Adjustment Knob for Vehicle Vent

Abstract

Provided is an adjustment knob for rotating horizontal and vertical vanes of a vehicle vent. The adjustment knob includes a knob body and a vane rotation part. The knob body is coupled to the horizontal vane and is capable of moving in the horizontal direction. An insertion gap into which the horizontal vane is inserted in the forward direction and a receiving gap that expands from the insertion gap are formed horizontally through the knob body. The vane rotation part rotates the vertical vane by the movement of the knob body. The vane rotation part is fitted to a rear end portion of the knob body below the insertion gap and is connected to the vertical vane. The knob body is coupled to the horizontal vane such that a front end portion of the horizontal vane is positioned in the receiving gap and such that the vane rotation part is adjacent to a rear end portion of the horizontal vane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment knob for a ventilation opening of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A ventilation opening for discharging cold air, warm air or room-temperature air into the interior of a motor vehicle is installed inside the motor vehicle. The ventilation opening is installed at the end of an air duct for supplying air, which faces the interior of the motor vehicle. For example, the ventilation opening is installed in a dashboard, and the dashboard is installed at the front side inside the motor vehicle.

[0003] A conventional ventilation opening has a plurality of horizontal vanes and a plurality of vertical vanes, which are located at an air discharge outlet of a housing and are rotatably installed inside the housing. The horizontal vanes are used to adjust the air direction vertically, and the vertical vanes are used to adjust the air direction horizontally. To rotate the horizontal vanes and the vertical vanes, an adjustment knob is installed at the middle part of a horizontal vane so as to be movable in the horizontal direction and is connected to the vertical vanes. The adjustment knob is connected to the vertical vanes through a vane rotation part provided at the rear side of the adjustment knob.

[0004] As a passenger in the motor vehicle moves the adjustment knob left and right, the vane rotation part of the adjustment knob rotates the vertical vanes left and right, so that the air direction can be adjusted horizontally. As the passenger moves the adjustment knob up and down, the adjustment knob rotates the horizontal vanes up and down, so that the air direction can be adjusted vertically. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides an adjustment knob for a ventilation opening of a motor vehicle, which is simply and easily coupled to a horizontal vane of the ventilation opening while being connected to a vertical vane of the ventilation opening. One embodiment of the present invention provides an adjustment knob for a ventilation opening of a motor vehicle, which does not produce a phenomenon of separation from the horizontal vane of the ventilation opening due to the force applied during the operation of the adjustment knob. One embodiment of the present invention provides an adjustment knob for a ventilation opening of a motor vehicle, which remains in contact with the horizontal vane of the ventilation opening and does not generate noises such as knocking sounds.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] The adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent according to an embodiment of the present invention rotates the horizontal and vertical vanes mounted in the housing of the vent. The adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent according to an embodiment includes a knob body and a vane rotation part. The knob body is configured to be coupled to the horizontal vane so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. An insertion gap into which the horizontal vane is inserted in the forward direction and a receiving gap that expands from the insertion gap penetrate the knob body in the horizontal direction. The vane rotation part is configured to rotate the vertical vane by the movement of the knob body. The vane rotation part is fixed to the rear end portion of the knob body below the insertion gap and is connected to the vertical vane. The knob body is coupled to the horizontal vane such that the front end portion of the horizontal vane is positioned in the receiving gap and such that the vane rotation part is adjacent to the rear end portion of the horizontal vane.

[0009] In one embodiment, the horizontal vane has a guide hole formed in the horizontal direction in its upper surface, and the knob body has a first guide protrusion that protrudes from the rear end portion of the knob body above the insertion gap and is inserted into the guide hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the horizontal vane has a guide groove formed in the horizontal direction in its lower surface, and the knob body has a second guide protrusion that protrudes upward from the lower surface of the insertion gap and is inserted into the guide groove.

[0011] In one embodiment, the knob body includes an upper coupling part and a lower coupling part that are elastically deformable in the vertical direction and are coupled to the horizontal vane in the vertical direction. The insertion gap and the receiving gap are defined between the upper coupling part and the lower coupling part, and the vane rotation part is fixed to the rear end portion of the lower coupling part.

[0012] In one embodiment, the horizontal vane has a recess formed in the horizontal direction at its rear end portion, and the knob body has an engaging protrusion that protrudes from the rear end portion of the lower coupling part toward the insertion gap. The engaging protrusion is inserted into the recess and prevents the knob body from separating in the forward direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent includes an elastic member coupled to the receiving gap. The elastic member is configured to contact the surface of the receiving gap at its outer peripheral surface and face the front end portion of the horizontal vane at its inner peripheral surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the knob body has at least one fitting protrusion on the surface of the receiving gap. The elastic member has a fitting groove on its outer peripheral surface for fitting the fitting protrusion therein.

[0015] In one embodiment, the vent has a molding member positioned in front of the horizontal blade and fixed to the housing in the horizontal direction. The knob body is coupled to the horizontal blade such that the molding member passes through a receiving gap in the horizontal direction between the front end portion of the horizontal blade and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member. The elastic member is configured to contact the molding member at its inner peripheral surface when the knob body is rotated upward and downward.

[0016] In one embodiment, an adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent includes a decorative member coupled to the front end portion of the knob body. The knob body has a through hole formed to communicate with the receiving gap and the decorative member has a mating protrusion fitted in the through hole.

[0017] Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by pushing the knob body coupled to the blade rotating portion toward the horizontal blade of the vent, the knob body can be mounted to the horizontal blade so as to be operable, and the adjustment knob is connected to the vertical blade. Accordingly, the adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent according to one embodiment can be simply and easily mounted to the horizontal blade of the vent.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the knob body can be slidably moved along the horizontal blade and can be stably coupled to the horizontal blade without being separated by an external force.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since an elastic member is installed in the knob body, the operating feeling of the knob body can be enhanced and noise such as a knocking sound can be prevented from being generated during the up and down rotation of the knob body.

[0021] In one use example of fixing the molding member for enhancing the aesthetics of the vent to the housing of the vent, the adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent according to one embodiment can be mounted to the horizontal blade with the molding member received in the adjustment knob, and the operability can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a motor vehicle vent according to one embodiment and an adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a horizontal blade of the vent and the adjustment knob according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a horizontal blade and a vertical blade of the vent and the adjustment knob according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a bottom perspective view of the horizontal blade of the vent.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a rear perspective view showing the knob body and the blade rotating part of the adjusting knob according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a front perspective view showing the knob body and the blade rotating part of the adjusting knob according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a front perspective view showing the elastic member of the adjusting knob according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a rear perspective view showing the elastic member of the adjusting knob according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing another example of the vent with the adjusting knob installed according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 It shows that the horizontal blade and the vertical blade are located Figure 9 in the vent shown and in a state where the adjusting knob according to an embodiment is coupled. Detailed Embodiments

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are shown for the purpose of explaining the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of rights according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments provided below or the detailed description of these embodiments.

[0033] All technical terms and scientific terms used in the present invention include the meanings generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise defined. All terms used in the present invention are selected for the purpose of more clearly describing the present invention, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of rights according to the present invention.

[0034] Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "having" used in the present invention should be understood as open - ended terms having the possibility of including other embodiments, unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence containing these expressions.

[0035] In the present invention, the description that one element is "connected", "coupled" or "fixed" to another element should be understood to mean that one element can be directly connected, coupled or fixed to another element, or it should also be understood to mean that a new element can be inserted between the one element and the other element.

[0036] The forward direction, backward direction, upward direction, downward direction, left direction and right direction used in the present invention correspond toFigure 1 The arrow directions respectively represented by the reference numerals FD, BD, UD, DD, LD, and RD shown in the figures. The horizontal direction XD used in the present invention includes the leftward direction LD and the rightward direction RD. The front-rear direction YD used in the present invention includes the forward direction FD and the backward direction BD. The vertical direction ZD used in the present invention includes the upward direction UD and the downward direction DD. The forward direction FD refers to the direction toward the interior of the motor vehicle, and other directions can be defined with reference to the forward direction FD. The above directions are only given for clearly understanding the present invention for its description, and each direction can be defined differently according to the placement position of the reference object.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or corresponding elements.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle vent having an adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent according to an embodiment. Figure 1 Schematically shows a motor vehicle vent (hereinafter simply referred to as a vent) according to an embodiment and an adjustment knob for a motor vehicle vent (hereinafter simply referred to as an adjustment knob) according to an embodiment.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 , the vent 200 for discharging warm air, cold air, or room-temperature air into the interior of the motor vehicle includes a housing 210. The housing 210 has a passage through which air flows. The warm air, cold air, or room-temperature air is discharged into the interior of the motor vehicle through a discharge port 211 formed in the front end portion of the housing 210.

[0040] The vent 200 may have a plurality of horizontal vanes 220 and a plurality of vertical vanes 230 mounted at the discharge port 211 of the housing 210. The plurality of horizontal vanes 220 are mounted in the housing 210 to rotate in the upward direction UD and the downward direction DD and adjust the wind direction of the air discharged from the discharge port in the vertical direction ZD. The plurality of horizontal vanes 220 are connected to each other by a first link member (not shown) provided in the vertical direction. As one horizontal vane 220 rotates upward or downward, the remaining horizontal vanes rotate upward or downward through the first link member. The plurality of vertical vanes 230 are located behind the horizontal vanes 220. The plurality of vertical vanes 230 are mounted in the housing 210 to rotate in the leftward direction LD and the rightward direction RD and adjust the wind direction of the air discharged from the discharge port in the horizontal direction XD. The plurality of vertical vanes 230 are connected to each other by a second link member (not shown) provided in the horizontal direction. As one vertical vane 230 rotates leftward or rightward, the remaining vertical vanes rotate leftward or rightward through the second link member.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the horizontal blade 220 and the vertical blade 230 are rotated by the adjustment knob 100. The horizontal blade 220 and the vertical blade 230 are rotated by the adjustment knob 100, whereby the wind direction of the wind discharged from the discharge port can be adjusted.

[0042] The adjustment knob 100 is coupled to one horizontal blade 220 among the plurality of horizontal blades. The adjustment knob 100 is coupled to the horizontal blade 220 so as to be movable, specifically slidable, in the horizontal direction XD. The adjustment knob 100 is coupled to the horizontal blade 220 such that its position in the horizontal direction XD can be changed. However, the position of the adjustment knob in the vertical direction ZD remains unchanged with respect to the horizontal blade 220. Therefore, as the passenger pushes or rotates the adjustment knob 100 in the upward direction UD or the downward direction DD, the horizontal blade 220 rotates in the upward direction UD or the downward direction DD along with the adjustment knob 100 coupled thereto, and the remaining horizontal blades 220 rotate in the upward direction UD or the downward direction DD through the first link member.

[0043] The adjustment knob 100 is connected to one vertical blade 230 among the plurality of vertical blades. As the adjustment knob 100 moves in the leftward direction LD or the rightward direction RD in a state of being coupled to the horizontal blade 220, the vertical blade 230 rotates in the leftward direction LD or the rightward direction RD along with the adjustment knob 100 connected thereto, and the remaining vertical blades 230 rotate in the leftward direction LD or the rightward direction RD through the second link member.

[0044] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the horizontal blade and the adjustment knob of the vent according to one embodiment, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the horizontal blade, the vertical blade, and the adjustment knob of the vent according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the horizontal blade of the vent according to one embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the knob body and the blade rotation part of the adjustment knob according to one embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the elastic member of the adjustment knob according to one embodiment.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the adjustment knob 100 is coupled to one horizontal blade 220 among the plurality of horizontal blades of the vent, and is connected to one vertical blade 230 among the plurality of vertical blades of the vent in a state of being coupled to the horizontal blade 220. As Figure 2As shown, the horizontal blade 220 has a pair of rotary shafts 221 near its front end portion, and is rotatably coupled to the housing of the vent at the rotary shafts 221. The horizontal blade 220 and the adjustment knob 100 coupled to the horizontal blade can rotate about the rotary shaft 221 of the horizontal blade in the vertical direction ZD. The horizontal blade 220 has a link shaft 222 behind the rotary shaft 221, and the first link member described above is connected to the link shaft 222. As Figure 3 shown, the vertical blade 230 has rotary shafts 231 at its upper end portion and lower end portion, and is rotatably coupled to the housing of the vent at the rotary shafts 231. The vertical blade 230 has a link shaft 232 at its upper end portion, and the second link member described above is connected to the link shaft 232. In addition, the vertical blade 230 has a link pin 233, and the link pin 233 is connected to a part of the adjustment knob 100 (for example, the blade rotation part of the adjustment knob to be described below).

[0046] The adjustment knob 100 includes a knob body 110 configured to be movably coupled to the horizontal blade 220 and a blade rotation part 120 configured to rotate the vertical blade 230 by the movement of the knob body 110.

[0047] The knob body 110 is a part of the adjustment knob 100 that can be manipulated by a passenger in a motor vehicle to adjust the wind direction. The knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal blade 220 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction XD. The knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal blade 220 by contacting the horizontal blade 220 in the vertical direction ZD, that is, by contacting the upper surface of the horizontal blade 220 and contacting the lower surface of the horizontal blade 220.

[0048] The knob body 110 can be coupled to the horizontal blade 220 such that the knob body is fixed to the horizontal blade 220 in the backward direction BD while surrounding the front end portion, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the horizontal blade 220. The knob body 110 has a gap penetrating therethrough in the horizontal direction XD, and a part of the horizontal blade 220 in the horizontal direction is inserted and received in the gap.

[0049] The knob body 110 has an insertion gap 111A and a receiving gap 111B as the aforesaid gaps for connecting the knob body 110 and the horizontal blade 220. The insertion gap 111A penetrates the knob body 110 in the horizontal direction XD from the rear end portion of the knob body toward the front end portion of the knob body. The horizontal blade 220 is inserted into the insertion gap 111A in the forward direction FD. The receiving gap 111B extends from the insertion gap 111A in the forward direction FD and communicates with the insertion gap 111A. The receiving gap 111B expands from the insertion gap 111A. The receiving gap 111B penetrates the knob body 110 in the horizontal direction XD from the insertion gap 111A toward the front end portion of the knob body 110.

[0050] The adjustment knob 100 is configured to be immediately coupled to the horizontal blade 220 by a simple operation by pushing the knob body 110 in the backward direction BD toward the horizontal blade 220. Accordingly, the horizontal blade 220 is inserted into the insertion gap 111A in the forward direction FD. In Figure 3 the state where the illustrated knob body is coupled to the horizontal blade, the knob body 110 is movably coupled to the horizontal blade 220 such that the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 is located in the receiving gap 111B.

[0051] Since the insertion gap 111A and the receiving gap 111B penetrate the knob body 110 in the horizontal direction, the knob body 110 has a substantially U shape when viewed from the side. Accordingly, the knob body 110 includes an upper coupling portion 112A and a lower coupling portion 112B that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction. The upper coupling portion 112A and the lower coupling portion 112B are connected to each other by a connecting portion 112C located at the front end portion of the knob body 110 and can be elastically deformed to move away from or close to each other around the connecting portion 112C.

[0052] The insertion gap 111A and the receiving gap 111B are defined between the upper coupling portion 112A and the lower coupling portion 112B. Accordingly, when the adjustment knob is coupled to the horizontal blade as Figure 3 illustrated, the upper coupling portion 112A and the lower coupling portion 112B are coupled to and in contact with portions of the horizontal blade 220 other than the portion adjacent to the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220.

[0053] In a state where the upper coupling portion 112A and the lower coupling portion 112B support the horizontal blade 220 in the vertical direction (i.e., in a state where a portion of the horizontal blade 220 other than the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 is inserted into the insertion gap 111A), the knob body 110 can slide along the horizontal blade 220 in the horizontal direction XD. For the position fixing in the front-rear direction and the sliding movement in the horizontal direction between the knob body 110 and the horizontal blade 220, a fixing structure using protrusions and grooves is provided in the knob body 110 and the horizontal blade 220.

[0054] The horizontal blade 220 has a guide hole 223 formed in the horizontal direction XD in its upper surface. The guide hole 223 may be defined between a bracket 224 protruding from the upper surface of the horizontal blade and the upper surface of the horizontal blade. The knob body 110 has a first guide protrusion 113A inserted into the guide hole 223 of the horizontal blade. The first guide protrusion 113A is located above the insertion gap 111A and protrudes from the rear end portion of the knob body 110 (the rear end portion of the upper coupling portion 112A) in the backward direction BD.

[0055] The horizontal blade 220 has a guide groove 225 formed in the horizontal direction XD in its lower surface (see Figure 4 ). The guide groove 225 is located near the front end portion of the horizontal blade. The knob body 110 has a second guide protrusion 113B inserted into the guide groove 225 of the horizontal blade. The second guide protrusion 113B is located in the insertion gap 111A. The second guide protrusion 113B protrudes upward from the lower surface of the insertion gap 111A (i.e., the upper surface of the lower coupling portion 112B that defines the insertion gap).

[0056] In addition, the horizontal blade 220 has a recess 226 formed in the horizontal direction XD in its lower surface adjacent to its rear end portion (see Figure 4 ). The knob body 110 has a pair of engagement protrusions 113C inserted into the recess 226 at its rear end portion (see Figure 5 ). The engagement protrusions 113C protrude from the rear end portion of the knob body 110 (specifically, the rear end portion of the lower coupling portion 112B) toward the insertion gap 111A. The front surface of the engagement protrusion 113C is inclined in the forward direction, and the surface of the recess 226 corresponding to the front surface of the engagement protrusion is inclined in the forward direction.

[0057] If the horizontal blade 220 is inserted between the upper coupling portion 112A and the lower coupling portion 112B in the forward direction FD, that is, inserted into the insertion gap 111A in the forward direction FD, the first guiding projection 113A is inserted into the guiding hole 223, and the second guiding projection 113B is inserted into the guiding groove 225. Within the range defined by the guiding hole 223, the knob body 110 can slide along the horizontal blade 220 in the horizontal direction XD. In addition, if the knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal blade 220, the engaging projection 113C is inserted into the recess 226. The engaging projection 113C can engage with the front surface of the recess 226 in the forward direction FD. Therefore, the adjustment knob 100 can be prevented from separating in the forward direction of the knob body 110.

[0058] In another embodiment, the knob body 110 may have the first guiding projection 113A and the engaging projection 113C, the upper surface of the horizontal blade 220 and the lower surface of the upper coupling portion 112A may contact each other, and the lower surface of the horizontal blade 220 and the upper surface of the lower coupling portion 112B may contact each other.

[0059] By the movement of the knob body 110 in the horizontal direction, the vertical blade 230 rotates in the horizontal direction XD. The blade rotating portion 120 fixed to the rear end portion of the knob body 110 causes the vertical blade 230 to rotate in the horizontal direction XD.

[0060] The blade rotating portion 120 is formed in a fork shape with a slit 121 therein. The blade rotating portion 120 is fixed to the rear end portion of the knob body 110. The blade rotating portion 120 is connected to the vertical blade 230 such that the link pin 233 of the vertical blade is inserted into the slit 121. As the knob body 110 moves in the horizontal direction XD, the moving force in the horizontal direction is applied to the link pin 233 through the blade rotating portion 120. Therefore, the vertical blade 230 can rotate around the rotation axis 231 in the horizontal direction XD.

[0061] The blade rotating portion 120 is located at the rear end portion of the knob body 110 and is fixed to the rear end portion of the knob body 110 below the insertion gap 111A. The blade rotating portion 120 is spaced downward from the first guiding projection 113A. Therefore, the horizontal blade 220 can be inserted into the insertion gap 111A through the space formed between the first guiding projection 113A and the blade rotating portion 120. Therefore, as Figure 3 shown, the knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal blade 220 such that the blade rotating portion 120 is adjacent to the rear end portion of the horizontal blade 220.

[0062] The blade rotating portion 120 is fixed to the rear end portion of the lower coupling portion 112B. Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the knob body 110 has a pair of fitting holes 115A penetrating in the horizontal direction XD at the rear end portion of the lower coupling portion 112B. A backwardly projecting U-shaped bracket 115B defines the fitting holes 115A. A forwardly projecting elastic piece 115C is provided in one of the brackets 115B. The blade rotating portion 120 has a pair of fitting protrusions 122 projecting in the horizontal direction at its front end portion. If the blade rotating portion 120 is inserted into the lower coupling portion 112B in the forward direction, each fitting protrusion 122 fits into the fitting hole 115A, and the blade rotating portion 120 can be fixed to the rear end portion of the lower coupling portion 112B.

[0063] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the adjustment knob according to one embodiment includes an elastic member 130 that is coupled to the receiving gap 111B of the knob body. The elastic member 130 is configured to contact the surface of the receiving gap 111B at its outer peripheral surface 131 and face the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 at its inner peripheral surface 132. The elastic member 130 is formed of a material having self-elasticity, such as rubber. When the elastic member 130 is viewed from the side, the elastic member 130 has a substantially C shape. Thus, the elastic member 130 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the receiving gap 111B of the knob body. The elastic member 130 contacts the surface of the receiving gap 111B at the entire outer peripheral surface 131 and faces the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 at the inner peripheral surface 132.

[0064] The elastic member 130 can be fixed to the receiving gap 111B of the knob body by fitting. For the fitting structure between the knob body and the elastic member 9, refer to Figures 5 to 8 .

[0065] The knob body 110 has a pair of fitting protrusions 114A formed on the surface of the receiving gap 111B in the horizontal direction XD. The elastic member 130 has a pair of fitting grooves 133 in its outer peripheral surface 131 that respectively receive the fitting protrusions 114A. As another example, one fitting protrusion 114A may be provided on the surface of the receiving gap 111B, and one fitting groove 133 may be provided in the outer peripheral surface 131 of the elastic member 130.

[0066] The knob body 110 has a rib protrusion 114B between the fitting protrusion 114A and the surface of the receiving gap 111B. The elastic member 130 has a rib groove 134 in its outer peripheral surface 131 that is formed from the middle of the fitting groove 133 in the circumferential direction of the elastic member 130. If the elastic member 130 is coupled to the receiving gap 111B of the knob body, the rib protrusion 114B is inserted into the rib groove 134.

[0067] The knob body 110 has a pair of positioning protrusions 114C on the surface of the receiving gap 111B. The distance between the pair of positioning protrusions 114C corresponds to the length of the elastic member 130 in the horizontal direction. Thus, the elastic member 130 can be fitted between the positioning protrusions 114C.

[0068] The elastic member 130 has grooves 135 formed in the horizontal direction XD at each of its ends. The knob body 110 has a pair of stepped protrusions 114D on the surface of the receiving gap 111B that are respectively fitted into the grooves 135 of the elastic member 130. The stepped protrusions 114D are formed on the surface of the receiving gap 111B in the horizontal direction.

[0069] The elastic member 130 can be coupled to the receiving gap 111B in the lateral direction in a state where the upper coupling portion 112A and the lower coupling portion 112B are slightly spaced apart from each other or maintain the insertion gap 111A. The elastic member 130 is fixed to and installed in the receiving gap 111B of the knob body such that a pair of fitting protrusions 114A of the knob body are inserted into the fitting grooves 133 of the elastic member 130 and such that the elastic member 130 is inserted between a pair of positioning protrusions 114C of the knob body.

[0070] The elastic member 130 faces the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 at the inner peripheral surface 132 opposite to the outer peripheral surface 131 that contacts the surface of the receiving gap. When the elastic member 130 is viewed from the side, the elastic member 130 is formed in a shape in which its inner peripheral surface 132 surrounds the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220. The elastic member 130 can be coupled to the receiving gap of the knob body such that the elastic member contacts the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 at its inner peripheral surface 132 or is spaced apart from the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 with a minute gap. When the knob body moves left and right or rotates up and down, the elastic member 130 can contact the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 at its inner peripheral surface 132.

[0071] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to one embodiment, the vent includes a molding member 240 that is used to enhance the aesthetic appearance at the discharge port of the vent. The molding member 240 has a bar shape and can be formed to have a silver color. The molding member 240 is fixed to the housing of the vent in the horizontal direction XD and thus is located in front of the horizontal blade 220. In the case where the vent has the molding member 240 as described above, the adjustment knob according to one embodiment is installed at the horizontal blade 220 such that the knob body 110 surrounds the horizontal blade 220 and the molding member 240.

[0072] If the knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal vane 220, the molding member 240 is located in front of the front end portion of the horizontal vane 220 and in the receiving gap 111B of the knob body. That is, the knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal vane 220 such that the molding member 240 passes through the receiving gap 111B between the front end portion of the horizontal vane 220 and the inner circumferential surface 132 of the elastic member 130 in the horizontal direction XD.

[0073] If the knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal vane 220, the inner circumferential surface 132 of the elastic member 130 may contact the surface of the molding member 240. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface 132 of the elastic member 130 may be spaced apart from the surface of the molding member 240 by a small gap. When the adjustment knob 100 is moved in the horizontal direction, the inner circumferential surface 132 of the elastic member 130 may contact the surface of the molding member 240, and the elastic member 130 may apply frictional resistance to the knob body 110. Therefore, when a passenger in a motor vehicle moves the knob body 110 having the elastic member 130 in the horizontal direction, the adjustment knob 100 having the elastic member 130 can give the passenger an enhanced operating feeling. In addition, when the adjustment knob 100 is moved in the horizontal direction, the elastic member 130 can guide the movement of the knob body 110, and the elastic member 130 can improve the wobbling of the knob body 110.

[0074] In addition, the elastic member 130 is configured to contact the molding member 240 at its inner circumferential surface 132 when the knob body 110 is rotated upward and downward. Since the elastic member 130 contacts the molding member 240, noise such as impact sound or frictional sound can be prevented from being generated between the knob body and the molding member during the up and down rotation of the knob body 110. As Figure 3 shown, the elastic member 130 may be formed such that its two end portions are respectively located above and below the molding member 240, or such that its two end portions are located at a position more rearward than the molding member 240. As the knob body 110 coupled to the horizontal vane 220 is pushed upward or downward, the horizontal vane 220 and the knob body 110 rotate upward or downward about the rotation axis 221 of the horizontal vane 220. The molding member 240 is fixed to the housing of the vent and does not move. Therefore, when the knob body 110 is rotated upward and downward, the molding member 240 may slide along the inner circumferential surface 132 while contacting the inner circumferential surface 132 of the elastic member 130, or may contact the inner circumferential surface 132 of the elastic member 130. Since the knob body 110 contacts the molding member 240 through the elastic member 130 during the up and down rotation of the knob body 110, noise can be prevented from being generated.

[0075] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, according to one embodiment, the adjustment knob 100 may include a decorative member 140 coupled to the front end of the knob body 110. The decorative member 140 may be coupled to the connection portion 112C of the adjustment knob 100. The decorative member 140 has a mating protrusion 141 inserted into the interior of the knob body 110. The knob body 110 has a through hole 116 through which the mating protrusion 141 passes. The through hole 116 is formed to penetrate the connection portion 112C and communicate with the receiving gap 111B. In addition, as Figure 7 shown, the elastic member 130 has a mating hole 136 aligned with the through hole 116 in its outer peripheral surface 131. The mating hole 136 is formed between a pair of mating grooves 133. If as Figure 3 shown the decorative member 140 is coupled to the front end of the knob body 110, the mating protrusion 141 mates in the through hole 116 and also passes through the through hole 116 to mate in the mating hole 136. The through hole 116 of the knob body and the mating hole 136 of the elastic member may have the same size. As the mating protrusion 141 of the decorative member passes through the through hole 116 and mates in the mating hole 136, the elastic member 130 may be fixed to the knob body 110 and the decorative member 140.

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 to describe an example of assembling the adjustment knob according to one embodiment and an example of installing the adjustment knob according to one embodiment at the horizontal blade of the vent.

[0077] A molding member 240 for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the vent is fixed to the housing of the vent and thus located in front of the horizontal blade 220. A blade rotating portion 120 for rotating the vertical blade may be fixed to the rear end of the lower coupling portion 112B of the knob body. Therefore, the blade rotating portion 120 and the knob body 110 can be provided as a single unit. The elastic member 130 may be coupled to the receiving gap 111B in the lateral direction.

[0078] The knob body 110 in which the elastic member 130 and the blade rotating portion 120 are installed is pushed toward the forming member 240 and the horizontal blade 220 located behind the forming member 240 in the backward direction BD. Accordingly, the forming member 240 and the horizontal blade 220 are inserted into the insertion gap 111A in the forward direction FD, and the front end portions of the forming member 240 and the horizontal blade 220 are positioned in the receiving gap 111B. As the knob body 110 is pushed toward the horizontal blade 220 in the backward direction BD, the guide protrusion 112A provided on the upper coupling portion 112A is inserted into the guide hole 223 of the horizontal blade 220, and the second guide protrusion 112B provided in the insertion gap 111A is inserted into the guide groove 225 of the horizontal blade 220. In addition, as the knob body 110 is pushed toward the horizontal blade 220 in the backward direction BD, the blade rotating portion 120 protruding from the lower coupling portion 112B is positioned to exceed the lower surface of the horizontal blade 220 at the rear end portion of the horizontal blade 220, and the engaging protrusion 113C (see Figure 5 ) of the lower coupling portion 112B is inserted into the recess 226 (see Figure 4 ) of the horizontal blade 220.

[0079] If the knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal blade 220, the forming member 240 is positioned in the receiving gap 111B of the knob body in front of the horizontal blade 220. In addition, the front end portion of the horizontal blade 220 is positioned in the receiving gap 111B behind the forming member 240, the portion of the horizontal blade 220 other than the front end portion of the horizontal blade is positioned between the upper coupling portion 112A and the lower coupling portion 112B (in the insertion gap 111A), and the blade rotating portion 120 is connected to the vertical blade 230. By the operation of pushing the knob body 110 toward the horizontal blade 220 as described above, the adjustment knob 100 having the blade rotating portion can be immediately installed at the horizontal blade 220 by a simple operation.

[0080] After the knob body 110 is installed at the horizontal blade 220, the decorative member 140 can be coupled to the knob body 110 such that the fitting protrusion 141 of the decorative member 140 passes through the through hole 116 and fits into the fitting hole 136 (see Figure 7 ) of the elastic member 130. Accordingly, the assembly and installation of the adjustment knob 100 can be completed.

[0081] As a passenger in a motor vehicle moves the adjustment knob 100 in the left direction LD or the right direction RD, the adjustment knob 100 slides along the horizontal vane 220 in the left direction LD or the right direction RD. With the first guide protrusion 112A and the second guide protrusion 112B of the knob body respectively inserted into the guide holes 223 and the guide grooves 225 of the horizontal vane, the adjustment knob 100 slides in the left direction LD or the right direction RD. Through the sliding movement of the adjustment knob 100, the vane rotating portion 120 rotates the vertical vane 230 in the left direction LD or the right direction RD. Thus, the direction of the air discharged from the housing of the vent can be adjusted to the left direction or the right direction. During the sliding of the adjustment knob 100, the elastic member 130 can make contact or can remain in a contact state. Thus, the elastic member 130 can provide an enhanced operating feel for the passenger and can improve the wobbling of the adjustment knob. In addition, since the elastic member 130 is fixed to the knob body 110 by using the cooperation of protrusions and grooves, the elastic member can be fixed to the knob body 110 without separation during the movement of the adjustment knob 100.

[0082] If the passenger pushes the adjustment knob 100 in the upward direction UD or the downward direction DD, the force applied to the horizontal vane 220 through the upper coupling portion 112A or the lower coupling portion 112B causes the horizontal vane 220 to rotate about the rotation axis 221 in the upward direction or the downward direction. Thus, the direction of the air discharged from the housing of the vent can be adjusted to the upward direction or the downward direction. Since the molding member 240 is fixed to the housing of the vent, only the horizontal vane 220 and the adjustment knob 100 can rotate upward and downward. Since the elastic member 130 is in contact with the molding member 240, noise such as a knocking sound can be prevented from being generated during the upward and downward movement of the adjustment knob 100.

[0083] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing another example of a vent in which an adjustment knob according to an embodiment is installed, and Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the horizontal vane and the vertical vane are located in the Figure 9 vent shown and are coupled with an adjustment knob according to an embodiment.

[0084] Refer to Figure 9, a pair of vents 200 can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction and connected to each other. The front end portions of the housing 210 of the left vent and the front end portions of the housing 210 of the right vent can be connected to each other in the horizontal direction by a spacer 212. A single molding member 240 is fixed to the left housing 210 and the right housing 210. In addition, the molding member 240 is fixed to the spacer 212. Therefore, in a pair of vents 200 arranged side by side, the molding member 240 and the spacer 212 are immovable fixing elements. Due to the limitations of the interior design of a motor vehicle, a pair of vents may be required as shown in Figure 9 , and a single undivided molding member 240 can be installed in the pair of vents.

[0085] Referring to Figure 10 , in each vent, an adjustment knob 100 is coupled to a horizontal vane 220 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction XD while supporting the horizontal vane 220 upward and downward. In addition, the adjustment knob 100 is connected to one of the vertical vanes 230 through a vane rotating portion 120.

[0086] In a state where the adjustment knob 100 is coupled to the horizontal vane 220, the molding member 240 is positioned in front of the horizontal vane 220 and passes through a receiving gap 111B of the knob body in the horizontal direction. The above-mentioned elastic member is coupled to the receiving gap 111B of the knob body 110, and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member contacts the surface of the molding member 240 or is slightly spaced apart from the surface of the molding member 240. The adjustment knob 100 and the horizontal vane 220 can rotate up and down about the rotation axis 221 of the horizontal vane. The adjustment knob 100 moves in the horizontal direction XD in a state of being coupled to the horizontal vane 220, and can cause the vertical vane 230 to rotate left and right about the rotation axis 231 through the vane rotating portion 120.

[0087] In a state where the vane rotating portion 120 and the above-mentioned elastic member are installed in the knob body 110, the adjustment knob 100 is coupled to the horizontal vane 220 by being pushed in the backward direction BD toward the molding member 240 and the horizontal vane 220 located behind the molding member 240. In a state where the knob body 110 is coupled to the horizontal vane 220, the inner peripheral surface of the above-mentioned elastic member can contact the surface of the molding member 240. Due to the above-mentioned elastic member, the adjustment knob 100 can exhibit an enhanced operating feel, can improve shaking, and can prevent noise generation.

[0088] So far, the technical concept of the present invention has been described with reference to some embodiments and examples shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical concept and scope of the present invention that can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. In addition, it should be understood that such substitutions, modifications, and changes fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustment knob (100) for a motor vehicle vent, the motor vehicle vent having a housing (210), a horizontal blade (220) mounted in the housing and rotatable by the adjustment knob, a vertical blade (230) mounted in the housing and rotatable by the adjustment knob, and a formed member (240) positioned in front of the horizontal blade and fixed to the housing (210) in the horizontal direction, the adjustment knob comprising: A knob body (110) configured to be coupled to the horizontal blade (220) so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, wherein an insertion gap (111A) into which the front end of the horizontal blade is inserted and a receiving gap (111B) that expands from the insertion gap penetrate the knob body in the horizontal direction; A blade rotation part (120) configured to rotate the vertical blade (230) by the movement of the knob body (110), the blade rotation part being fixed to the rear end part of the knob body (110) below the insertion gap (111A) and connected to the vertical blade; And An elastic member (130) coupled to the receiving gap (111B), the elastic member being configured to contact the surface of the receiving gap at its outer peripheral surface (131) and face the front end part of the horizontal blade (220) at its inner peripheral surface (132), wherein the knob body (110) is coupled to the horizontal blade (220) such that the front end part of the horizontal blade is positioned in the receiving gap (111B) and such that the blade rotation part (120) is adjacent to the rear end part of the horizontal blade, wherein the knob body (110) is coupled to the horizontal blade (220) such that the formed member (240) passes through the receiving gap (111B) in the horizontal direction between the front end of the horizontal blade and the inner peripheral surface (132) of the elastic member, and wherein the elastic member (130) is configured to contact the formed member (240) at the inner peripheral surface (132) when the knob body (110) is rotated upward and downward.

2. The adjusting knob according to claim 1, wherein, The horizontal blade (220) has a guide hole (223) formed in the horizontal direction in its upper surface, and wherein the knob body (110) has a first guide protrusion (113A) that protrudes from the rear end part of the knob body above the insertion gap (111A) and is inserted into the guide hole (223).

3. The adjusting knob according to claim 2, wherein, The horizontal blade (220) has a guide groove (225) formed in the horizontal direction in its lower surface, and wherein the knob body (110) has a second guide protrusion (113B) that protrudes upward from the lower surface of the insertion gap (111A) and is inserted into the guide groove (225).

4. The adjustment knob according to claim 1, wherein, The knob body (110) includes an upper coupling portion (112A) and a lower coupling portion (112B) which are elastically deformable in the vertical direction and coupled to the horizontal blade in the vertical direction, and wherein an insertion gap (111A) and a receiving gap (111B) are defined between the upper coupling portion (112A) and the lower coupling portion (112B), and the blade rotating portion (120) is fixed to the rear end portion of the lower coupling portion (112B).

5. The adjusting knob according to claim 4, wherein, The horizontal blade (220) has a recess (226) formed in the horizontal direction at its rear end portion, wherein the knob body (110) has an engaging protrusion (113C) protruding from the rear end portion of the lower coupling portion (112B) toward the insertion gap (111A), and wherein the engaging protrusion (113C) is inserted into the recess (226) and prevents the knob body (110) from separating in the forward direction.

6. The adjustment knob according to claim 1, wherein, The knob body (110) has at least one engaging protrusion (114A) on the surface of the receiving gap (111B), and wherein the elastic member (130) has an engaging groove (133) on its outer peripheral surface (131) for engaging the engaging protrusion (114A) therein.

7. The adjustment knob according to claim 1, further comprising a decorative member (140) coupled to the front end portion of the knob body (110), Among them, wherein the knob body (110) has a through hole (116) formed to communicate with the receiving gap (111B) and the decorative member (140) has an engaging protrusion (141) fitted in the through hole.

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