Vehicle vent structure and operation method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle vent structure and an operating method thereof. The vehicle vent structure includes: a ventilation duct having a front surface facing the vehicle interior and opening to form an exhaust port configured to discharge air; a rear wing housed in the exhaust port region and rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct; a plurality of front wings arranged behind the rear wings in a direction orthogonal to the rear wings; a drive member mounted on the exterior of the ventilation duct and coupled to the front wings to selectively rotate the front wings; and a spacer extending in the width direction of the ventilation duct to rotate the plurality of front wings. The front wings rotate together with the drive member in response to the drive member generating a driving force, and the front wings can be manually rotated in response to the drive member's driving force being blocked.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0084213 filed on June 28, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vent, and more particularly, to a vehicle vent structure for changing an air flow introduced into a vehicle interior and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0004] Generally, vents that exhaust air according to operation of an air conditioner and a heater include a center vent installed on a center dashboard between a driver's seat and a passenger seat, side vents installed on crash pads on the sides of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and the like.

[0005] By employing at least six or more horizontal wings and vertical wings, each vent is manufactured into a structure having a wider vertical width.

[0006] Therefore, the size of the vent is large, which causes many disadvantages in terms of the wrapping problem of surrounding components and also leads to design limitations.

[0007] Specifically, in the structure of the above-mentioned conventional vent, a plurality of horizontal wings and vertical wings are inevitably exposed.

[0008] Therefore, the air vents occupy a large installation space of the center instrument panel or the crash pad, which ultimately reduces the degree of freedom in designing instruments and audio / video / navigation (AVN) equipment arranged around the air vents.

[0009] Therefore, as the size of instruments and AVN equipment installed in the vehicle interior increases, the installation position of the vents tends to move to the lower area of ​​the center instrument panel, and in particular, the exterior design of the vents tends to be designed to be thin.

[0010] Meanwhile, vents are mainly divided into manual vents, which manually control the direction and amount of air, and electric vents, which use actuators to automatically control the direction and amount of air.

[0011] Unlike electric vents, manual vents can intuitively control the wind direction and air volume, but they have the problem of single function.

[0012] In contrast, in electric vents, the vents can be designed differently according to the usage environment, but there is a problem of lower intuitiveness compared to manual vents.

[0013] Due to the above reasons, although a method for intuitively operating the vents and diversifying their functions has been sought in the art, no satisfactory results have been obtained so far. Summary of the Invention

[0014] This summary introduces some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0015] In one general aspect, a vehicle vent structure is provided, comprising: a ventilation duct having a front surface facing the interior of the vehicle and opening to form an exhaust port configured to discharge air; a rear wing accommodated in a region of the exhaust port and rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct; a plurality of front wings disposed behind the rear wings in a direction orthogonal to the rear wings; a driving member mounted on the exterior of the ventilation duct and coupled to the front wings to selectively rotate the front wings; and a spacer extending in a width direction of the ventilation duct to rotate the plurality of front wings, wherein the front wings rotate together with the driving member in response to the driving member generating a driving force, and the front wings are manually rotatable in response to the driving force of the driving member being blocked.

[0016] Each front wing may include: a front main body portion; a connecting protrusion protruding from an upper portion of the front main body portion in a direction in which a driving member is provided; a through slot formed at an upper portion of the connecting portion in a direction in which the driving member is provided, and through which the driving member passes; and a wing hinge pressing member fixed at a position on the front main body portion corresponding to the through slot, wherein a step portion configured to limit the rotation of each front wing is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the connecting protrusion.

[0017] A through groove and a wing hinge pressing member may be formed in the front wings to which the plurality of front wing driving members are coupled.

[0018] The drive member may be coupled to any one of the plurality of front wings.

[0019] The driving member may include an actuator coupled to the front wing to rotate the front wing in response to the generated driving force, and a fixing shaft extending from the actuator in a direction in which the front wing is disposed and inserted into a bushing of the pressing wing hinge pressing member.

[0020] The sleeve may include a sleeve body portion forming a body, and a through protrusion passing through the wing hinge pressing member to pass through the through slot.

[0021] The spacer may include a coupling groove passing through the coupling protrusion, and a stopper formed on an inner circumferential surface of the coupling groove, the stopper contacting the step portion to restrict rotation of the front wing.

[0022] Each of the step portion and the stopper may be formed in a fan shape.

[0023] The step portion and the stopper may be arranged so as not to be aligned.

[0024] Each of the step portion and the stopper may be formed at 120°.

[0025] In another general aspect, a method for operating a vehicle vent structure is provided, including: determining whether an automatic mode switch for operating the vent is in an on state; operating the vent in an automatic mode in response to determining that the automatic mode switch is in an on state; determining whether a wing knob of the vent is manually operated; and switching a mode of the vent to a manual mode in response to determining that the wing knob of the vent is manually operated.

[0026] The method may include maintaining the automatic mode of the vent in response to determining that the wing knob of the vent is not manually operated.

[0027] Maintaining the automatic mode of the vent may include maintaining the automatic mode of the vent by repeatedly operating the actuator and the front wing.

[0028] The method may include determining that a wing knob of the vent is manually operated in response to determining that the automatic mode switch is in an off state; and operating the vent in a manual mode in response to the wing knob of the vent being manually operated.

[0029] Operating the vents in a manual mode may include deactivating the actuator and manually operating the front wing.

[0030] In another general aspect, a method for operating a vehicle vent structure is provided, including: determining whether an automatic mode switch for operating the vent is in an on state; operating the vent in an automatic mode in response to determining that the automatic mode switch is in an on state; determining whether an electric mode switch for operating the vent is in an on state; and switching the vent to an electric mode in response to determining that the electric mode switch is in an on state.

[0031] The method may include determining whether a wing knob of the vent is manually operated in response to determining that the electric mode switch is in an off state; and switching a mode of the vent to a manual mode in response to determining that the wing knob of the vent is manually operated.

[0032] The method may include maintaining the automatic mode of the vent in response to determining that the wing knob of the vent is not manually operated.

[0033] The method may include determining whether an electric mode switch for operating the vent is on in response to determining that the automatic mode switch is off; and operating the vent in the electric mode in response to determining that the electric mode switch is on.

[0034] The method may include determining whether a wing knob of the vent is manually operated in response to determining that the electric mode switch is in an off state; and operating the vent in a manual mode in response to determining that the wing knob of the vent is manually operated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle vent structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a vehicle vent structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a front wing according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vehicle air vent structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a front wing and a spacer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] 6A to 6D is an operational view showing an operational state of a front wing according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vehicle air vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figures 11A to 11C is an operational view showing an operational state of a front wing according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 13 is a flowchart for describing detailed operations of operating a vent in an automatic mode in yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] 16A to 16E is an operational view showing an operational state of a front wing according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely describe the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified in several different forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In addition, in the following figures, for convenience and clarity of description, each component is enlarged, and the same reference numerals represent the same elements in the figures. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more listed items.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0055] As used herein, singular forms may include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, as used herein, “include” and / or “comprising” means the presence of the listed shapes, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof, and does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or groups.

[0056] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle vent structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a vehicle vent structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a front wing according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vehicle air vent structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a plan view showing a front wing and a spacer according to one embodiment of the present invention, and 6A to 6D 1 is an operational view illustrating an operational state of a front wing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] refer to Figures 1 to 5 as well as 6A to 6D , a vehicle vent structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a ventilation duct 100 , a rear wing 200 , a front wing 300 , a driving member 500 , and a spacer 400 .

[0059] The ventilation duct 100 forms a main body of the vent and preferably has a quadrangular frame shape, and is connected to an air conditioner located behind it.

[0060] Furthermore, in the ventilation duct 100 , an exhaust port 110 is formed at a front surface of the ventilation duct 100 facing the interior of the vehicle, and air generated from the air conditioner is discharged to the interior of the vehicle through the exhaust port 110 .

[0061] The exhaust port 110 has a widened shape such that its area increases in a direction toward the interior of the vehicle.

[0062] Meanwhile, the ventilation duct 100 is preferably fixed to a crash pad of the vehicle.

[0063] The rear wing 200 is accommodated in the area of ​​the exhaust port 110 of the ventilation duct 100 , is elongated in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 , and is rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct 100 .

[0064] Meanwhile, the vehicle vent of the present invention is applied to a thin vent, and one rear wing 200 is preferably provided within the ventilation duct 100 .

[0065] Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to effectively ensure the degree of freedom in designing the instrument and audio / video / navigation (AVN) equipment arranged around the air vent.

[0066] The rear wing 200 includes a rear body portion 210 and a wing knob 220 .

[0067] The rear body portion 210 forms a main body of the rear wing 200 and is exposed to the outside from the exhaust port 110 .

[0068] In addition, the wing knob 220 is coupled to the central portion of the rear body portion 210 , and thus the wing knob 220 is rotated according to control of the wing knob 220 .

[0069] The wing knob 220 is coupled to the rear body portion 210 and the front body portion 310 of the front wing 300 , and controls the direction of wind discharged from the exhaust port 110 .

[0070] Specifically, the wing knob 220 can control the left and right rotation of the front wing 300 and can control the up and down rotation of the rear wing 200.

[0071] That is, the wing knob 220 can easily control the direction of the air discharged from the exhaust port 110 of the ventilation duct 100.

[0072] The front wing 300 includes a plurality of wings, is provided behind the rear wing 200 , and is provided to extend in a direction perpendicular to the rear wing 200 , that is, in a height direction of the ventilation duct 100 .

[0073] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of front wings 300 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 , and each front wing 300 is rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct 100 .

[0074] Furthermore, when the vent's operating mode is electric, the front wing 300 rotates only once by a preset angle according to the operation of the drive member 500, and when the operating mode is automatic, the front wing 300 repeatedly rotates by a preset angle according to the operation of the drive member 500. Furthermore, when the operating mode is manual, a passenger in the vehicle grips a knob and moves it in a lateral direction to control the rotation of the front wing 300.

[0075] The front wing 300 includes a front body portion 310 , a coupling protrusion 320 , and a wing hinge pressing member 350 .

[0076] The front body portion 310 forms a main body of the front wing 300 , and a plurality of front body portions are provided to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the ventilation duct 100 .

[0077] The coupling protrusion 320 passes through the upper and lower surfaces of the ventilation duct 100 and rotatably passes through the spacer 400 provided on the upper surface of the ventilation duct 100 .

[0078] In addition, the driving member 500 is rotatably coupled to the coupling protrusion 320 .

[0079] Therefore, the front wing 300 is connected to the driving member 500 through the coupling protrusion 320 , and when the operation mode of the vent is the electric mode or the automatic mode, the front wing 300 may rotate at a preset angle according to driving of the driving member 500 .

[0080] A step portion 321 and a through groove 322 are formed at the coupling protrusion 320 .

[0081] The step portion 321 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the coupling protrusion 320 and restricts excessive rotation of the front wing 300 caused by a spacer 400 to be described below.

[0082] The step portion 321 is formed in a fan shape and forms an angle of about 120° from one end to the other end.

[0083] A through groove 322 is formed at an upper portion of the coupling protrusion 320 in a disposition direction of the driving member 500 , and the driving member 500 passes through the through groove 322 .

[0084] The wing hinge pressing member 350 is fixed to the front body portion 310 at a position corresponding to the through groove 322 , that is, an upper surface of the coupling protrusion 320 .

[0085] Furthermore, the wing hinge pressing member 350 is preferably formed in a ring shape so that the sleeve 530 to which the driving member 500 is fixed passes through the inner circumferential surface of the wing hinge pressing member 350 .

[0086] The wing hinge pressing member 350 is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0087] Meanwhile, a through groove 322 formed in the coupling protrusion 320 and a wing hinge pressing member 350 fixed to an upper surface of the coupling protrusion 320 are formed on the front wing 300 to which the driving member 500 is coupled among the plurality of front wings 300 .

[0088] The driving member 500 is installed outside the ventilation duct 100 and selectively rotates the front wing 300 when external power is applied.

[0089] Furthermore, the driving member 500 is coupled to any one of the plurality of front wings 300 .

[0090] The driving member 500 includes an actuator 510 , a fixed shaft 520 , and a sleeve 530 .

[0091] The actuator 510 is installed outside the ventilation duct 100 and is connected to the front body portion 310 of the front wing 300 to rotate the front body portion 310 of the front wing 300 when a driving force is generated.

[0092] The fixing shaft 520 has a cylindrical shape, and extends from the actuator 510 in a direction in which the front wing 300 is provided.

[0093] The fixing shaft 520 is inserted into the sleeve 530 , and the sleeve 530 passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 and is rotatably coupled to the through-slot 322 of the front wing 300 .

[0094] That is, the sleeve 530 rotates together with the actuator 510 .

[0095] Then, the sleeve 530 passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 .

[0096] To this end, the sleeve 530 includes a sleeve body portion 531 and a through protrusion 532 .

[0097] The sleeve body portion 531 forms a main body of the sleeve 530 and preferably has a cylindrical shape.

[0098] Furthermore, the circumference of the cover main body portion 531 is larger than the circumference of the wing hinge pressing member 350 .

[0099] Therefore, when the sleeve 530 passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 and is coupled to the through groove 322 of the front wing 300 , the lower surface of the sleeve body portion 531 can easily come into contact with the upper surface of the wing hinge pressing member 350 .

[0100] The through protrusion 532 extends from the cover body portion 531 in a direction in which the front wing 300 is provided, and preferably has a cylindrical shape.

[0101] Furthermore, the through protrusion 532 has the same size as the inner peripheral surface of the wing hinge pressing member 350 , and the circumference of the wing hinge pressing member 350 is formed in a donut shape.

[0102] Therefore, when the sleeve 530 passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 and is coupled to the through-slot 322 of the front wing 300 , the through protrusion 532 can easily pass through the wing hinge pressing member 350 .

[0103] Meanwhile, when the operation mode of the vent is the electric mode or the automatic mode, the wing hinge pressing member 350 made of an elastic material rotates together due to contact with the lower surface of the sleeve 530 when the sleeve 530 rotates.

[0104] Therefore, the front wing 300 forming the coupling protrusion 320 to which the wing hinge pressing member 350 is fixed also rotates together.

[0105] However, when the operation mode of the vent is manual mode, when the passenger holds and moves the knob laterally, a rotational force greater than the frictional force between the lower surface of the sleeve 530 and the wing hinge pressing member 350 is generated, and thus the front wing 300 rotates independently of the driving member 500.

[0106] Therefore, when the actuator 510 of the driving member 500 generates driving force, the front wing 300 rotates together with the actuator 510 of the driving member 500, and when the driving force of the actuator 510 of the driving member 500 is blocked, the front wing 300 can rotate in the manual mode.

[0107] The spacer 400 is elongated in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 and is rotatably fixed to the upper surface of the front wing 300 .

[0108] The spacer 400 includes a coupling groove 410 and a stopper 420 .

[0109] The coupling groove 410 is provided in plural, and the plurality of coupling grooves 410 are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 in the spacer 400 .

[0110] In addition, the coupling protrusion 320 of the front wing 300 passes through the coupling groove 410 .

[0111] That is, the coupling protrusions 320 formed on the upper surfaces of the plurality of front wings 300 are rotatably coupled to the plurality of coupling grooves 410 .

[0112] Furthermore, any one of the plurality of front wings 300 is coupled to the driving member 500 .

[0113] That is, the coupling protrusions 320 formed on the upper surfaces of the plurality of front wings 300 are rotatably fixed to the coupling grooves 410, and thus the plurality of front wings 300 are connected together to the spacer 400. Therefore, when the front wings 300 connected to the fixed driving member 500 among the plurality of front wings 300 rotate according to the driving of the driving member 500, the spacer 400 rotates the remaining front wings 300 by a preset angle while performing linear motion.

[0114] Therefore, the spacer 400 can easily rotate the plurality of front wings 300 to adjust the wind direction of the air.

[0115] The stopper 420 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the coupling groove 410 and contacts the step portion 321 of the front wing 300 to restrict the rotation of the front wing 300 .

[0116] The stopper 420 is formed in a fan shape and forms an angle of about 120° from one end to the other end.

[0117] Furthermore, the stoppers 420 and the step portions 321 are alternately arranged so that they do not overlap each other when the spacer 400 is coupled to the front wing 300 and the coupling protrusion 320 of the front wing 300 is coupled to the coupling groove 410 of the spacer 400 .

[0118] Therefore, the spacer 400 may be easily coupled to the front wing 300 , and the spacer 400 may restrict rotation of the front wing 300 .

[0119] For example, when the front wing 300 is rotated 30° counterclockwise based on a standard state in which the front wing 300 is fully opened to face the front of the vehicle interior, the front wing 300 is in a rightward state in which the wind direction is directed to the right side of the vehicle interior.

[0120] In this case, when the front wing 300 is in the rightward state, one end of the stopper 420 formed on the spacer 400 and one end of the step portion 321 formed on the front wing 300 contact each other, thereby preventing the front wing 300 from excessively rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

[0121] When the Wing 300 Figure 6A When the standard state shown is rotated 30° clockwise, Figure 6B As shown, the front wing 300 is in a leftward state, wherein the wind direction is directed toward the left side of the interior of the vehicle.

[0122] In addition, when the front wing 300 rotates 30° in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 6C As shown, the front wing 300 is in a rightward state with the wind direction pointing to the right side of the interior of the vehicle.

[0123] In this case, the stopper 420 and the step portion 321 do not contact each other.

[0124] When the front wing 300 rotates 90° clockwise from the standard state, as shown in FIG. Figure 6D As shown, that is, when the front wing 300 is further rotated 30° from the left state, the front wing 300 blocks the exhaust port 110 of the ventilation duct 100, and thus the ventilation port is closed.

[0125] Therefore, in the present invention, the rotation angle of the front wing 300 can be easily restricted by the step portion 321 of the front wing 300 and the stopper 420 of the spacer 400 .

[0126] Hereinafter, an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0127] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Meanwhile, among modes of the air vent to be described below, the automatic mode refers to a mode in which the front wing 300 repeats lateral movement according to the operation of the actuator 510 of the driving motor.

[0129] In addition, the manual mode refers to a mode in which a passenger in a vehicle holds the wing knob 220 and directly moves the wing knob 220 in the laterally direction.

[0130] First, refer to Figure 7 , it is determined whether an automatic mode switch for operating the vent in an automatic mode is in an on state (S110).

[0131] Furthermore, when the automatic mode switch is in the on state in operation S110 of determining whether the automatic mode switch is in the on state, the vent is operated in the automatic mode ( S120 ).

[0132] Then, it is determined whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated (S130).

[0133] When the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated in operation S130 of determining whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated, the mode of the vent is switched to the manual mode ( S140 ).

[0134] Meanwhile, when the wing knob 220 of the vent is not manually operated in operation S130 of determining whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated, the vent maintains the automatic mode ( S131 ).

[0135] Meanwhile, in operation S131 in which the vent is maintained in the automatic mode, the actuator 510 of the driving motor is operated so that the front wing 300 is repeatedly operated in the lateral direction.

[0136] Meanwhile, when the automatic mode switch is in the off state in operation S110 of determining whether the automatic mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated ( S111 ).

[0137] In addition, when the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated, the vent is operated in a manual mode (S170).

[0138] Meanwhile, in operation S170 of operating the vent in the manual mode, the actuator 510 is stopped, and the front wing 300 is manually operated.

[0139] Meanwhile, in the automatic mode, the front wing 300 repeatedly moves in the lateral direction. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the front wing 300 may be operated in an electric mode.

[0140] Herein, the electric mode refers to a mode in which the front wing 300 moves only once in one of the left and right directions according to the operation of the actuator 510 of the driving motor.

[0141] Hereinafter, an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0142] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] Reference Figure 8 , it is determined whether an automatic mode switch for operating the vent in an automatic mode is in an on state (S210).

[0144] When the automatic mode switch is in the on-state in operation S210 of determining that the automatic mode switch is in the on-state, the vent is operated in the automatic mode ( S220 ).

[0145] Then, it is determined whether the electric mode switch for operating the vent in the electric mode is in an on state (S230).

[0146] When the electric mode switch is in the on state in operation S230 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, the vent is switched to the electric mode (S240).

[0147] Meanwhile, in operation S240 in which the mode of the air vent is switched to the electric mode, the actuator 510 of the driving motor operates so that the front wing 300 operates only once in one of the left and right directions.

[0148] Meanwhile, when the electric mode switch is in the off state in operation S230 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated ( S231 ).

[0149] When the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated in operation S231 of determining whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated, the mode of the vent is switched to the manual mode ( S232 ).

[0150] Meanwhile, when the vent wing knob 220 is not manually operated in operation S231 of determining whether the vent wing knob 220 is manually operated, the vent mode is maintained in the automatic mode ( S233 ).

[0151] Meanwhile, when the automatic mode switch is in the off state in operation S210 of determining whether the automatic mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether the electric mode switch for operating the vent in the electric mode is in the on state ( S211 ).

[0152] Furthermore, when the electric mode switch is in the on state in operation S211 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, the vent is operated in the electric mode ( S212 ).

[0153] Meanwhile, when the electric mode switch is in the off state in operation S211 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated ( S213 ).

[0154] Furthermore, when the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated in operation S213 of determining whether the wing knob 220 of the vent is manually operated, the vent is operated in a manual mode ( S214 ).

[0155] Therefore, the present invention can use the automatic mode, the electric mode and the manual mode as the operation modes of the vent at the same time.

[0156] As described above, in the vehicle vent structure and the operating method thereof according to the embodiment of the present invention, the wind direction and the amount of air discharged from the vent can be intuitively operated, and various functions can be designed according to the use environment.

[0157] Meanwhile, the vehicle air vent structure according to another embodiment of the present invention may detect the rotation of the air vent through the rotation detection sensor 600 ′.

[0158] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the vehicle vent structure of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0159] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vehicle air vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Reference Figures 9 and 10 and Figures 11A to 11C , a vehicle air vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a ventilation duct 100 ′, a rear wing 200 ′, a front wing 300 ′, a spacer 400 ′, a driving member 500 ′, and a rotation detection sensor 600 ′.

[0161] The ventilation duct 100' forms the main body of the vent, preferably has a quadrilateral frame shape, and is connected to the air conditioner located behind it. In the ventilation duct 100', the front surface of the ventilation duct 100' facing the vehicle interior is formed with an exhaust port 110', and the air generated by the air conditioner is discharged into the vehicle interior through the exhaust port 110'.

[0162] The ventilation duct 100' is preferably fixed to the crash cushion of the vehicle.

[0163] The rear wing 200 ′ is accommodated in the area of ​​the exhaust port 110 ′ of the ventilation duct 100 ′, is elongated in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 ′, and is rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct 100 ′.

[0164] The front wings 300' comprise a plurality of wings, disposed behind the rear wings 200' and extending perpendicularly to the rear wings 200', i.e., in the height direction of the ventilation duct 100'. Furthermore, the plurality of front wings 300' are spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100', and each front wing 300' is rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct 100'.

[0165] Furthermore, when the vent's operating mode is electric, front wing 300' rotates only once at a preset angle based on the operation of drive member 500', and when the operating mode is automatic, front wing 300' repeatedly rotates at a preset angle based on the operation of drive member 500'. Furthermore, when the operating mode is manual, a passenger in the vehicle controls the rotation of front wing 300' by gripping and moving the knob in a lateral direction.

[0166] The front wing 300 ′ includes a front body portion 310 ′, a coupling protrusion 320 ′, and a wing hinge pressing member 350 ′.

[0167] The front body portion 310 ′ forms a main body of the front wing 300 ′, and a plurality of front body portions are provided to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the ventilation duct 100 ′.

[0168] The coupling protrusion 320 ′ passes through the upper and lower surfaces of the ventilation duct 100 ′, the driving member 500 ′ provided on the upper surface of the ventilation duct 100 ′ is rotatably coupled, and the rotation detection sensor 600 ′ provided on the lower surface of the ventilation duct 100 ′ is coupled.

[0169] Therefore, the front wing 300 ′ is connected to the driving member 500 ′ through the coupling protrusion 320 ′, and when the operation mode of the vent is the electric mode or the automatic mode, the front wing 300 ′ may rotate at a preset angle according to driving of the driving member 500 ′.

[0170] The wing hinge pressing member 350' is fixed to the front body portion 310' at a position corresponding to the through-slot 322', that is, the upper surface of the coupling protrusion 320'. Furthermore, the wing hinge pressing member 350' is preferably formed in an annular shape so that the sleeve 530' that fixes the driving member 500' passes through the inner circumferential surface of the wing hinge pressing member 350'.

[0171] The wing hinge pressing member 350 ′ is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0172] The spacer 400 ′ is elongated in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 ′ and is rotatably fixed to the upper surface of the front wing 300 ′.

[0173] To this end, the spacer 400 ′ has a coupling groove 410 ′ formed therein.

[0174] The coupling groove 410' is provided in plurality and is spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100' in the spacer 400'. In addition, the coupling protrusion 320' of the front wing 300' passes through the coupling groove 410'.

[0175] That is, the coupling protrusions 320 ′ formed on the upper surfaces of the plurality of front wings 300 ′ are rotatably coupled to the plurality of coupling grooves 410 ′.

[0176] Furthermore, any one of the plurality of front wings 300 ′ is coupled to the driving member 500 ′.

[0177] That is, the coupling protrusions 320' formed on the upper surfaces of the plurality of front wings 300' are rotatably fixed to the coupling grooves 410', so that the plurality of front wings 300' are connected together to the spacer 400'. Therefore, when the front wings 300' connected to the fixed driving member 500' among the plurality of front wings 300' rotate according to the driving of the driving member 500', the spacer 400' rotates the remaining front wings 300' by a predetermined angle while performing linear motion.

[0178] Therefore, the spacer 400 ′ can easily rotate the plurality of front wings 300 ′ to adjust the wind direction of the air.

[0179] The driving member 500 ′ is installed outside the ventilation duct 100 ′ and generates a driving force to selectively rotate the front body portion 310 ′ of the front wing 300 ′ according to whether external power is applied.

[0180] Furthermore, the driving member 500 ′ is coupled to any one of the plurality of front wings 300 ′.

[0181] The driving member 500 ′ includes an actuator 510 ′, a fixed shaft 520 ′, and a sleeve 530 ′.

[0182] Furthermore, the driving member 500 ′ may include an actuator 510 ′ having a stepping motor function.

[0183] The actuator 510 ′ preferably has a stepper motor function and is installed outside the ventilation duct 100 ′.

[0184] In addition, the actuator 510 ′ is connected to the front body portion 310 ′ of the front wing 300 ′ to rotate the front body portion 310 ′ of the front wing 300 ′ when generating a driving force.

[0185] The fixing shaft 520 ′ has a cylindrical shape and extends from the actuator 510 ′ in a disposition direction of the front wing 300 ′.

[0186] The fixing shaft 520 ′ is inserted into the sleeve 530 ′, and the sleeve 530 ′ passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 ′ and is rotatably coupled to the through-slot 322 ′ of the front wing 300 ′.

[0187] Then, the sleeve 530 ′ rotates together with the actuator 510 ′ and passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 ′.

[0188] Meanwhile, when the operation mode of the vent is the electric mode or the automatic mode, the wing hinge pressing member 350 ′ made of an elastic material rotates together due to contact with the lower surface of the sleeve 530 ′ when the sleeve 530 ′ rotates.

[0189] Therefore, the front wing 300 ′ forming the coupling protrusion 320 ′ to which the wing hinge pressing member 350 ′ is fixed also rotates together.

[0190] However, in the case where the operation mode of the vent is manual mode, when the passenger holds and moves the knob laterally, a rotational force greater than the frictional force between the lower surface of the sleeve 530' and the wing hinge pressing member 350' is generated, and thus the front wing 300' rotates independently of the driving member 500'.

[0191] Therefore, when the actuator 510' of the driving member 500' generates driving force, the front wing 300' rotates together with the actuator 510' of the driving member 500', and when the driving force of the actuator 510' of the driving member 500' is blocked, the front wing 300' can rotate in the manual mode.

[0192] The rotation detection sensor 600 ′ is provided outside the ventilation duct 100 ′, specifically, at a lower portion of the ventilation duct 100 ′ opposite to an upper portion of the ventilation duct 100 ′ where the driving member 500 ′ is provided.

[0193] In addition, a rotation detecting sensor 600 ′ is coupled to the coupling protrusion 320 ′ of the front wing 300 ′ to detect a rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′.

[0194] The rotation detection sensor 600 ′ is coupled to any one of the plurality of front wings 300 ′. Specifically, the rotation detection sensor 600 ′ is preferably coupled to the front wing 300 ′ to which the driving member 500 ′ is coupled among the plurality of front wings 300 ′.

[0195] Therefore, the rotation detection sensor 600' can easily detect the rotation angle of the front wing 300'.

[0196] Hereinafter, an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0197] Figures 11A to 11C FIG. 2 is an operational diagram showing an operational state of a front wing according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 13 is a flowchart for describing detailed operations of operating the vent in the automatic mode in yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] Meanwhile, in the modes of the vent to be described below, the automatic mode refers to a mode in which the front wing 300' repeatedly moves laterally according to the operation of the actuator 510' of the drive motor, and the electric mode refers to a mode in which the front wing 300' moves only once in one of the left and right directions according to the operation of the actuator 510' of the drive motor.

[0199] In addition, the manual mode refers to a mode in which a passenger in a vehicle holds the wing knob 220 ′ and directly moves the wing knob 220 ′ laterally.

[0200] Furthermore, in the failure mode, in a state where the rotation of the actuator 510 ′ is fixed, the front wing 300 ′ rotates separately from the actuator 510 ′ in the manual mode, and the pointing angle 5 ′ of the actuator and the pointing angle 3 ′ of the front wing do not coincide with each other.

[0201] For example, in a fault mode, when operating in automatic mode or electric mode and the actuator 510' causes the front wings 300' to move together from Figure 11A The 0° shown is rotated to Figure 11B +30° as shown and the pointing angle 5' of the actuator and the pointing angle 3' of the front wing are consistent with each other (as shown in FIG. Figure 11C ), the user rotates the front wing 300' to -120° in a clockwise direction through the manual mode, so that the pointing angle of the front wing is -120°, and the pointing angle 5' of the actuator is +30°, so the pointing angle 5' of the actuator and the pointing angle 3' of the front wing are inconsistent with each other.

[0202] Reference Figure 12 , it is determined whether an automatic mode switch for operating the vent in an automatic mode is in an on state (S310).

[0203] When the automatic mode switch is in the on state in operation S310 of determining whether the automatic mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether a failure mode occurs in the vent ( S320 ).

[0204] When the failure mode occurs in operation S320 of determining whether the failure mode occurs in the vent, the rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′ is updated to a basic angle of the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ ( S330 ).

[0205] For example, when the rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′ is +30° and the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ is −120°, the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ is updated to +30°.

[0206] That is, the actuator 510' does not rotate to +150° to match the rotation angle of the front wing 300' at -120°, but updates the basic angle of the actuator to +30°, which is the rotation angle of the front wing 300' when the rotation angle of the actuator 510' is -120°.

[0207] Then, when the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ is updated to the rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′, the vent is operated in the automatic mode ( S340 ).

[0208] Meanwhile, when the failure mode does not occur in operation S320 of determining whether the failure mode occurs in the exhaust port, the exhaust port operates in the automatic mode (S340).

[0209] Meanwhile, when the automatic mode switch is in the off state in operation S310 of determining whether the automatic mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether the electric mode switch for operating the vent in the electric mode is in the on state ( S311 ).

[0210] Furthermore, when the electric mode switch is in the on state in operation S311 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether a failure mode occurs in the vent ( S312 ).

[0211] When the failure mode occurs in operation S312 of determining whether the failure mode occurs in the vent, the rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′ is updated to a basic angle of the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ ( S313 ).

[0212] Furthermore, when the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ is updated to the rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′, the vent is operated in the electric mode ( S314 ).

[0213] Meanwhile, when the failure mode does not occur in operation S312 of determining whether the failure mode occurs at the vent, the vent is operated in the electric mode ( S314 ).

[0214] Meanwhile, when the electric mode switch is in the off state in operation S311 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether the wing knob 220 ′ of the vent is manually operated ( S315 ).

[0215] Furthermore, when the wing knob 220 ′ of the vent is manually operated in operation S315 of determining whether the wing knob 220 ′ of the vent is manually operated, the vent is operated in a manual mode ( S316 ).

[0216] In this case, when the vent is operated in the manual mode ( S316 ), since the front wing 300 ′ moves separately from the actuator 510 ′, the basic angle of the actuator 510 ′ does not need to be updated.

[0217] Meanwhile, in operations S330 and S313 of updating the rotation angle of the front wing 300' to the basic angle of the rotation angle of the actuator 510', the rotation angle of the front wing 300' (operated in manual mode) is detected (S351), and the current rotation angle of the actuator 510' is detected (S352).

[0218] Then, the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ is updated to the rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′ ( S353 ).

[0219] In this case, the rotation angle of the front wing 300 ′ may be detected by the rotation detection sensor 600 ′ coupled to the front wing 300 ′, and the rotation angle of the actuator 510 ′ may be detected by the stepping motor.

[0220] As described above, in the vehicle air vent structure and operating method according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the failure mode of the air vent can be easily corrected using the rotation detecting sensor 600 ′.

[0221] Meanwhile, the vehicle air vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may detect a deviation between the directional angles of the front wing 300 ″ and the driving member 500 ″ through the limit switch 700 ″.

[0222] Hereinafter, still another embodiment of the vehicle vent structure of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0223] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0224] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 A vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a ventilation duct 100 ″, a rear wing 200 ″, a front wing 300 ′, a spacer 400 ″, a driving member 500 ″, and a limit switch 700 ″.

[0225] The ventilation duct 100" forms a main body of the vent, preferably has a quadrilateral frame shape, and is connected to the air conditioner located behind it. In the ventilation duct 100", an exhaust port 110" is formed at the front surface of the ventilation duct 100" facing the vehicle interior, and air generated from the air conditioner is discharged to the vehicle interior through the exhaust port 110".

[0226] The ventilation duct 100" is preferably secured to the vehicle's crash cushion.

[0227] The rear wing 200 ″ is housed in the region of the air outlet 110 ″ of the ventilation duct 100 ″, is elongated in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 ″, and is rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct 100 ″.

[0228] The rear wing 200" includes a rear body portion 210" and a wing knob 220".

[0229] The rear body portion 210 ″ forms a main body of the rear wing 200 ″ and is exposed to the outside from the exhaust port 110 ″, and the wing knob 220 ″ is coupled to a central portion of the rear body portion 210 ″ to control the wing knob 220 ″.

[0230] The wing knob 220 ″ is coupled to the rear body portion 210 ″ and the front body portion 310 ″ of the front wing 300 ″ to control the left and right rotation of the front wing 300 ″ and the up and down direction of the rear wing 200 ″.

[0231] That is, the wing knob 220 ″ can easily control the direction of the air discharged from the exhaust port 110 ″ of the ventilation duct 100 ″.

[0232] The front wings 300" include a plurality of wings, are disposed behind the rear wings 200", and are arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the rear wings 200", that is, to extend in the height direction of the ventilation duct 100'. In addition, the plurality of front wings 300" are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100', and each front wing 300" is rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct 100".

[0233] Furthermore, when the vent's operating mode is electric, the front wing 300" rotates only once at a preset angle according to the operation of the drive member 500", and when the operating mode is automatic, the front wing 300" repeatedly rotates at a preset angle according to the operation of the drive member 500". Furthermore, when the operating mode is manual, a passenger in the vehicle holds the knob and moves it in the lateral direction to control the rotation of the front wing 300".

[0234] The front wing 300 ″ includes a front body portion 310 ″, a coupling protrusion 320 ″, a protrusion inserting portion 340 ″, and a wing hinge pressing member 350 ″.

[0235] The front body portion 310 ″ forms a main body of the front wing 300 ″, and a plurality of front body portions are provided to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 ″.

[0236] The coupling protrusion 320 ″ passes through the upper and lower surfaces of the ventilation duct 100 ″, and the driving member 500 ″ provided on the upper surface of the ventilation duct 100 ″ is rotatably coupled.

[0237] Therefore, the front wing 300 ″ is connected to the driving member 500 ″ through the coupling protrusion 320 ″ and may rotate at a preset angle according to driving of the driving member 500 ″ when the operation mode of the vent is the electric mode.

[0238] A protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ is formed at an upper portion of the front body portion 310 ″, into which the limit switch 700 ″ is inserted.

[0239] The protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ is formed as a “V”-shaped groove at an upper portion of the front body portion 310 ″.

[0240] A through slot 322 ″ is formed at an upper portion of the coupling protrusion 320 ″ in a disposition direction of the driving member 500 ″ such that the driving member 500 ″ passes through the through slot 322 ″.

[0241] The wing hinge pressing member 350 ″ is fixed to the upper surface of the coupling protrusion 320 ″ in the front body portion 310 ″ and is preferably formed in a ring shape so that the sleeve 530 ″ fixing the driving member 500 ″ passes through the inner circumferential surface of the wing hinge pressing member 350 ″.

[0242] The wing hinge pressing member 350 ″ is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0243] The spacer 400 ″ is elongated in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 ″ and is rotatably fixed to the upper surface of the front wing 300 ″.

[0244] To this end, a coupling groove 410 ″ is formed in the spacer 400 ″.

[0245] The coupling groove 410 ″ is provided in plurality and is spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the ventilation duct 100 ″ in the spacer 400 ″. In addition, the coupling protrusion 320 ″ of the front wing 300 ″ passes through the coupling groove 410 ″.

[0246] That is, the coupling protrusions 320 ″ formed on the upper surfaces of the plurality of front wings 300 ″ are rotatably coupled to the plurality of coupling grooves 410 ″.

[0247] Furthermore, any one of the plurality of front wings 300 ″ is coupled to a driving member 500 ″.

[0248] That is, the coupling protrusion 320″ formed on the upper surface of the plurality of front wings 300″ is rotatably fixed to the coupling groove 410″, and thus the plurality of front wings 300″ are connected together to the spacer 400″. Therefore, when the front wings 300″ connected to the fixed driving member 500″ among the plurality of front wings 300″ rotate according to the driving of the driving member 500″, the spacer 400″ rotates the remaining front wings 300″ by a preset angle while performing linear motion.

[0249] Therefore, the spacer 400 ″ can easily rotate the plurality of front wings 300 ″ to adjust the wind direction of the air.

[0250] The driving member 500 ″ generates a driving force according to whether external power is applied to selectively rotate the front body portion 310 ″ of the front wing 300 ″, and is installed outside the ventilation duct 100 ″.

[0251] Specifically, the driving member 500 ″ is coupled to the coupling protrusion 320 ″ of the front wing 300 ″.

[0252] Furthermore, the driving member 500 ″ is connected to any one of the plurality of front wings 300 ″.

[0253] The driving member 500 ″ includes an actuator 510 ″, a fixed shaft 520 ″, and a sleeve 530 ″.

[0254] Furthermore, the driving member 500 ″ may include an actuator 510 ″ having a stepping motor function.

[0255] The actuator 510 ″ preferably has a lever motor function and is mounted on the outside of the ventilation duct 100 ″.

[0256] In addition, the actuator 510 ″ is connected to the front body portion 310 ″ of the front wing 300 ″ to rotate the front body portion 310 ″ of the front wing 300 ″ when generating a driving force.

[0257] The fixing shaft 520 ″ has a cylindrical shape, and extends from the actuator 510 ″ in a disposition direction of the front wing 300 ″.

[0258] The fixing shaft 520 ″ is inserted into the shaft sleeve 530 ″, and the shaft sleeve 530 ″ passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 ″ and is rotatably coupled to the through slot 322 ″ of the front wing 300 ″.

[0259] Then, the sleeve 530 ″ passes through the wing hinge pressing member 350 ″, and at the same time, selectively presses the wing hinge pressing member 350 ″ in the arrangement direction of the front wing 300 ″.

[0260] Meanwhile, when the operation mode of the vent is the electric mode or the automatic mode, the wing hinge pressing member 350 ″ made of an elastic material rotates together due to contact with the lower surface of the sleeve 530 ″ when the sleeve 530 ″ rotates.

[0261] Therefore, the front wing 300 ″ forming the coupling protrusion 320 ″ to which the wing hinge pressing member 350 ″ is fixed also rotates together.

[0262] However, in a case where the operation mode of the vent is manual mode, when a passenger holds and moves the knob laterally, a rotational force greater than the frictional force between the lower surface of the bushing 530" and the wing hinge pressing member 350" is generated, and thus the front wing 300" rotates independently of the driving member 500".

[0263] Therefore, when the actuator 510 ″ of the driving member 500 ″ generates driving force, the front wing 300 ″ rotates together with the actuator 510 ″ of the driving member 500 ″, and when the driving force of the actuator 510 ″ of the driving member 500 ″ is blocked, the front wing 300 ″ can rotate in the manual mode.

[0264] The limit switch 700 ″ is fixed to the driving member 500 ″ and detects a deviation between the direction angle of the front wing 300 ″ and the direction angle of the actuator.

[0265] Specifically, when the front wing 300 ″ moves to the manual mode, the limit switch 700 ″ detects a deviation between the direction angle of the front wing 300 ″ and the direction angle of the actuator 510 ″.

[0266] Furthermore, the limit switch 700 ″ is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 530 ″ of the driving member 500 ″.

[0267] The limit switch 700 ″ includes a switch body portion 710 ″ and a variable protrusion portion 720 ″.

[0268] The switch body portion 710 ″ forms a body of the limit switch 700 ″ and is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 530 ″ of the driving member 500 ″.

[0269] That is, the limit switch 700 ″ rotates together with the sleeve 530 ″.

[0270] The variable protrusion 720 ″ may check whether the direction angle of the actuator 510 ″ is consistent with the direction angle of the front wing 300 ″.

[0271] Specifically, when the directional angle of the actuator 510 ″ and the directional angle of the front wing 300 ″ coincide with each other, the variable protrusion portion 720 ″ protrudes downward from the switch body portion 710 ″ and is elastically inserted into the protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ of the front wing 300 ″.

[0272] In addition, when the directional angle of the actuator 510" and the directional angle of the front wing 300" do not match each other, when the variable protrusion part 720" contacts the upper surface of the front body part 310", the variable protrusion part 720" is inserted into the switch body part 710".

[0273] To this end, the variable protrusion portion 720 ″ has an inverted triangle shape corresponding to the protrusion insertion unit 340 ″.

[0274] Therefore, when the directional angle of the actuator 510" and the directional angle of the front wing 300" are inconsistent with each other, the variable protrusion part 720" can be easily inserted into the switch main body part 710" along the inclined surface of the variable protrusion part 720" and the inclined surface of the protrusion insertion part 340".

[0275] Hereinafter, an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0276] 16A to 16E is an operational view showing an operational state of a front wing according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 17is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle vent structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0277] Reference 16A to 16E and Figure 17 , it is determined whether an electric mode switch for operating the vent in the electric mode is in an on state (S410).

[0278] Furthermore, when the electric mode switch is in the on state in operation S410 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, the vent is operated in the electric mode ( S420 ).

[0279] Then, the limit switch 700 ″ detects the deviation ( S430 ).

[0280] Herein, the deviation detected by the limit switch 700 ″ refers to a state in which the directional angle of the actuator 510 ″ and the directional angle of the front wing 300 ″ do not coincide with each other.

[0281] Specifically, when the mode of the vent is the electric mode, the variable protrusion 720 (eg, the variable protrusion 720 of the limit switch 700" fixed to the sleeve 530" of the actuator 510" is Figure 16A As shown, ) is inserted into the protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ of the front wing 300 ″ and rotates together with the actuator 510 ″ and the front wing 300 ″.

[0282] In this case, when the user in the vehicle rotates the wing knob 220 ″ without ending the electric mode and forcibly operates the vent in the manual mode, the front wing 300 ″ rotates more than the actuator 510 ″. Therefore, as Figure 16B As shown, the variable protrusion portion 720 ″ of the limit switch 700 ″ inserted into the protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ of the front wing 300 ″ is separated from the protrusion insertion portion 340 ″.

[0283] Therefore, the pointing angle of the actuator 510 ″ and the pointing angle of the front wing 300 ″ do not coincide with each other.

[0284] Then, in the electric mode, the actuator 510 ″ and the front wing 300 ″ rotate together in the same direction ( S440 ).

[0285] That is, since the vent mode is in the electric mode and operation S420 has not yet been completed, even after the limit switch 700 ″ detects the deviation between the pointing angle of the actuator 510 ″ and the pointing angle of the front wing 300 ″ in the manual mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 16C As shown, the actuator 510" and the front wing 300" also rotate together in the same direction.

[0286] In this case, the variable protrusion portion 720 ″ of the limit switch 700 ″ is pressed by the front body portion 310 ″.

[0287] Then, if Figure 16D As shown, the front wing 300 ″ is stopped by a stopper (not shown), so only the actuator 510 ″ rotates ( S450 ).

[0288] Next, it is determined whether the directional angle of the actuator 510 ″ and the directional angle of the front wing 300 ″ are consistent with each other ( S460 ).

[0289] In operation S460 of determining whether the directional angles of the actuator 510 ″ and the front wing 300 ″ coincide with each other, when the directional angles of the actuator 510 ″ and the front wing 300 ″ coincide with each other, the actuator 510 ″ stops rotating ( S470 ).

[0290] Specifically, when the front wing 300" is stopped by the stopper, Figure 16E As shown, the variable protrusion portion 720 ″ of the limit switch 700 ″ fixed to the actuator 510 ″ is inserted into the protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ formed in the front wing 300 ″.

[0291] Therefore, the limit switch 700 ″ detects that the direction angle of the actuator 510 ″ and the direction angle of the front wing 300 ″ coincide with each other, and the actuator 510 ″ stops rotating.

[0292] Meanwhile, the state in which the front wing 300 ″ is stopped by the stopper is a state in which the front wing 300 ″ is rotated to the maximum rotation range and the front wing 300 ″ is restricted from excessive rotation by the stopper.

[0293] Meanwhile, in the operation of determining whether the directional angle of the actuator 510″ and the directional angle of the front wing 300″ are consistent with each other (S460), when the directional angle of the actuator 510″ and the directional angle of the front wing 300″ are inconsistent with each other, the front wing 300″ is stopped by the stopper, and the operation S450 in which only the actuator 510″ is rotated is repeated.

[0294] That is, it is determined that the variable protrusion portion 720 ″ of the limit switch 700 ″ has not reached the protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ of the front wing 300 ″, and the actuator 510 ″ continues to rotate until the variable protrusion portion 720 ″ of the limit switch 700 ″ is inserted into the protrusion insertion portion 340 ″ of the front wing 300 ″.

[0295] Meanwhile, when the electric mode switch is in the off state in operation S410 of determining whether the electric mode switch is in the on state, it is determined whether the wing knob 220 ″ of the vent is manually operated ( S411 ).

[0296] Furthermore, when the wing knob 220 ″ of the vent is manually operated in operation S411 of determining whether the wing knob 220 ″ of the vent is manually operated, the vent is operated in the manual mode ( S412 ).

[0297] As described above, in the vehicle vent structure and operating method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the deviation between the directional angle of the actuator 510 ″ and the directional angle of the front wing 300 ″ can be easily corrected by the limit switch 700 ″.

[0298] As described above, a vehicle air vent structure capable of simultaneously implementing both the manual method and the electric method of the air vent is provided.

[0299] According to the present invention, the automatic mode, electric mode and manual mode can be used simultaneously as the operation modes of the vent, the wind direction and air volume discharged from the vent can be intuitively operated, and various functions can be designed according to the use environment.

[0300] The embodiments disclosed in this specification should be considered from an illustrative point of view for description rather than a restrictive point of view. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims rather than in the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle vent structure, comprising: a ventilation duct having a front surface facing the interior of the vehicle and opening to form an exhaust port configured to discharge air; a rear wing housed in the region of the exhaust port and rotatably coupled to the ventilation duct; a plurality of front wings arranged behind the rear wings in a direction orthogonal to the rear wings; a drive member mounted on the exterior of the ventilation duct and coupled to the front wing to selectively rotate the front wing; as well as a spacer elongated in the width direction of the ventilation duct to rotate the plurality of front wings, wherein the front wing rotates together with the drive member in response to the drive member generating a drive force, and the front wing is manually rotatable in response to the drive force of the drive member being blocked, wherein each of the front wings comprises: front main body; a coupling protrusion protruding from an upper portion of the front body portion in a direction in which the driving member is provided; a through groove formed in an upper portion of the coupling protrusion in a direction in which the driving member is provided, the driving member passing through the through groove; and a wing hinge pressing member fixed on the front main body at a position corresponding to the through slot; Wherein, a step portion configured to restrict rotation of each of the front wings is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the coupling protrusion.

2. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 1, wherein: The through groove and the wing hinge pressing member are formed in a front wing to which the driving member is coupled among the plurality of front wings.

3. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 2, wherein: The driving member is coupled to any one of the plurality of front wings.

4. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 2, wherein: The driving member comprises: an actuator coupled to the front wing to rotate the front wing in response to generating the driving force; a fixed shaft extending from the actuator in a direction in which the front wing is arranged; and The fixing shaft is inserted into a shaft sleeve that presses the wing hinge pressing member.

5. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 4, wherein: The sleeve comprises: a housing body portion forming the body; and The through protrusion passes through the wing hinge pressing member to pass through the through slot.

6. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 1, wherein: The spacer comprises: a coupling groove passing through the coupling protrusion; and A stopper is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the coupling groove, and the stopper contacts the step portion to restrict rotation of the front wing.

7. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the step portion and the stopper is formed in a fan shape.

8. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 7, wherein: The step portion and the stopper are arranged so as not to be aligned.

9. The vehicle vent structure according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the step portion and the stopper is formed at 120°.

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