System for controlling direct and indirect multifunctional vents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system for controlling a direct and indirect multifunctional vent, comprising: a vent mounted in an instrument panel inside a vehicle and configured to direct air flowing from a vehicle air conditioner into the vehicle interior while switching to a direct wind mode or an indirect wind mode; a mode input module disposed outside the vehicle to enable a user to select one of the direct wind mode and the indirect wind mode; and a controller configured to control the vent to switch the mode of the vent in response to the mode selected by the user through the mode input module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for controlling a vent installed at an end portion of a vehicle air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Most airfoil vents currently in use are implemented in a manner where a user controls the direction of wind from the airfoil by operating a knob.

[0003] However, these wing-type vents, in which the user manually controls the wind direction, often cause inconvenience since the wind directly contacts the user's body.

[0004] In order to solve this structural problem and simultaneously utilize the next generation thin cabin design, various attempts have been made in consideration of design and function in the recent vehicle market, but there is still a long way to go in terms of effectiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments relate to a system for controlling direct and indirect multi-function vents, which is capable of adapting direct and indirect wind modes of the multi-function vents to vehicle environments.

[0006] Various embodiments also relate to a vehicle vent having direct and indirect ventilation functions, which can be applied to next generation thin cabin designs.

[0007] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects of the present disclosure can be clearly understood from the following description by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling direct and indirect multifunctional vents is provided, comprising: a vent installed in an instrument panel inside a vehicle and configured to guide air flowing from a vehicle air conditioner into the vehicle interior while switching to a direct wind mode or an indirect wind mode; a vehicle state detector configured to detect a vehicle state for changing a mode of the vent; and a controller configured to control the vent to change the mode of the vent in response to the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detector.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling direct and indirect multi-function vents is provided, comprising: a vent installed in an instrument panel inside a vehicle and configured to guide air flowing from a vehicle air conditioner into the vehicle interior while switching to a direct wind mode or an indirect wind mode; a mode input module disposed outside the vehicle so that a user selects one of the direct wind mode and the indirect wind mode; and a controller configured to control the vent to switch the mode of the vent in response to the mode selected by the user through the mode input module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling direct and indirect multi-function vents according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 Front perspective view of the air vent.

[0012] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the air vent.

[0013] Figure 4 It is schematically shown Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the vent.

[0014] Figure 5 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A partial front perspective view of the air vent.

[0015] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A partial front perspective view of the vent, in which some components are hidden to illustrate the fastening relationship between the components.

[0016] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A partial bottom perspective view of the vent, in which some components are hidden to illustrate the fastening relationship between the components.

[0017] Figure 8 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A view of an example of a vent set to indirect wind mode.

[0018] Figure 9 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A view of an example of a vent being set to direct wind mode.

[0019] Figures 10 to 17 is schematically shown in Figure 1A view of the operational relationship between components in switching from an indirect wind mode to a direct wind mode in a vent.

[0020] Figure 18 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A front view of an example of a vent set to indirect wind mode.

[0021] Figure 19 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A front view of an example of a vent being set to closed mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] With reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become apparent. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure should be defined based on the entire contents set forth in the appended claims. At the same time, the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments, not for limiting the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that when used in the specification, the terms "include / comprise" and / or "include / comprise" specify the presence of the parts, steps, actions and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other parts, steps, actions and / or elements.

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for controlling direct and indirect multi-function vents according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the system for controlling a direct and indirect multi-function vent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vent 100 , a vehicle state detector 200 , and a controller 160 .

[0025] The vent 100 is installed in an instrument panel inside a vehicle, and is configured to switch to a direct wind mode or an indirect wind mode under the control of the controller 160 and guide air flowing from the vehicle air conditioner 30 to the vehicle interior.

[0026] The vehicle state detector 200 detects a vehicle state for changing a mode of the vent 100. For example, the vehicle state detector 200 detects a vehicle state such as whether the vehicle is started, a vehicle temperature, or wind strength of air conditioning as information collected by sensors mounted on a conventional vehicle.

[0027] The controller 160 controls the vent 100 to change the mode of the vent in response to the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detector 200. The controller of the vehicle may be used by an electronic control unit or a microcontroller unit.

[0028] For example, when the vehicle stops and then turns off after driving, the vehicle state detector 200 can detect that the vehicle is in the OFF state. Preferably, even when the vehicle is turned off, the vehicle state detector 200 and the controller 160 operate for a certain period of time by receiving power from the battery.

[0029] In this way, when it is detected that the vehicle is in the OFF state, the controller 160 controls the vent 100 to enter the indirect wind mode, in which the duct unit 110 of the vent 100 is blocked by the cover unit 120 at its front, so that wind is not directly provided to the user from the air conditioner 30.

[0030] In addition, before detecting that the vehicle is in the OFF state, the controller 160 may switch or maintain the mode of the vent 100 after maintaining the blowing mode with the air conditioner for a preset time so that the mode of the vent 100 is maintained or switched to the indirect wind mode.

[0031] Thus, when it is detected that the vehicle is in the OFF state, the controller 160 may maintain the blowing mode using the air conditioner for a certain period of time (5 to 10 minutes) to prevent condensation from occurring within the cover unit 120 made of the net.

[0032] When it is detected that the vehicle is in the OFF state, the controller 160 stores mode information before the mode of the vent is maintained or switched to the indirect wind mode in the storage unit 400 .

[0033] Therefore, when the vehicle is restarted after parking to drive, the controller 160 can cause the vehicle state detector 200 to detect that the vehicle is switched from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0034] In this case, the controller 160 may control the vent 100 to be in the ventilation mode stored in the storage unit 400 to completely restore the previous setting desired by the user.

[0035] When it is detected that the vehicle is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller 160 may also control the vent 100 to enter the direct wind mode.

[0036] To quickly bring the vehicle interior to an appropriate temperature according to the outside temperature in winter or summer, for example, the mode of the vents may be switched to a direct wind mode in which wind is directly provided to the user from the air conditioner 30 rather than an indirect wind mode.

[0037] Meanwhile, the controller 160 may control the mode of the vent 100 by determining whether the air conditioner is operating while the vehicle is traveling.

[0038] If the air conditioner is operating, the controller 160 controls the vent 100 to operate in the direct wind mode. On the other hand, if the air conditioner is not operating, the controller 160 controls the vent 100 to operate in the indirect wind mode. When the air conditioner is not operating, controlling the vent 100 to operate in the indirect wind mode may prevent the user from receiving air from the air conditioner 30, but may prevent foreign matter in the vehicle from entering the air conditioner.

[0039] When the air vent 100 is switched to the indirect wind mode while the air conditioner is running, the controller 160 determines whether the air strength of the air conditioner is equal to or greater than a preset value. The air strength in this embodiment is at a second speed level, which is a wind strength that can achieve, for example, a windless effect when air is supplied from the air conditioner 30 to the user through the cover unit 120.

[0040] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the user sets the wind intensity to be equal to or greater than the preset value in the indirect wind mode, the wind intensity may be maintained without change.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 160 may change the mode setting of the vent 100 according to the temperature set by the air conditioner. Preferably, the mode setting of the vent 100 is automatically changed by an automatic setting button.

[0042] Therefore, when the air conditioner is set to automatically operate based on the set temperature, when the temperature in the vehicle does not reach the preset temperature, the controller 160 can control the vent 100 to operate in the direct wind mode, and when the temperature in the vehicle reaches the preset temperature, the controller 160 can control the vent 100 to operate in the indirect wind mode.

[0043] When an event such as external force or penetration of foreign matter is detected in switching the mode of the vent 100 , the controller 160 controls the vent 100 to stop the mode switching operation of the vent 100 and return to the previous mode.

[0044] Meanwhile, the controller 160 may generate a warning sound indicating that the vent 100 has malfunctioned due to external force acting thereon, or may output a warning message to the AVN or cluster as an operating system to stop controlling the cover unit 120 and the vent 100 .

[0045] Meanwhile, the controller 160 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may perform a function for setting an initial position of the actuator when the vehicle is started.

[0046] When detecting that the vehicle switches from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller 160 may control the vent 100 so that the mode of the vent 100 is switched to the indirect wind mode, the direct wind mode, and the indirect wind mode in sequence to set the initial position of the actuator of the vent 100 .

[0047] This is to recognize the position of the cover unit 120 of the vent 100 , and the position of the cover unit 120 may be recognized by a Hall sensor (Hall IC).

[0048] In addition, when a welcome function operation is detected before the vehicle is started, the controller 160 may control the vent 100 to perform an operation for setting an initial position of an actuator of the vent 100 .

[0049] A system for controlling a direct and indirect multi-function vent according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vent 100 , a mode input module 300 , and a controller 160 .

[0050] The vent 100 is installed in an instrument panel inside a vehicle, and is configured to switch to a direct wind mode or an indirect wind mode under the control of the controller 160 and guide air flowing from the vehicle air conditioner 30 to the vehicle interior.

[0051] The mode input module 300 is located outside the vehicle, allowing the user to select between direct and indirect airflow modes. Typically, the mode input module 300 is provided with the air conditioning control buttons, or can be mounted separately on the center console. In this embodiment, the mode input module 300 includes a direct airflow mode selection button and an indirect airflow mode selection button, and may also include an automatic setting button to automatically switch between direct and indirect airflow modes depending on the vehicle's status.

[0052] The controller 160 controls the vent 100 to switch the mode of the vent in response to a mode selected by a user through the mode input module 300 .

[0053] For example, when the user selects the direct wind mode selection button set in the mode input module 300, the controller 160 controls the vent 100 to enter the direct wind mode, and when the user selects the indirect wind mode selection button set in the mode input module 300, the controller 160 controls the vent 100 to enter the indirect wind mode.

[0054] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wind mode can be changed according to the user's preference by setting the wind mode to a direct wind mode that blows wind directly to the user or to an indirect wind mode that blows wind indirectly to the user who wants to avoid direct wind in response to the user's selection.

[0055] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 5The vent 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0056] Figures 2 to 5 are views schematically illustrating the vent 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from different angles.

[0057] See also Figures 2 to 5 The vehicle vent 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in an instrument panel inside a vehicle and is configured to guide air flowing from the vehicle air conditioner 30 to the vehicle interior while switching to a direct wind mode or an indirect wind mode.

[0058] Here, the direct wind mode is a setting implemented so that the wind is blown directly toward the user, and the indirect wind mode is a setting implemented so that the wind is blown indirectly toward the user who wants to avoid the direct wind, or a setting including a no wind mode to block the wind itself.

[0059] The vehicle vent 100 mainly includes a duct unit 110 , a cover unit 120 , a ventilation unit 130 , a link unit 140 , a driving unit 150 , and a controller 160 .

[0060] The duct unit 110 has an inlet and an outlet of an air passage communicating with the air conditioner 30 of the vehicle.

[0061] The cover unit 120 selectively shields the outlet of the duct unit 110. For example, in the indirect wind mode, the cover unit 120 partially shields the outlet of the duct unit 110 to guide the air flowing from the air conditioner 30 into the vehicle interior. Since the air does not directly contact the user's body in the indirect wind mode, the needs of users who do not want direct wind can be met.

[0062] The cover unit 120 may be implemented in a simple design coordinated with the surrounding roof trim 10 and bottom trim 20 .

[0063] For example, the cover unit 120 may be implemented in the form of a net to be described later, or may be implemented to block its front portion in a windless mode. The cover unit 120 may be designed to coordinate with any of the above-described forms of surrounding structures.

[0064] The ventilation unit 130 has a function of adjusting a wind direction of air flowing into the vehicle through the outlet of the duct unit 110. The position of the ventilation unit 130 is changed to be directed toward the outlet of the duct unit 110 in the direct wind mode.

[0065] In this case, the ventilation unit 130 may change position by adjustably sliding in forward and backward longitudinal directions.

[0066] Here, the forward direction refers to the direction toward the inlet of the pipe unit 110, and the rearward direction refers to the direction toward the outlet of the pipe unit 110. The longitudinal direction refers to the direction of an imaginary line connecting the inlet and outlet of the pipe unit 110, and the width direction to be described later refers to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The ventilation unit 130 may include a rack 131b on the lower portion of the housing 131, which forms its body in the forward and rearward longitudinal directions. In addition, the ventilation unit 130 includes a plurality of left / right adjustment wings 132 arranged at intervals along the width direction on the ventilation hole 131a of the housing 131.

[0068] The link unit 140 connects the cover unit 120 and the driving unit 150 through a link structure. The link unit 140 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] The driving unit 150 can change the positions of the cover unit 120 and the ventilation unit 130. The driving unit 150 slides the ventilation unit 130 to the outlet of the duct unit 110 in the direct wind mode and tilts the cover unit 120 to the outlet of the duct unit 110 in the indirect wind mode.

[0070] The controller 160 controls the driving unit 150 to be driven in response to a preset logic. Here, the preset logic refers to a logical operating condition consisting of a direct wind mode in which the ventilation unit 130 moves to the outlet of the duct unit 110 and an indirect wind mode in which the cover unit 120 moves to the outlet of the duct unit 110.

[0071] [Fastening relationship between components]

[0072] Figure 6 is a partial front perspective view showing a vehicle air vent, with some components hidden to explain the fastening relationship between the components. Figure 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of a vehicle air vent showing some components hidden.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The driving unit 150 includes an actuator 151 , a main gear 152 , a sub gear 153 , a side gear 154 , a connecting pin 155 , a pinion 156 and a protective cover 157 .

[0074] The actuator 151 is located at each of both outer ends of the pipe unit 110 .

[0075] The main gear 152 is positioned at each of both outer ends of the pipe unit 110 together with the actuator 151 to rotate together with a rotation shaft (not shown) of the actuator 151. The main gear 152 includes a rotating cam 152a, a guide hole 152b, a cam shaft 152c, and a gear 152d.

[0076] The rotating cam 152a is concentric with the rotation axis of the actuator 151 and rotates therewith within a preset angle range. Here, the preset angle range refers to a structural condition that does not hinder the mode switching in the fastening relationship between the interlocking components when switching between the direct wind mode and the indirect wind mode.

[0077] The rotating cam 152a substantially has a sector shape, and has a guide hole 152b formed in an arc shape on an edge thereof.

[0078] The guide hole 152b may have an inverted "L"-shaped structure with one end bent.

[0079] Camshaft 152c serves as the central axis of rotating cam 152a, connecting the rotating shaft of actuator 151 and rotating cam 152a. Camshaft 152c may have a curved outer surface and a square cross-section so that it is fixed to rotating cam 152a without shaking. In addition, camshaft 152c may be connected to cover the rotating shaft of actuator 151, or may be connected through a separate medium. As another example, instead of camshaft 152c, the rotating shaft of actuator 151 may pass through the center of rotating cam 152a.

[0080] The gear 152d has a central portion connected to the cam shaft 152c and is fixedly positioned within the rotating cam 152a. Therefore, the gear 152d rotates together with the rotating cam 152a. The gear 152d transmits the rotational force to the sub gear 153.

[0081] The sub gear 153 rotates in mesh with the gear 152 d of the main gear 152. In this case, the sub gear 153 rotates in the opposite direction to the gear 152 d of the main gear 152.

[0082] The side gear 154 rotates in meshing engagement with the pinion gear 153. In this case, the side gear 154 rotates in a direction opposite to that of the pinion gear 153.

[0083] The side gear 154 rotates in the same direction as the gear 152d.

[0084] The connecting pin 155 forms the central axis between the side gears 154. In this case, the connecting pin 155 has a polygonal shape and has a curved outer surface (outer peripheral surface) connected to the side gear 154 to prevent the side gear 154 from rotating. Thus, it is preferable that the central contact surface between the side gear 154 and the pinion 156 has a shape corresponding to that of the connecting pin 155.

[0085] The pinion gear 156 has a central portion connected to the connecting pin 155 to engage the rack 131b of the ventilation unit 130. The pinion gear 156 rotates in the same manner as the side gear 154 and can move the ventilation unit 130 in the forward and rearward directions.

[0086] The protection cover 157 may serve to surround the components of the ventilation unit 130 and may have a detachable structure to facilitate internal assembly and fastening between the components.

[0087] The link unit 140 interlocks the guide hole 152b of the rotating cam 152a and the cover unit 120 using a link structure. The link unit 140 may have a structure in which it bends upward at a preset angle between the guide hole 152b and the cover unit 120. Here, the preset angle is preferably an obtuse angle.

[0088] The link unit 140 includes a cover link 141 , a guide link 142 , and a cam link 143 .

[0089] One end of the cover link 141 is fixedly connected to both ends of the cover unit 120 in a width direction thereof. The cover link 141 includes a guide protrusion 141a corresponding to the guide groove 111a in an arc form on the edge of the spacer 111.

[0090] During the tilting process of the cover unit 120, the guide protrusion 141a can move on the guide groove 111a in a state where the guide protrusion 141a is fitted into the guide groove 111a of the spacer 111. The cover unit 120 is connected to the link unit 140 to open and close the outlet of the duct unit 110 in response to the rotation of the rotating cam.

[0091] One end of the guide link 142 is fixedly connected to the other end of the cover link 141 .

[0092] One end of the cam link 143 is fixedly connected to the other end of the guide link 142. The other end of the cam link 143 is connected to the rotating cam 152a.

[0093] In this case, the cam link 143 has a connecting protrusion 143a formed to protrude movably from the other end thereof so that the connecting protrusion 143a is fitted into the guide hole 152b of the rotating cam 152a. The guide link 142 and the cam link 143 are fixedly connected in a "V"-shaped upward bend.

[0094] In addition, the cam link 143 may have a rotation axis (not shown) so as to be rotatable at a designated position within the spacer 111. Therefore, the cam link 143 may be rotatable in forward and reverse directions about its rotation axis.

[0095] Figure 8 is a view schematically illustrating an example in which a vehicle vent is set to an indirect wind mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a view schematically illustrating an example in which a vehicle vent is set to a direct wind mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9 The vehicle vent 100 can use direct wind mode (manual airfoil) and indirect wind mode. The mode of the vent can be switched to direct wind mode in a sliding manner, and can be switched to indirect wind mode in a tilting manner. When the user sets the indirect wind mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the inclined cover unit 120 is located at the outlet of the duct unit 110 , and the ventilation unit 130 moves toward the inlet of the duct unit 110 .

[0097] The ventilation unit 130 has a plurality of vertical adjustment wings 133, which are arranged on the ventilation hole 131a of the housing 131 and intersect with the left / right adjustment wings 132 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). The knob 134 is used as the left / right adjustment wing 132 (see Figure 3 ) and the direction keys of the vertical adjustment wing 133.

[0098] When the user sets the direct wind mode, such as Figure 9 As shown, the position of the ventilation unit 130 is changed toward the outlet of the duct unit 110, and the cover unit 120 interlocked with the ventilation unit 130 is changed in position by being tilted upward.

[0099] [Operation process (mechanical mechanism)]

[0100] Figures 10 to 17 is a view schematically illustrating an operational relationship between components for switching from an indirect wind mode to a direct wind mode in a vehicle vent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Reference Figures 10 to 17 , when the user sets the direct wind mode, the driving unit 150 changes the positions of the cover unit 120 and the ventilation unit 130 . Figures 10 to 17 The actuator 151 is shown with Figure 10 0 degrees in the Figure 11 The 20-degree angle in Figure 12 The 40-degree angle in Figure 13 The 62-degree angle in Figure 14 The 85-degree angle in Figure 15 The 100-degree angle in Figure 16 The 125 degree angle and Figure 17 In this case, the cover unit 120 rotates within a range of approximately 90 degrees, the rotation angle of the side gear 154 is approximately 192.4 degrees, and the longitudinal movement distance of the ventilation unit 130 is approximately 40 mm. These preset specifications may be optimal conditions for preventing the cover unit 120 from colliding with the internal pipe during rotation.

[0102] A series of processes related to the position change of the ventilation unit 130 and the cover unit 120 will now be described.

[0103] First, the position of the ventilation unit 130 is changed in the following order.

[0104] First, when the actuator 151 rotates forward, the main gear 152 interlocked with the actuator 151 also rotates forward. Second, the sub-gear 153 interlocked with the gear 152d of the main gear 152 rotates in the reverse direction. Third, the side gear 154 meshed with the sub-gear 153 rotates forward. Fourth, the side gear 154 connected to the connecting pin 155 (see Figure 7 ) of the pinion 156 (see Figure 7 ) engages the rack 131b of the ventilation unit 130 together with the side gear 154 (see Figure 7 ) to move the ventilation unit 130 backward (toward the outlet of the duct unit 110).

[0105] Then, the position of the cover unit 120 is changed simultaneously with the ventilation unit 130. In this case, the cover unit 120 is fastened to the link unit 140 interlocked with the driving unit 150. The link unit 140 transmits the driving force of the driving unit 150 to the cover unit 120, thereby enabling the cover unit 120 to be tilted by the driving unit 150.

[0106] The position of the cover unit 120 is changed in a series of processes as follows.

[0107] First, when the main gear 152 rotates forward, the cam link 143 assembled into the guide hole 152b of the rotating cam 152a is guided downward by the inverted "L"-shaped end of the guide hole 152b. Second, when the cam link 143 points downward relative to the rotation axis of the cam link 143 rotatably connected to the spacer 111, the guide link 142 connected to the cam link 143 at a fixed angle points upward. Third, the cover link 141 also points upward together with the guide link 142. In this case, the guide protrusion 141a of the cover link 141 rotates upward along the guide groove 111a formed in the edge of the spacer 111. Fourth, the cover unit 120 connected to the cover link 141 rotates upward around the rotation axis of the cam link 143.

[0108] As described above, the positions of the cover unit 120 and the ventilation unit 130 are changed by interlocking. Therefore, preferably, a series of processes according to the position change of the cover unit 120 and the ventilation unit 130 are simultaneously performed.

[0109] Figure 18 is a front view schematically showing an example in which a vehicle vent is set to an indirect wind mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Reference Figure 18The cover unit 120 includes a mesh plate 121 forming a body thereof and a plurality of mesh holes 122 formed at intervals in the mesh plate 121. The mesh holes 122 may communicate with the outlet of the duct unit 110.

[0111] The arrangement of the meshes 122 can adjust the direction of the wind discharged into the vehicle. That is, the meshes 122 can be biased toward one side of the mesh plate 121 to guide the direction of the wind. For example, the meshes 122 can be arranged in a circular or inclined manner on the mesh plate 121.

[0112] The upper and lower ends of the cover unit 120 are spaced apart from the outlet of the duct unit 110 so that air flowing from the inlet of the duct unit 110 flows along the top trim 10 and the bottom trim 20 vertically extending at the outlet of the duct unit 110 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) bends and then flows into the vehicle.

[0113] In this case, the cover unit 120 may be formed by trims 10 and 20 of the vehicle inner panel adjacent to the outlet of the duct unit 110 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is made of the same material, thereby effectively causing the Coanda effect except for the external design.

[0114] Figure 19 is a front view schematically illustrating an example in which a vehicle vent is set to a closed mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Reference Figure 19 When the position of the cover unit 120' is changed to face the outlet of the duct unit 110, the outlet of the duct unit 110 may be selectively shielded. In this case, the cover unit 120' may include a shielding film 123' that partially or completely blocks the inflow of air toward the vehicle interior at both ends in the width direction.

[0116] As is apparent from the above description, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the usability / functionality of a multifunctional vent for direct and indirect winds, and prevent misuse and malfunction of the vent.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle vent may have improved air conditioning performance and be suitable for the next generation thin cabin design.

[0118] Furthermore, it is possible to effectively realize direct and indirect winds (including complete calm) suitable for the user, and realize a simple design that coordinates with the surrounding decoration in the indirect wind mode.

[0119] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are provided as examples only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but should be defined by the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling direct and indirect multi-function vents, comprising: a vent installed in an instrument panel inside a vehicle interior and configured to guide air flowing from a vehicle air conditioner into the vehicle interior and switch a mode of the vent to a direct wind mode or an indirect wind mode; a vehicle state detector configured to detect a vehicle state for changing a mode of the vent; as well as a controller configured to control the vents to change a mode of the vents in response to the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detector, wherein, when the vehicle state detector detects that the vehicle is in the OFF state, the controller controls the vent to enter the indirect wind mode, in which the duct unit is blocked at the front thereof by the cover unit so that wind is not directly provided from the air conditioner to the user, Wherein, before detecting that the vehicle is in the OFF state, the controller switches or maintains the mode of the vents after using the air conditioner to maintain the blowing mode for a preset time, so that the mode of the vents is maintained or switched to the indirect wind mode.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When detecting that the vehicle is in the OFF state, the controller stores mode information before the mode of the vent is maintained or switched to the indirect wind mode in a storage unit.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When it is detected that the vehicle is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller controls the vent to be in the ventilation mode stored in the storage unit.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: When detecting that the vehicle is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller controls the vent to enter the direct wind mode.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein The controller determines whether the air conditioner is operating while the vehicle is traveling, such that when the air conditioner is operating, the controller controls the vents to operate in the direct wind mode, and when the air conditioner is not operating, the controller controls the vents to operate in the indirect wind mode.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When the air conditioner is set to automatically operate based on a set temperature, the controller is configured to: controlling the vents to operate in the direct wind mode when the temperature in the vehicle does not reach a preset temperature; and When the temperature in the vehicle reaches the preset temperature, the vents are controlled to operate in the indirect wind mode.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When external force or penetration of foreign matter is detected in switching a mode of the vent, the controller controls the vent to stop a mode switching operation of the vent and return to a previous mode.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When the vehicle state detector detects that the vehicle switches from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller controls the vent so that the mode of the vent is switched to the indirect wind mode, the direct wind mode and the indirect wind mode in a sequential manner to set the initial position of the actuator of the vent.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: When a welcome function operation is detected before the vehicle is started, the controller controls the vent to perform an operation for setting the initial position of the actuator of the vent.

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