxiliary vortex collides with the transverse vortexes, and the development of the transverse vortex can be suppressed. Therefore, the vortex street in which the vortexes are arranged in the staggered pattern is suppressed to be formed downstream from the main hole, and the air flow downstream from the main hole is restricted from meandering.