Vehicle interior sterilizer

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle interior sterilizer, which comprises a roof lining and a housing, and the housing is inserted and located in the roof lining. The sterilizer has a cover unit that can open and close the opening of the housing. The sterilizer has an actuator unit coupled to a shaft of the cover unit and configured to apply a driving force to selectively open and close the cover unit. The sterilizer has a light source unit located in the opening of the housing and exposed to an interior of the vehicle to perform sterilization when the cover unit is opened. The sterilizer has a controller configured to determine whether an occupant has left the vehicle, and configured to open the cover unit and turn on the light source unit by driving of the actuator unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior sterilizer, and more particularly, to a vehicle interior sterilizer capable of selectively opening a cover unit of the sterilizer to sterilize the interior of the vehicle through a light source unit. Background Art

[0002] In order to keep the air environment in the vehicle comfortable or suitable for the driver, a vehicle air conditioner is provided. The vehicle air conditioner has various functions such as heating and cooling, which are the main functions in the vehicle. Other functions include dehumidification, humidification, purification, ventilation, aromatization, and functions for continuously maintaining temperature and humidity.

[0003] In vehicle air conditioning, air flows into the interior of the vehicle through the air conditioning filter, and the air conditioning filter filters pollutants such as exhaust gas, dust and pollen in the air to purify the air. Therefore, the air conditioning filter plays an important role in keeping the air inside the vehicle comfortable.

[0004] The air conditioning filter is usually located in the glove box in front of the passenger seat. In this case, when checking or replacing the air conditioning filter, the glove box should be opened, removed and reinserted. In addition, the installation of the air conditioning filter needs to consider the direction of air flow, so it is very inconvenient and laborious for the driver to frequently replace the air conditioning filter. In addition, since it is difficult to immediately check the contamination status of the air conditioning filter, it takes a considerable amount of time. Therefore, it is not easy to replace the air conditioning filter.

[0005] Furthermore, there arises a problem in that it is difficult to sterilize bacteria contaminating the inner surface of the vehicle using a conventional air conditioner having an air purification function.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing understanding of the background of the present invention. Therefore, the Background section may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention is directed to solving the above problems associated with the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior sterilizer that is positioned so as not to be exposed to the inside of a vehicle headliner or a vehicle ceiling.

[0008] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle interior sterilizer including a cover unit that can be selectively opened and closed. The vehicle interior sterilizer can perform sterilization by determining the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is not limited to the above purpose. A person skilled in the art of the present invention should more clearly understand other technical purposes not mentioned herein from the detailed description of the embodiments. In addition, the purpose of the present invention can be achieved by various combinations indicated in the claims.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle interior disinfector, comprising a roof lining and a shell, the shell being inserted into and located in the roof lining. The shell has an opening therein. The disinfector further comprises a cover unit configured to open and close the opening of the shell. The disinfector further comprises an actuator unit coupled to an axis of the cover unit and configured to apply a driving force to selectively open and close the cover unit. The disinfector further comprises a light source unit located in the opening of the shell and exposed to the interior of the vehicle when the cover unit is opened to perform disinfection. The disinfector further comprises a controller configured to determine whether an occupant has left the vehicle, and configured to open the cover unit and turn on the light source unit by driving the actuator unit.

[0011] In an embodiment, the vehicle interior sterilizer may further include a reflector positioned adjacent to the light source unit.

[0012] In another embodiment, the vehicle interior disinfector may further include an indicator located at least one or more of the cover unit, the driver's seat module, the console, the instrument cluster monitor, the windshield, or the vehicle side glass. The indicator may be configured to illuminate when the light source unit is driven.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the indicator may include a luminescent pigment applied thereto.

[0014] In another embodiment, the actuator unit may include: a motor, a first worm gear, a worm wheel gear and a second worm gear, wherein the motor is configured to provide a driving force; the first worm gear is engaged with the central axis of the motor; the worm wheel gear is engaged with the first worm gear; and the second worm gear is located between the worm wheel gear and a clutch unit that restricts the shaft.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the clutch unit may further include a clutch plate that rotates integrally with the shaft and a clutch gear that is configured to surround an outer surface of the clutch plate and engage with the second worm gear.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the vehicle interior disinfector may further include a spring portion configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The spring portion may be configured to press the clutch plate so that the clutch plate and the shaft are fixed integrally. The disinfector may also include a stopper arranged to face an end of the spring portion and configured to adjust the position of the spring portion.

[0017] In another further embodiment, the vehicle interior sterilizer may further include a groove and a coupling portion, the groove being formed in the clutch plate; the coupling portion being located at one end of the shaft. The one end may face the clutch plate and may be inserted into the groove.

[0018] In yet a further embodiment, when the cover unit rotates in a direction to close the cover unit in response to a manual operation, the clutch plate may be configured to prevent a rotational force of the cover unit from being applied to the clutch gear.

[0019] In yet a further embodiment, the cover unit may be formed of a plurality of plates, and the plurality of plates may be configured to move to the side surface of the housing to open the opening of the housing in response to driving of the actuator unit.

[0020] In yet a further embodiment, when a disinfection request from a user is permitted, the controller may be configured to apply power to the actuator unit and to cause the cover unit to switch to its open state.

[0021] In yet a further embodiment, the vehicle interior sterilizer may further include a radiator and a cooling fan, the radiator being located at one side of the light source unit and the cooling fan being located at one side of the radiator.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle interior disinfector, comprising: a roof lining and a shell, the shell being inserted into and located in the roof lining. The shell has an opening therein. The disinfector also includes a cover unit, the cover unit being configured to open and close the opening of the shell. The disinfector also includes an actuator unit, the actuator unit being coupled to an axis of the cover unit and being configured to apply a driving force to selectively open and close the cover unit. The disinfector may also include a light source unit, the light source unit being located in the cover unit and being exposed to the interior of the vehicle when the cover unit is opened to perform disinfection. The disinfector also includes a controller, the controller being configured to determine whether an occupant has left the vehicle, and being configured to open the cover unit and turn on the light source unit by driving the actuator unit.

[0023] In an embodiment, when the light source unit is switched to its on state, the controller may be configured to control a rotational force of the actuator unit such that the cover unit rotates around the axis by a predetermined angle.

[0024] In another embodiment, the vehicle interior disinfector may further include an indicator located at least one or more of the cover unit, the driver's seat module, the console, the instrument cluster monitor, the windshield, or the vehicle side glass. The indicator may be configured to illuminate when the light source unit is driven.

[0025] Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

[0026] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle," "vehicle-like," and other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles. Such motor vehicles may include sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, vessels including various boats and ships, aircraft, and the like. Such motor vehicles may also include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from energy sources other than petroleum). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more sources of power, such as a vehicle powered by gasoline and electricity.

[0027] The above and other features of the invention are discussed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other features of the present invention are described in detail with reference to certain embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given hereinafter only by way of illustration and therefore do not limit the present invention, and in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a vehicle interior disinfector located in a headliner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 is a side sectional view of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 is a rear view of a light source unit of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing a rotating structure of a cover unit of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5Bis a schematic diagram showing a coupling structure between a cover unit and an actuator unit of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the construction of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the cover unit of the vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the construction of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an indicator configuration of a vehicle interior sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic diagram showing control steps of performing disinfection by a controller of a vehicle interior disinfector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that they present somewhat simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the invention disclosed herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, directions, locations, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0041] In the drawings, like reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing.

[0042] Description of reference numerals:

[0043] 10: Roof lining 100: Shell

[0044] 200: Cover unit 210: Shaft

[0045] 211: Connecting part 220: Plate

[0046] 300: light source unit 310: reflector

[0047] 400: Actuator unit 410: Motor

[0048] 420: First worm gear 430: Worm gear

[0049] 440: Second worm gear 500: Clutch unit

[0050] 510: Clutch plate 511: Groove

[0051] 520: Clutch gear 530: Spring part

[0052] 540: Stopper 600: Controller

[0053] 700: indicator 800: radiator

[0054] 900: Cooling fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are referred to in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described as follows. Although the technical concept of the present invention is described in conjunction with the embodiments, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to not only cover the disclosed embodiments, but also cover various alternative embodiments, modified embodiments, equivalent embodiments and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. This embodiment is provided to explain the present invention more comprehensively to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0056] Terms such as "part", "controller", "unit" and "module" described in the specification refer to a unit configured to process at least one function or operation. The unit can be implemented by hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0057] The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well.

[0058] In this specification, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components with the same name, and these terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. These components are not limited by these terms in the following description.

[0059] When a controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the controller, component, device, element, part, unit or module should be considered as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0060] The controller 600 can be implemented by an algorithm configured to control the operation of various components arranged in the vehicle, a memory configured to store data about the program of the reproduction algorithm, and a processor configured to use the data stored in the memory to perform the described operation. In this case, the memory and the processor can be implemented as independent chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be implemented as a single chip. For example, the controller 600 may include at least one of an electronic control unit (ECU), a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), an application processor (AP), or any type of processor known in the technical field of the present invention. In addition, the controller 600 may include at least one application configured to perform a method according to an embodiment of the present invention, or may be formed by a combination of software and hardware capable of performing arithmetic operations on a program.

[0061] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions have been omitted.

[0062] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing one side of a headliner 10 including the vehicle interior sterilizer of the present invention. Figure 2 : is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle interior disinfector. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side cross-sectional view of area AA in FIG.

[0063] As shown in the drawings, a vehicle headliner or roof lining 10 is located on the upper surface of the vehicle interior, and the roof lining 10 includes a vehicle interior disinfector. The vehicle interior disinfector is accommodated in a housing 100 inserted into the roof lining 10 so as to be flush with the surface of the roof lining 10. The housing 100 includes an opening therein. A cover unit 200 flush with the surface of the roof lining 10 is coupled to the housing 100 and is configured to open and close the opening. The cover unit 200 may be made of the same material as the material of the roof lining 10 or include a surface of the same material as the material of the roof lining 10, thereby providing a sense of unity with the roof lining 10.

[0064] In addition, the cover unit 200 is coupled to one end of the housing 100 to rotate around the shaft 210. The cover unit 200 is selectively opened and closed by the shaft 210. One side of the housing 100 facing the cover unit 200 includes an opening, and the light source unit 300 is included in the opening.

[0065] The light source unit 300 may be formed by at least one light emitting diode (LED), more specifically, may include an ultraviolet LED and a visible LED. As an embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit 300 may include a controller 600, the controller 600 being configured to select an ultraviolet LED emitting ultraviolet light, a visible LED emitting visible light, and being configured to control the light emission of each LED.

[0066] The UV LED may emit short wavelength light in the wavelength range of 10-380 nanometers (nm), or more narrowly, may emit far-UV light in the wavelength range of 200-380 nm. Since the UV LED functions in disinfecting objects, it may be advantageous to emit light in the UV-A region or the UV-C region. In this case, the UV LED may be manufactured using nitride-based compound semiconductors, such as gallium nitride (GaN), aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN), indium gallium nitride (InGaN), or indium aluminum gallium nitride (InAlGaN).

[0067] In addition, the present invention further includes a reflector 310 disposed adjacent to the light source unit 300 and configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source unit 300. The reflector 310 may be positioned to emit light to a wider area than the inner area directly irradiated with the light emitted by the light source unit 300.

[0068] The shaft 210 of the cover unit 200 is connected to the actuator unit 400, which is located in the headliner 10 adjacent to the housing 100. A driving force of the actuator unit 400 is configured to be applied to one end of the cover unit 200.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator unit 400 may include a motor 410 configured to apply a driving force through a controller 600 and a first worm gear 420 located on the central axis of the motor 410. The actuator unit 400 may further include a second worm gear 440 engaged with a clutch unit 500 restricting the shaft 210 and a worm gear 430 located between the first worm gear 420 and the second worm gear 440.

[0070] The controller 600 drives the motor 410 to apply a rotational force to the clutch unit 500 so that the cover unit 200 rotates around the shaft 210 and opens.

[0071] In contrast, as another embodiment of the present invention, the cover unit 200 is formed by a combination of a plurality of plates 220. The actuator unit 400 is coupled to the back of the cover unit 200 to provide a driving force to move the cover unit 200 in one direction so that the cover unit 200 is rolled along the outside of the housing 100.

[0072] In addition, the sterilizer may include a radiator 800 located in the housing 100 adjacent to the roof relative to the light source unit 300, and the sterilizer may include a cooling fan 900 located at one side of the radiator 800. Therefore, when the interior of the vehicle is sterilized by the light source unit 300, the function of dispersing the heat generated in the light source unit 300 may be performed.

[0073] The controller 600 can control the application of power to the actuator unit 400 and can determine whether there are passengers in the vehicle. In addition, the controller 600 can receive a disinfection request from a user and can control the opening of the cover unit 200 and the light emission of the light source unit 300 in response to the request. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 600 can use an internal camera, a seat position sensor, etc. to determine the presence or absence of an occupant. When it is determined that there are no passengers in the vehicle, the controller 600 is configured to open the cover unit 200 and cause the light source unit 300 to emit light.

[0074] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the light source unit 300 and the reflector 310 located in the housing 100 .

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, multiple light source units 300 and multiple reflectors 310 can be implemented. In one example, six light sources are arranged in two rows and three columns. In addition, three reflectors 310 are depicted. Two reflectors 310 are located at opposite ends, and the third reflector 310 is further located between the first column and the second column of the light source unit 300. The reflector 310 can be positioned to disperse the light emitted by the light source unit 300 over a wider area.

[0076] In addition, the reflector 310 is positioned to minimize the uneven energy of light emitted in response to the height of each component arranged in the vehicle. In other words, the reflector 310 is positioned to minimize the excess energy of light emitted to a component arranged near the light source unit 300 located on the roof (e.g., a console or a door handle provided in the vehicle). In addition, as an example of a blind spot, the light reflected by the reflector 310 is configured to be emitted to the side area of ​​the vehicle seat.

[0077] Therefore, the angle, shape, and position of the reflector 310 may be freely and selectively adjusted according to the interior conditions of the vehicle.

[0078] Figure 5A and Figure 5B 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between the shaft 210 of the cover unit 200 and the actuator unit 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The actuator unit 400 located at the side of the housing 100 or the inner side of the roof lining 10 is located in a state of being coupled to the shaft 210 of the cover unit 200. More specifically, the actuator unit 400 includes a first worm gear 420 located on the central axis of the motor 410 of the actuator unit 400, a second worm gear 440 engaged with the clutch unit 500 limiting the shaft 210, and a worm gear 430 located between the first worm gear 420 and the second worm gear 440.

[0080] Upon receiving a request to open the cover unit 200, the controller 600 applies power to the motor 410, and the first worm gear 420 located on the central axis of the motor 410 rotates integrally by the applied power. The first worm gear 420 rotating in this manner is configured to apply a rotational force to the second worm gear 440 through the worm gear 430. The clutch gear 520 of the clutch unit 500 is engaged with the second worm gear 440, and rotates integrally with the shaft 210 by the rotational force of the second worm gear 440.

[0081] In addition, when rotating in one direction, the clutch gear 520 can rotate integrally with the clutch plate 510 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210, and when the clutch gear 520 rotates in another direction, slipping may occur. Therefore, in response to the request to open the cover unit 200, the clutch gear 520 engages with the clutch plate 510 and rotates integrally with the shaft 210 in the direction of opening the cover unit 200. In addition, the controller 600 is configured to rotate the motor 410 after the disinfection is completed, so that the cover unit 200 is switched to a closed state. The clutch plate 510 and the clutch gear 520 can be configured to be coupled to each other by friction. Therefore, when the clutch gear 520 receives the rotational force from the second worm gear 440, the clutch plate 510 and the clutch gear 520 rotate integrally in one direction of opening the cover unit 200 by the friction between the clutch plate 510 and the clutch gear 520.

[0082] When performing disinfection, when it is determined that a malfunction of the disinfector has occurred, such as battery discharge or a drive device malfunction, the cover unit 200 is not switched to its closed state. Thereafter, when a rotational force is manually applied to the cover unit 200 in a direction to close the cover unit 200, the clutch plate 510 slides with the clutch gear 520, and the shaft 210 and the clutch plate 510 can rotate independently of the clutch gear 520.

[0083] In other words, when the clutch plate 510 is rotated integrally with the shaft 210 in the other direction by manual operation, an overrunning force greater than the frictional force between the clutch plate 510 and the clutch gear 520 is provided to rotate the clutch plate 510 independently of the clutch gear 520. Therefore, the rotational force of the clutch plate 510 may not be transmitted to the clutch gear 520.

[0084] In general, during sterilization, the clutch gear 520 and the clutch plate 510 integrally rotate in response to rotation in one direction of the open cover unit 200. After sterilization is completed, the clutch gear 520 and the clutch plate 510 integrally rotate in the other direction.

[0085] When sterilization is completed in a state where the cover unit 200 is opened due to a malfunction of the sterilizer, or when a rotational force is applied in a direction of closing the cover unit 200 by manual operation, the clutch gear 520 and the clutch plate 510 may move independently of each other.

[0086] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator unit 400 includes a motor 410. The controller 600 applies power to the motor 410 in response to an opening request or a closing request regarding the cover unit 200. Conversely, when the user performs a manual operation in a direction to close the cover unit 200, the clutch plate 510 rotates together with the shaft 210 independently of the clutch gear 520 to move the cover unit 200 to its closed position.

[0087] The clutch plate 510 includes a groove 511 coupled to the shaft 210, and the shaft 210 includes a coupling portion 211 inserted into the groove 511. In addition, the coupling portion 211 of the shaft 210 is configured to face one end of the clutch plate 510.

[0088] In addition, the vehicle interior sterilizer includes a spring portion 530 between the clutch plate 510 and a stopper 540 located at one end of the shaft 210. The spring portion 530 provides elastic force between the stopper 540 located at one end of the shaft 210 and the clutch plate 510 to determine the friction force applied between the clutch plate 510 and the clutch gear 520.

[0089] Therefore, when the cover unit 200 is manually closed, the sliding force between the clutch gear 520 and the clutch plate 510 may be set by the elastic force of the spring portion 530 .

[0090] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A sterilizer according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. A plurality of plates 220 are coupled to each other to form a cover unit 200.

[0091] In another embodiment, the sterilizer includes a housing 100 having an opening and inserted into the roof lining 10. The sterilizer also includes a light source unit 300 located in the housing 100 and arranged adjacent to the reflector 310. In addition, the sterilizer includes a heat sink 800 and a cooling fan 900 sequentially located on the back side of the light source unit 300. In addition, the sterilizer includes an actuator unit 400 located on a side surface of the housing 100.

[0092] The sterilizer includes a roller member (not shown) engaged with the actuator unit 400. The roller member is coupled to one end of the cover unit 200 formed of a plurality of plates 220. In this case, when the actuator unit 400 is driven, the plates 220 are configured to be rolled along the roller member.

[0093] like Figure 6B As shown, when the actuator unit 400 is driven, the roller member engaged with the central axis of the actuator unit 400 rotates. The cover unit 200 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the roller member coupled to one end of the cover unit 200 formed of a plurality of plates 220, thereby opening the housing 100.

[0094] More specifically, the cover unit 200 moves in two directions along a slot located in the opening of the housing 100. The housing 100 is controlled to be opened or closed according to the rotation direction of the roller member.

[0095] Figure 7 A sterilizer according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The light source unit 300 is located on the cover unit 200 .

[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizer includes an actuator unit 400 having a motor 410 capable of rotating in two directions. The cover unit 200 coupled to one end of the housing 100 and using the shaft 210 is coupled to the actuator unit 400 and rotates in two directions to open and close the opening of the housing 100.

[0097] In addition, the light source unit 300 is included on the inner surface of the cover unit 200, and the controller 600 is configured to control light emission of the light source unit 300. In addition, since the controller 600 is configured to control the rotation amount of the cover unit 200, the irradiation area irradiated by the light source unit 300 is controlled to be variable.

[0098] In other words, the controller 600 is configured to receive a disinfection request from a user and control the rotation amount of the cover unit 200 in response to the received disinfection request. In this way, the area irradiated by the light emitted by the light source unit 300 located inside the cover unit 200 can be changed.

[0099] More specifically, the controller 600 sequentially controls the rotation amount of the actuator unit 400 according to time to control the opening angle of the cover unit 200. Through this configuration, the area irradiated by the light emitted by the light source unit 300 can be controlled to be variable.

[0100] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of a vehicle in which an indicator 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is located.

[0101] The indicator 700 of the present invention may include a light emitting portion attached to and located in the vehicle. Alternatively, a luminescent pigment may be applied to a surface of the vehicle interior to emit light through an LED light source.

[0102] The indicator 700 formed of the light emitting portion is configured to receive power from the vehicle in response to the driving of the sterilizer and allows the user to recognize that sterilization is being performed.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, the indicator 700 of the present invention can be located in the interior area of ​​the vehicle or visible in the interior area of ​​the vehicle. An indicator 700 can be arranged in at least one or more of the console, the driver's seat module, the instrument cluster monitor, the cover unit 200, the windshield, the side glass of the vehicle, etc.

[0104] In addition, the indicator 700 formed of the luminescent pigment may be configured to emit light in response to the LED illumination of the sterilizer without using a power supply. The indicator 700 formed of the luminescent pigment may be configured to expose display text when the sterilizer is driven.

[0105] Fig. 9 6 is a schematic diagram showing control steps of operating the sterilizer by the controller 600.

[0106] The controller 600 of the present invention determines the presence or absence of an occupant before driving the sterilizer. In order to prevent the occupant from being exposed to ultraviolet rays during the operation or driving of the sterilizer, the sterilizer is driven under the condition that there is no occupant in the vehicle. More specifically, the controller 600 determines whether an occupant is present in the vehicle based on a condition indicating that the occupant has left the vehicle (e.g., an open state of a vehicle door, interior camera shooting information, or a seat position sensor).

[0107] When the controller 600 determines that there is no occupant in the vehicle and the sterilization request is permitted, the cover unit 200 is opened, and then power is applied to the light source unit 300 , thereby performing sterilization for a predetermined time.

[0108] When the sterilization is normally completed, the controller 600 applies power to the actuator unit 400 to close the cover unit 200. However, when the sterilizer is damaged or malfunctions during the sterilization step, the controller 600 is configured to terminate the sterilization in a state where the cover unit 200 is opened.

[0109] As should be apparent from the above description, the present invention can achieve the following effects through the embodiments, the combination of the above-mentioned configurations, and the usage relationship therebetween.

[0110] The present invention has the effect of maintaining a vehicle in a disinfected state by providing a vehicle interior disinfector capable of disinfecting a contaminated area on an interior surface of a vehicle.

[0111] In addition, the present invention has an effect of preventing the interior design of a vehicle from being deteriorated by providing a vehicle interior sterilizer that is not exposed to the outside (ie, exposed through the headliner).

[0112] Furthermore, the present invention is configured to perform disinfection after determining whether an occupant is present in the vehicle, so that a vehicle interior disinfector capable of ensuring the safety of the occupant can be provided.

[0113] The present invention has been described in detail with reference to various embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be used in various other combinations, modifications and environments. In other words, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited in the appended claims and their equivalents. The embodiments describe the technical ideas for implementing the present invention. Various changes required in the specific application fields and uses of the present invention are also possible. Therefore, the detailed description of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. In addition, the scope of the appended claims should be interpreted as also including other embodiments.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior disinfector, comprising: Headliner; a housing inserted into and located in the headliner, the housing having an opening; a cover unit configured to open and close the opening of the housing; an actuator unit coupled to a shaft of the cover unit and configured to apply a driving force to selectively open and close the cover unit; a light source unit located in the opening of the housing and exposed to the interior of the vehicle when the cover unit is opened to perform disinfection; as well as A controller is configured to determine whether the occupant leaves the vehicle and is configured to open the cover unit and turn on the light source unit through driving of the actuator unit. 2 . The vehicle interior sterilizer of claim 1 , further comprising a reflector positioned adjacent to the light source unit.

3. The vehicle interior disinfector of claim 1, further comprising an indicator located on at least one or more of the hood unit, the driver's seat module, the console, the instrument cluster monitor, the windshield, or the vehicle side glass, in, The indicator is configured to illuminate when the light source unit is driven.

4. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 3, wherein: The indicator includes a luminescent pigment applied thereto.

5. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator unit comprises: a motor configured to provide a driving force; a first worm gear engaged with a central shaft of the motor; a worm gear engaged with the first worm gear; and A second worm gear is located between the worm gear and a clutch unit that constrains the shaft.

6. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 5, wherein: The clutch unit comprises: a clutch plate that rotates integrally with the shaft; and A clutch gear is configured to surround an outer surface of the clutch plate and engage with the second worm gear.

7. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 6, further comprising: a spring portion configured to surround an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, wherein the spring portion is configured to press the clutch plate so that the clutch plate and the shaft are fixed integrally; and A stopper is arranged to face an end of the spring portion and is configured to adjust a position of the spring portion.

8. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 6, further comprising: a groove formed in the clutch plate; and a coupling portion located at one end of the shaft; The one end faces the clutch plate and is inserted into the groove.

9. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 6, wherein: When the cover unit rotates in a direction to close the cover unit in response to a manual operation, the clutch plate is configured to prevent a rotational force of the cover unit from being applied to the clutch gear.

10. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein: The cover unit is formed by a plurality of plates; The plurality of plates are configured to move to a side surface of the housing to open an opening of the housing in response to driving of the actuator unit.

11. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein When a disinfection request from a user is permitted, the controller is configured to apply power to the actuator unit and to switch the cover unit to its open state.

12. The vehicle interior sterilizer of claim 1, further comprising: a heat sink, located at one side of the light source unit; and A cooling fan is located on one side of the radiator.

13. A vehicle interior disinfector comprising: Headliner; a housing inserted into and located in the headliner, the housing having an opening; a cover unit configured to open and close the opening of the housing; an actuator unit coupled to a shaft of the cover unit and configured to apply a driving force to open and close the cover unit; a light source unit located in the cover unit and exposed to the interior of the vehicle to perform disinfection when the cover unit is opened; as well as A controller is configured to determine whether the occupant leaves the vehicle and is configured to open the cover unit and turn on the light source unit through driving of the actuator unit.

14. The vehicle interior sterilizer according to claim 13, wherein: When the light source unit is switched to its on state, the controller is configured to control a rotational force of the actuator unit so that the cover unit rotates around the axis by a predetermined angle.

15. The vehicle interior disinfector of claim 13, further comprising an indicator located on at least one or more of the hood unit, the driver's seat module, the console, the instrument cluster monitor, the windshield, or the vehicle side glass, in, The indicator is configured to illuminate when the light source unit is driven.

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