Air outlet device of automobile air conditioner

Abstract

The invention provides an air outlet device of an automobile air conditioner. The air outlet device comprises an air outlet channel with an air outlet, at least one mist outlet, a mist supply device and at least one pipeline. The air outlet is configured to communicate the air outlet channel with the compartment. The air outlet channel defines a flowing path, and airflow flows along the flowing path and enters the compartment through the air outlet. The at least one mist outlet is in fluid communication with the air outlet channel and located in a flowing path limited by the air outlet channel, so that mist released from the at least one mist outlet enters the air outlet channel and is driven by the airflow to enter the compartment through the air outlet along with the airflow. The mist supply device is connected with the at least one mist outlet so as to provide mist for the at least one mist outlet. The at least one pipeline is connected with the fog supply device and the at least one fog outlet so as to send fog from the fog supply device to the at least one fog outlet. According to the air outlet device of the automobile air conditioner, the direction and strength of airflow entering a compartment can be indicated through fog.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 19, 2024, with application number 202410316851.0 and invention name “Automobile Air Conditioning Air Outlet Device”, all disclosed contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to an automobile air conditioner air outlet device, and in particular, the automobile air conditioner air outlet device can visually indicate the direction and strength of the airflow output from the automobile air conditioner. Background Art

[0003] Automotive air conditioners cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air within the vehicle cabin, providing a comfortable ride for drivers and passengers, reducing driver fatigue and improving driving safety. The air outlet, serving as the output terminal for the air conditioner, regulates the airflow to achieve in-vehicle air circulation and temperature control. The vehicle's center console indicates the direction and strength of the airflow entering the cabin. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors of this application discovered that drivers and passengers need to specifically observe the display on the vehicle's center console to understand the direction and strength of the airflow currently entering the vehicle. The inventors of this application also discovered that the airflow display area provided by the vehicle's center console is limited, making it inconvenient for users to observe the airflow status. Furthermore, the vehicle's center console may provide a digital indication of the direction and strength of the airflow, which is not intuitive for the driver and passengers. This application provides a visual indication of the direction and strength of the airflow, eliminating the need for drivers and passengers to consult the vehicle's center console for these indicators.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, the present application provides an automobile air-conditioning air outlet device, which includes an air outlet channel, at least one mist outlet, a mist supply device and at least one pipeline. The air outlet channel includes an air outlet, and the air outlet is configured to connect the air outlet channel with the vehicle compartment. The air outlet channel defines a flow path, and the air flow flows along the flow path and enters the vehicle compartment through the air outlet. The at least one mist outlet is arranged on the flow path and is configured to be in fluid communication with the air outlet channel, so that the mist released from the at least one mist outlet enters the air outlet channel and is driven by the air flow to follow the air flow into the vehicle compartment through the air outlet. The mist supply device is configured to be connected to the at least one mist outlet to provide mist to the at least one mist outlet. The at least one pipeline is configured to connect the mist supply device and the at least one mist outlet to deliver the mist from the mist supply device to the at least one mist outlet.

[0006] In the above-described automotive air conditioning outlet device, the at least one pipeline is configured to have an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the at least one pipeline fluidically connects the mist supply device to the at least one mist outlet. In the closed state, the at least one pipeline disconnects the mist supply device from fluid communication with the at least one mist outlet.

[0007] The automotive air conditioning outlet device described above includes at least one mist guiding channel, wherein the at least one mist outlet is disposed on the at least one mist guiding channel and is in fluid communication with the at least one mist guiding channel. The at least one pipeline connects the at least one mist guiding channel with the mist supply device. When the at least one pipeline is in the open state, the at least one pipeline fluidically connects the mist supply device with the at least one mist guiding channel. When the at least one pipeline is in the closed state, the at least one pipeline disconnects the fluid communication between the mist supply device and the at least one mist guiding channel.

[0008] The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above includes an air outlet channel defining component, wherein the air outlet channel defining component defines and forms the air outlet channel. The at least one mist guiding channel is provided on the air outlet channel defining component.

[0009] In the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above, the air outlet channel defining component includes a housing and an air guide, and the air guide is located in the space defined by the housing. The housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The air guide includes a first air guide portion and a second air guide portion, and an air guide internal space is defined between the inner sides of the first air guide portion and the second air guide portion. The at least one mist guide channel includes a first mist guide channel and a second mist guide channel, the first mist guide channel being located on the first air guide portion, and the second mist guide channel being located on the second air guide portion. The first mist guide channel and the second mist guide channel are located in the air guide internal space. The air outlet channel includes a first air outlet channel portion and a second air outlet channel portion. The first air outlet channel portion is located outside the first air guide portion and is defined between the first air guide portion and the first housing portion. The second air outlet channel portion is located outside the second air guide portion and is defined between the second air guide portion and the second housing portion.

[0010] In the automotive air conditioning outlet device described above, the at least one pipeline includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first pipeline and the second pipeline being connected to both ends of the first mist guide channel, respectively. Furthermore, the first pipeline is provided with a first manifold, and the second pipeline is provided with a second manifold, the first manifold and the second manifold being connected to both ends of the second mist guide channel, respectively. The first pipeline, the second pipeline, the first manifold, and the second manifold are each configured to have an open state and a closed state, thereby fluidly connecting or disconnecting the first mist guide channel or the second mist guide channel, respectively, from the mist supply device.

[0011] The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above includes a light-emitting device, which is configured to illuminate the mist released from the at least one mist outlet.

[0012] In the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above, the light-emitting device is configured to emit light of different colors in response to temperature changes in the vehicle compartment, so that the mist released from the at least one mist outlet presents different colors in response to the temperature in the vehicle compartment.

[0013] In the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above, the light-emitting device is disposed at one end of the air guide member located at the air outlet.

[0014] In the automotive air conditioning air outlet device as described above, the at least one mist outlet has a length, and the length extends across the width of the flow path.

[0015] In the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above, the length of the at least one mist outlet is equivalent to the length of the air outlet.

[0016] In the above-described automotive air conditioning outlet device, the mist supply device includes a housing and at least one atomizer. The housing defines a cavity configured to contain a liquid. The at least one atomizer is housed in the cavity. At least one of the at least one atomizer is selectively activated to atomize the liquid to produce the mist.

[0017] In the automotive air conditioning outlet device described above, an air pressure sensor is provided in the chamber, configured to detect the air pressure in the chamber. Based on the detection result of the air pressure sensor, the number of atomizers activated and / or the flow rate of the mist released from the at least one mist outlet is controlled.

[0018] In the above-described automobile air conditioning outlet device, a liquid level sensor is provided in the cavity, and the liquid level sensor is configured to detect the liquid level in the cavity and to execute or stop the operation of injecting additional liquid into the cavity based on the liquid level in the cavity.

[0019] In the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above, a mist flow rate regulating device is provided in the cavity, and the mist flow rate regulating device is configured to regulate the flow rate of the mist released from the at least one mist outlet.

[0020] In the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device as described above, at least one temperature regulating device is provided in the cavity, and the temperature regulating device is configured to heat or cool the liquid in the cavity to regulate the temperature of the mist released from the at least one mist outlet.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present application, the present application provides an automobile, which includes the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to the present application.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies, the automotive air conditioning outlet device provided in this application can provide drivers and passengers with a visual indication of the direction and strength of airflow through mist, eliminating the need for such indications via the vehicle's center console. Furthermore, compared to the indications provided by the vehicle's center console, the mist indication provided in this application is more intuitive and makes it easier for drivers and passengers to understand the current direction and strength of airflow. In this application, the mist can also be illuminated by a light with a changeable color, indicating the cabin temperature through different mist colors. Furthermore, the mist provided by the automotive air conditioning outlet device in this application can also provide a humidification function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1A A schematic three-dimensional diagram showing an angle of an automobile air-conditioning outlet device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A A longitudinal sectional view of a partial structure of an automobile air-conditioning outlet device is shown.

[0026] Figure 1C Show Figure 1A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the automobile air-conditioning outlet device shown from another angle.

[0027] Figure 2 Show Figure 1A The structure diagram of an embodiment of a mist supply device in an automobile air-conditioning outlet device is shown.

[0028] Main logo description:

[0029] Automobile air conditioner air outlet device 100 housing 101

[0030] First housing portion 101a Second housing portion 101b

[0031] Air guide 102 First air guide portion 102a

[0032] Second air guide part 102b Air guide internal space 103

[0033] Air outlet channel 110: First air outlet channel portion 110a

[0034] Second air outlet channel portion 110b air outlet 111

[0035] Mist supply device 130 Mist outlet 145

[0036] First pipeline 151 First manifold 152

[0037] Solenoid valve 153 / 154 / 155 Lighting device 160

[0038] Second pipeline 161 Second manifold 162

[0039] Solenoid valve 163 / 164 / 165 First mist guide channel 171

[0040] Second mist guiding channel 172 housing 231

[0041] Container cavity 232 Liquid injection port 233

[0042] Solenoid valve 234 Printed circuit board 241

[0043] Atomizer 242 Insulation layer 243

[0044] First outlet 251 Second outlet 261

[0045] Solenoid valve 252 / 262 First liquid level sensor 271

[0046] Second liquid level sensor 272 Air pressure sensor 273 Mist flow rate adjustment device 274 Temperature adjustment device 275 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Various embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings which constitute a part of this specification. It should be understood that, where possible, the same or similar reference numerals used in this application refer to the same components.

[0048] It should be understood that if directional terms such as "front," "back," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used in this application to describe various example structural parts and elements of this application, these terms are used for convenience of description only and are determined based on the example orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these directional terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0049] The term "lateral dimension" as used herein refers to the left-right dimension of a corresponding component or structure when the air outlet of the automobile air conditioning air outlet device of the present application faces the driver or passenger. The term "mist" as used herein includes small droplets formed by water or other liquids.

[0050] Figures 1A to 1C The overall structure of an automobile air-conditioning air outlet device 100 according to one embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 1A It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device 100 at one angle. Figure 1B Show Figure 1A The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the partial structure of the automobile air-conditioning outlet device 100 is shown. For the purpose of clear display, Figure 1B Only the housing 101 and the air guide 102 of the automobile air conditioner air outlet device 100 are shown. Figure 1C Show Figure 1A The schematic perspective view of the automobile air-conditioning outlet device 100 is shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 1C An automobile air-conditioning air outlet device 100 according to one embodiment of the present application is described.

[0051] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device 100 includes a housing 101 and an air guide 102, and the air guide 102 is located in the space defined by the housing 101. The housing 101 and the air guide 102 form an air outlet channel defining component, and the air outlet channel 110 is defined between the housing 101 and the air guide 102. The air outlet channel 110 defines the flow path of the air flow to guide the air flow toward the automobile compartment. The air outlet channel 110 includes an air outlet 111, and the air outlet 111 connects the air outlet channel 110 with the compartment, so that the air flow in the air outlet channel 110 enters the compartment via the air outlet 111, and is used to cool, heat, ventilate and purify the air in the compartment.

[0052] Further references Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe shell 101 comprises a first shell portion 101a and a second shell portion 101b, and the air guide 102 comprises a first air guide portion 102a and a second air guide portion 102b. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first air guide portion 102a and the second air guide portion 102b are connected to each other at the front end located at the air outlet 111. The outside of the first air guide portion 102a is relative to the first shell portion 101a, and the outside of the second air guide portion 102b is relative to the second shell portion 101b. This makes the air outlet channel 110 be divided into the first air outlet channel portion 110a and the second air outlet channel portion 110b. The first air outlet channel portion 110a is located at the outside of the first air guide portion 102a, is limited between the first air guide portion 102a and the first shell portion 101a, and is used to guide airflow to enter the compartment in a top-down direction. The second air outlet channel portion 110b is located outside the second air guide portion 102b and is confined between the second air guide portion 102b and the second housing portion 101b for guiding airflow into the compartment from bottom to top. The inner side of the first air guide portion 102a is opposite to the inner side of the second air guide portion 102b and is spaced a certain distance apart to form an air guide inner space 103.

[0053] Continue to refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B A first mist guide channel 171 is provided at the front end of the first air guide portion 102a, located at the air outlet 111, and a second mist guide channel 172 is provided at the front end of the second air guide portion 102b, located at the air outlet 111. The first mist guide channel 171 and the second mist guide channel 172 are respectively arranged on the inner sides of the first air guide portion 102a and the second air guide portion 102b, so as to be located within the air guide internal space 103. Therefore, the first mist guide channel 171 and the first air outlet channel portion 110a are respectively located on both sides of the first air guide portion 102a, so that the first mist guide channel 171 does not occupy the space of the first air outlet channel portion 110a. Similarly, the second mist guide channel 172 and the second air outlet channel portion 110b are respectively located on both sides of the second air guide portion 102b, so that the second mist guide channel 172 does not occupy the space of the second air outlet channel portion 110b. Therefore, providing the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 on the air guide 102 does not affect the flow of air in the air outlet channel 110 .

[0054] The first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 have a length (i.e., a transverse dimension) that extends across the width (i.e., transverse dimension) of the flow path of the airflow. As shown in the figure, the lengths of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 extend perpendicularly across the width of the flow path of the airflow. However, in other embodiments, the lengths of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 can be configured to extend obliquely across the width of the flow path of the airflow. As described in detail below, the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 are used to receive mist from the mist supply device 130 and allow the mist to flow therein to be distributed in the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172.

[0055] The first mist guiding channel 171 is provided with a first plurality of mist outlets 145. The first plurality of mist outlets 145 are configured to fluidically connect the first mist guiding channel 171 with the first air outlet channel portion 110a, allowing mist in the first mist guiding channel 171 to be released from the first plurality of mist outlets 145 into the first air outlet channel portion 110a. The second mist guiding channel 172 is provided with a second plurality of mist outlets 145. The second plurality of mist outlets 145 are configured to fluidically connect the second mist guiding channel 172 with the second air outlet channel portion 110b, allowing mist in the second mist guiding channel 172 to be released from the second plurality of mist outlets 145 into the second air outlet channel portion 110b. As shown in the figure, the first plurality of mist outlets 145 are located upstream of the air outlet 111 along the airflow path defined by the first air outlet duct portion 110a, and the second plurality of mist outlets 145 are located upstream of the airflow path defined by the second air outlet duct portion 110b. Therefore, when mist is released from the mist outlets 145, it enters the air outlet duct 110. Driven by the airflow in the air outlet duct 110, the mist follows the airflow and enters the vehicle cabin through the air outlet 111. As a result, the mist entering the vehicle cabin has the same flow direction as the airflow entering the vehicle cabin, providing a visual indication of the airflow direction. Furthermore, the amount of mist entering the vehicle cabin corresponds to the strength of the airflow entering the vehicle cabin. That is, the stronger the airflow, the greater the amount of mist entering the vehicle cabin. Therefore, the mist provides a visual indication of the airflow strength. Furthermore, the mist released into the vehicle cabin increases the humidity inside the vehicle cabin, providing a more comfortable experience for the driver and passengers. It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the mist outlet 145 is not disposed upstream of the air outlet, but is disposed at the location of the air outlet 111 .

[0056] Furthermore, in the configuration of the automobile air conditioner air outlet device 100 shown in the figure, the two-part structure of the air guide 102 is necessary in order for the air outlet duct 110 to provide both top-down and bottom-up wind into the vehicle compartment, because the two-part structure of the air outlet duct 110 is achieved with the aid of the two-part structure of the air guide 102. Therefore, in the embodiment of the automobile air conditioner air outlet device 100 shown in the figure, the air guide internal space 103 is created based on the need to guide the flow direction of the airflow, rather than being specifically provided for the purpose of providing the first mist guide channel 171 and the second mist guide channel 172. The embodiment shown in the figure utilizes the air guide internal space 103 already present in the air guide 102 to provide the first mist guide channel 171 and the second mist guide channel 172, which eliminates the need to increase the size of the automobile air conditioner air outlet device 100.

[0057] It should be understood that the positions of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 in the embodiment shown in the figure are merely exemplary settings. In other embodiments, the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 can be set in other positions, and still enable the automobile air conditioning outlet device according to the present application to provide mist to indicate the direction and strength of the airflow. As an example, the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 can be respectively set on the outside of the first air guide part 102a and the second air guide part 102b, located in the first air outlet channel part 110a and the second air outlet channel part 110b. As another example, the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 can be set on the inside or outside of the first shell part 101a and the second shell part 101b. As another example, the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 can be set on a component independent of the shell 101 and the air guide 102, which is, for example, set in the air outlet channel 110.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first mist guiding channel 171, the second mist guiding channel 172, and the mist outlet 145 are arranged at the front end of the air guide 102 at the air outlet 111. This allows the mist to enter the vehicle immediately after being released from the mist outlet 145. In other words, the mist travels the shortest distance in the air outlet channel 110 from the time of its release to the time of its entry into the vehicle. This prevents the mist droplets from adhering to the housing 101 and air guide 102 that define the air outlet channel 110 after its release, and also prevents the mist from vaporizing into gas before entering the vehicle. The adhesion of mist droplets to the housing 101 and air guide 102 and the vaporization of mist before entering the vehicle are generally undesirable because they may result in a reduction in the amount of mist entering the vehicle, which may not be sufficient to indicate the direction and strength of the airflow. In addition, the accumulation of mist droplets in the air outlet channel 110 may cause liquid to flow out of the air outlet 111 or affect the performance of automotive electronic devices. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the first mist guiding channel 171, the second mist guiding channel 172, and the mist outlet 145 can be arranged at a position farther away from the air outlet 111, while still being able to provide mist to indicate the direction and strength of the airflow.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in this figure, the length (i.e., lateral dimension) of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 is approximately the same as the length (i.e., lateral dimension) of the air outlet 111. In addition, the first plurality of mist outlets 145 are distributed along the length of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the first mist guiding channel 171, respectively, so that the first plurality of mist outlets 145 and the second plurality of mist outlets 145 have a length (i.e., lateral dimension) that extends through the width (i.e., lateral dimension) of the air flow path and is comparable (i.e., the same or approximately the same) to the length of the air outlet 111. This allows the mist to enter the vehicle compartment along the entire length of the air outlet 111, just like the air flow, to better indicate the direction and strength of the air flow. As shown in the figure, the length of the first plurality of mist outlets 145 and the second plurality of mist outlets 145 extends perpendicularly through the width of the air flow path. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the lengths of the first and second mist outlets 145, 145 can be configured to extend obliquely across the width of the airflow path. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the lengths of the first and second mist guiding channels 171, 172, and the lengths of the first and second mist outlets 145, 145 can be configured to be less than the length of the air outlet 111. In yet other embodiments, the directions of the lengths of the first and second mist guiding channels 171, 172, and the directions of the lengths of the first and second mist outlets 145, 145 can be configured differently from the embodiments of the present application. In yet other embodiments, a different number of mist guiding channels can be provided, such as one, three, or more. In yet other embodiments, a different number of mist outlets can be provided, such as each group of mist outlets can have one, two, or more mist outlets. Furthermore, the dimensions of each mist outlet shown in the figures are merely illustrative; in different embodiments, the dimensions of the mist outlets can be configured as desired.

[0060] Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown in the figure, the automobile air conditioner air outlet device 100 includes a light-emitting device 160. The light-emitting device 160 is arranged at the front end of the air guide 102 at the air outlet 111, located at the connection point between the first air guide portion 102a and the second air guide portion 102b. The light-emitting device 160 is used to illuminate the mist released into the vehicle compartment from the mist outlet 145, so that the mist takes on a color. The color of the mist can provide a more obvious visual indication of the direction and strength of the airflow to the driver and passengers. In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 160 is an LED light strip. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the light-emitting device 160 is arranged in the air guide internal space 103 and thus does not occupy the space of the air outlet channel 110. In this arrangement, the material at the connection point between the first air guide portion 102a and the second air guide portion 102b does not block the light of the light-emitting device 160, and the material at the connection point between the first air guide portion 102a and the second air guide portion 102b is transparent. It should be understood that the positions of the light-emitting device 160 shown in the drawings of this application are merely exemplary and do not constitute a limitation on the placement of the light-emitting device 160. In other embodiments, the light-emitting device 160 may be positioned elsewhere to illuminate the mist entering the vehicle cabin. It should also be understood that in other embodiments, the automotive air conditioning outlet device 100 may be configured without the light-emitting device 160.

[0061] In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 160 is configured to emit different colors of light in response to changes in the vehicle cabin temperature, thereby causing the mist entering the vehicle cabin to appear different colors accordingly. In some embodiments, when the vehicle cabin temperature is within a higher first temperature range, the light-emitting device 160 emits warm light (e.g., red light), causing the mist released from the mist outlet 145 into the vehicle cabin to appear warm in color, thereby providing a visual indication to the driver and passengers that the vehicle cabin temperature is within the first temperature range and creating a warm atmosphere for the driver and passengers. When the vehicle cabin temperature is within a lower second temperature range, the light-emitting device 160 emits cool light (e.g., blue light), causing the mist released from the mist outlet 145 into the vehicle cabin to appear cool in color, thereby providing a visual indication to the driver and passengers that the vehicle cabin temperature is within the second temperature range and creating a cool atmosphere for the driver and passengers. In other embodiments, the light-emitting device 160 is configured to emit a wider range of colors of light in response to changes in the vehicle cabin temperature. For example, the light-emitting device 160 can emit orange light in response to the vehicle cabin temperature being within a third temperature range (between the first temperature range and the second temperature range), so that the mist released from the mist outlet 145 into the vehicle cabin can appear orange, providing a visual indication to the driver and passengers that the vehicle cabin temperature is within the third temperature range. It should be understood that the colors emitted by the light-emitting device 160 described in this application are exemplary. In other embodiments, the light-emitting device 160 is configured to emit other colors in response to the vehicle cabin temperature.

[0062] Because the lighting device 160 of the present application illuminates the mist released from the mist outlet 145 into the vehicle cabin, causing the mist to take on color, and the mist is continuously flowing, the present application provides a dynamic color effect. Compared to static color effects, the dynamic color effect provided by the present application can provide drivers and passengers with a more direct, more intense, and more persistent visual indication of the vehicle cabin temperature.

[0063] refer to Figure 1C The automotive air conditioning outlet device 100 further includes a mist supply device 130 for providing mist. The automotive air conditioning outlet device 100 further includes a first pipe 151 and a second pipe 161. The first pipe 151 and the second pipe 161 connect the mist supply device 130 with the first and second mist guide channels 171 and 172, respectively, for delivering mist from the mist supply device 130 to the first and second mist guide channels 171 and 172, and subsequently releasing the mist from the mist outlet 145.

[0064] like Figure 1C As shown, a first manifold 152 is provided on the first pipeline 151, thereby providing the first pipeline 151 with one input end and two output ends. Similarly, a second manifold 162 is provided on the second pipeline 161, thereby providing the second pipeline 161 with one input end and two output ends. The input ends of the first pipeline 151 and the second pipeline 161 are respectively connected to the mist supply device 130, the two output ends of the first pipeline 151 are respectively connected to the first ends of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172, and the two output ends of the second pipeline 161 are respectively connected to the second ends of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172.

[0065] Further Figure 1C As shown, solenoid valves 153 and 154 are provided on the first pipeline 151. In the direction of mist flow from the mist supply device 130 to the vehicle compartment, solenoid valve 153 is positioned upstream of the first manifold 152, and solenoid valve 154 is positioned downstream of the first manifold 152. Furthermore, a solenoid valve 155 is provided on the first manifold 152. Similarly, solenoid valves 163 and 164 are provided on the second pipeline 161. In the direction of mist flow from the mist supply device 130 to the vehicle compartment, solenoid valve 163 is positioned upstream of the second manifold 162, and solenoid valve 164 is positioned downstream of the second manifold 162. Furthermore, a solenoid valve 165 is provided on the second manifold 162.

[0066] The solenoid valve 153 is controlled to selectively open or close the first pipe 151 to connect the first end of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 to the mist supply device 130 or disconnect the fluid connection therebetween, so as to selectively deliver the mist to the mist outlet 145 through or without passing through the first pipe 151 (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B Solenoid valves 154 and 155 are controlled so that mist entering first pipeline 151 can be selectively delivered to at least one of the first ends of first mist guiding channel 171 and second mist guiding channel 172 through at least one of first pipeline 151 and first manifold 152, thereby releasing mist through mist outlet 145 on at least one of first mist guiding channel 171 and second mist guiding channel 172. Solenoid valves 163, 164, and 165 are respectively controlled to operate similarly to solenoid valves 153, 154, and 155 to control the opening or closing of second pipeline 161 and second manifold 162, so that second pipeline 161 and second manifold 162 do or do not deliver mist to the corresponding mist outlet 145.

[0067] The arrangement of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 161 and the manifold and the solenoid valve thereon enables fluid connection or disconnection between the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 and the mist supply device 130 as required, so as to adjust the flow of mist from the mist outlet 145 (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) The amount of mist released. For example, when the maximum amount of mist needs to be released from the mist outlet 145, the solenoid valves can be controlled to simultaneously open the first pipe 151, the second pipe 161, the first manifold 152, and the second manifold 162, so that mist from the mist supply device 130 simultaneously enters the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 from both ends. When the discharge of mist needs to be reduced, the solenoid valves can be controlled to close any one or more of the first pipe 151, the second pipe 161, the first manifold 152, and the second manifold 162, so that any one or more ends of the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172 do not receive mist from the mist supply device 130, thereby reducing the amount of mist entering the first mist guiding channel 171 and the second mist guiding channel 172, thereby reducing the amount of mist discharged from the mist outlet 145. Adjusting the amount of mist discharged from the mist outlet 145 ensures that sufficient mist is discharged from the mist outlet 145 to provide visual indications of the direction and strength of the airflow to the car driver and passengers, and also prevents excessive mist from entering the car compartment, thereby preventing the fog in the car compartment from affecting the driver's vision, thereby ensuring driving safety.

[0068] Although the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures shows two pipes 151 and 161 provided in the automotive air conditioning outlet device 100, each of which is provided with a manifold 152 and 162, respectively, it should be understood that in other embodiments, a different number of pipes may be provided, such as one, three, or more, and each pipe may be provided with a different number of manifolds, such as two or more. Pipes directly connected to the mist supply device 130 may also be provided in place of the manifolds 152 and 162. Although solenoid valves are used in the embodiments described herein to control the opening and closing of the pipes and manifolds, it should be understood that other suitable devices may be used in place of solenoid valves to achieve control of the pipes.

[0069] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1C FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a mist supply device 130 in a vehicle air conditioning outlet device 100. Figure 2 As shown, the mist supply device 130 is a mist generating tank, which includes a housing 231. The housing 231 defines a cavity 232. The cavity 232 is used to store liquid (e.g., water). The liquid can be atomized in the cavity 232 to generate mist. The housing 231 is provided with a liquid injection port 233 for injecting liquid into the cavity 232. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the liquid injection port 233 is controlled by the solenoid valve 234 to open or close, so that liquid can be injected into the cavity 232 through the liquid injection port 233 or the liquid injection can be stopped. It should be understood that in other embodiments, other suitable devices and methods can be used to inject liquid into the cavity 232 or stop injecting liquid (for example, manually opening or closing the liquid injection port 233). The housing 231 is also provided with a first outlet 251 and a second outlet 261, which are respectively used to connect to the first pipeline 151 and the second pipeline 161 (see Figure 1C By controlling the electromagnetic valves 252 and 262, the mist generated in the chamber 232 is sent to the corresponding first pipe 151 and the second pipe 161 through at least one of the first outlet 251 and the second outlet 261, and then is discharged from the corresponding mist outlet 145 (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B In some embodiments, essence is placed in the liquid in the cavity 232 so that the mist discharged from the mist outlet 145 provides a fragrance atmosphere in the vehicle.

[0070] A printed circuit board (PCB) 241 is provided in the cavity 232. Several atomizers 242 (e.g., mist generating heads) are provided on the PCB 241. The PCB 241 controls the operation of the several atomizers 242 to atomize the liquid in the cavity 232, thereby generating mist. In some embodiments, the several atomizers 242 in the cavity 232 are controlled to operate simultaneously to generate mist. In other embodiments, only some of the atomizers 242 are controlled to operate to reduce the generation of mist. It should be understood that Figure 2 The number of atomizers 242 is only schematically shown. In different embodiments, the number of atomizers 242 can be set as needed. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, an insulating layer 243 is provided between the atomizer 242 and the printed circuit board 241 to isolate the liquid from the printed circuit board 241. Although in the embodiment described in the present application, the number of the atomizers 242 in operation is controlled by the printed circuit board 241, in other embodiments, such control may be performed by other suitable means.

[0071] A first liquid level sensor 271 and a second liquid level sensor 272 are provided in the chamber 232, with the second liquid level sensor 272 located above the first liquid level sensor 271. The first liquid level sensor 271 and the second liquid level sensor 272 are used to detect whether the liquid level in the chamber 232 has reached a low liquid level threshold and a high liquid level threshold, respectively. When the first liquid level sensor 271 detects that the liquid level in the chamber 232 has reached the low liquid level threshold, the solenoid valve 234 is controlled to open the liquid injection port 233, allowing additional liquid to be injected into the chamber 232 to prevent the atomizer 242 from drying out. When the second liquid level sensor 272 detects that the liquid level in the chamber 232 has reached the high liquid level threshold, the solenoid valve 234 is controlled to close the liquid injection port 233, thereby stopping the injection of additional liquid into the chamber 232. When the first liquid level sensor 271 detects that the liquid level in the chamber 232 has reached a low liquid level threshold, in some embodiments, additional liquid is automatically injected from a liquid supply source (e.g., a water storage pot located in the front compartment of the vehicle engine, a water container independent of the vehicle, etc.) into the chamber 232; in other embodiments, a liquid injection prompt is issued to remind the operator to inject additional liquid into the chamber 232. When the second liquid level sensor 272 detects that the liquid level in the chamber 232 has reached a high liquid level threshold, in some embodiments, the injection of additional liquid from the liquid supply source into the chamber 232 is automatically stopped; in other embodiments, a liquid injection stop prompt is issued to remind the operator to stop injecting additional liquid into the chamber 232.

[0072] An air pressure sensor 273 is provided in the cavity 232. The air pressure sensor 273 detects the air pressure in the cavity 232. The detected air pressure indicates the amount of mist in the cavity 232. When the detection result of the air pressure sensor 273 indicates that the amount of mist in the cavity 232 is too large, the printed circuit board 241 controls the closure of some atomizers 242 to reduce the generation of mist. When the detection result of the air pressure sensor 273 indicates that the amount of mist in the cavity 232 is too small, the printed circuit board 241 controls the opening of more atomizers 242 to increase the generation of mist. As described below, the detection result of the air pressure sensor 273 is also used to adjust the gear position of the mist flow rate adjustment device 274 to change the mist flow rate and adjust the amount of mist in the cavity 232.

[0073] A mist flow rate regulating device 274 is also provided in the chamber 232. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the mist flow rate regulating device 274 is a turbine blower. When the turbine blower is turned on, the mist flow rate increases. The turbine blower can be configured to have different gears to generate wind forces of different magnitudes to obtain different mist flow rates, thereby adjusting the mist flow rate from the mist outlet 145 (see FIG. 145 ) as needed. Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) to release a certain amount of mist. The gear adjustment of the turbo fan is set to match the gear of the vehicle air conditioner. For example, in some embodiments, when the vehicle air conditioner is in a high gear, providing strong air conditioning wind (or strong air flow), the flow rate of the mist released from the mist outlet 145 will increase accordingly, so the gear of the turbo fan is lowered to provide a smaller wind force, or even the turbo fan is turned off. The gear adjustment of the turbo fan can also respond to the detection result of the air pressure sensor 273. When the detection result of the air pressure sensor 273 indicates that the amount of mist in the cavity 232 is too large, the gear of the turbo fan is adjusted to increase the mist flow rate. When the detection result of the air pressure sensor 273 indicates that the amount of mist in the cavity 232 is too small, the gear of the turbo fan is adjusted to reduce the mist flow rate. Since the turbo fan does not generate noise, using the turbo fan to adjust the mist flow rate does not increase the noise in the vehicle cabin. In other embodiments, other devices can be used as the mist flow rate adjustment device 274.

[0074] The cavity 232 is further provided with a temperature regulating device 275 for regulating the temperature of the liquid in the cavity 232 in response to the air flow temperature so that the temperature of the mist generated in the cavity 232 matches the air flow temperature. Figure 1A and Figure 1B) when the cold air (cold air flow) is discharged, the temperature regulating device 275 is controlled to lower the temperature of the liquid in the cavity 232, thereby lowering the temperature of the mist generated in the cavity 232 to match the cold air (cold air flow) discharged from the air outlet 111. When the automobile air conditioner is in heating mode and the air outlet 111 discharges warm air (warm air flow), the temperature regulating device 275 is controlled to increase the temperature of the liquid in the cavity 232, thereby raising the temperature of the mist generated in the cavity 232 to match the warm air (warm air flow) discharged from the air outlet 111. Therefore, the setting of the temperature regulating device 275 makes the mist discharged from the mist outlet 145 (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) The mist released matches the temperature of the air flow discharged from the air outlet 111, which makes the mist released from the mist outlet 145 not interfere with the heating or cooling effect of the car air conditioner. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, two temperature regulating devices 275 are provided in the chamber 232, one on each opposite side of the housing 231, so that the liquid in the chamber 232 is evenly heated or cooled. It should be understood that in some embodiments, other numbers of temperature regulating devices 275 may be provided. In some embodiments, the temperature regulating devices 275 are cold / heat generating plates.

[0075] This application has at least the following technical effects:

[0076] 1. This application can increase the humidity in the car by releasing mist into the car, providing a comfortable feeling for the driver and passengers.

[0077] 2. This application can provide visual indications of the direction and strength of the airflow by releasing mist from the mist outlet and following the airflow into the vehicle compartment.

[0078] 3. The present application makes the amount of mist released from the mist outlet adjustable by controlling the number of atomizers opened, controlling the number of mist guide channels and mist guide channel ports connected to the mist supply device, controlling the gear position of the mist flow rate regulating device, and other means, so that the amount of mist entering the vehicle compartment can be reasonably controlled, thereby enabling the mist released from the mist outlet to clearly indicate the direction and strength of the airflow, and preventing excessive mist from entering the vehicle compartment and affecting the driver's vision, thereby ensuring driving safety.

[0079] 4. In the present application, the mist temperature can be adjusted to match the temperature of the air flow output from the car air conditioner, so that the mist does not affect the heating and cooling effects of the car air conditioner.

[0080] 5. In the present application, the mist and the light emitting device cooperate to provide a more obvious visual indication of the direction and strength of the airflow.

[0081] 6. In the present application, the mist and the light emitting device cooperate to enable the mist to provide a dynamic color presentation of the temperature in the vehicle cabin, thereby providing the driver and passengers with a direct, strong and lasting visual indication of the temperature in the vehicle cabin.

[0082] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents, whether known or now or foreseeable in the near future, may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary and not restrictive; so the disclosures in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or may solve other technical problems. Therefore, the examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure set out above are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to include all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. An automobile air-conditioning air outlet device, characterized in that: The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device comprises: an air outlet passage, the air outlet passage comprising an air outlet, the air outlet being configured to connect the air outlet passage with a vehicle compartment, wherein the air outlet passage defines a flow path, airflow flows along the flow path and enters the vehicle compartment through the air outlet; at least one mist outlet, the at least one mist outlet being disposed on the flow path and being configured to be in fluid communication with the air outlet passage, such that mist released from the at least one mist outlet enters the air outlet passage and, driven by the airflow, follows the airflow into the vehicle compartment through the air outlet; a mist supply device, the mist supply device being configured to be connected to the at least one mist outlet to provide mist to the at least one mist outlet; and At least one pipeline is configured to connect the mist supply device and the at least one mist outlet to deliver the mist from the mist supply device to the at least one mist outlet.

2. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one pipe is configured to have an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state, the at least one pipe connects the mist supply device to the at least one mist outlet fluid, and in the closed state, the at least one pipe disconnects the fluid connection between the mist supply device and the at least one mist outlet.

3. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Automobile air conditioning outlet device includes: at least one mist guiding channel, the at least one mist outlet being disposed on the at least one mist guiding channel and being in fluid communication with the at least one mist guiding channel, and the at least one pipeline connecting the at least one mist guiding channel and the mist supply device; Wherein, when the at least one pipeline is in the open state, the at least one pipeline connects the mist supply device with the fluid of the at least one mist guiding channel; when the at least one pipeline is in the closed state, the at least one pipeline disconnects the fluid connection between the mist supply device and the at least one mist guiding channel.

4. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device comprises: An air outlet channel defining component is provided, wherein the air outlet channel defining component defines and forms the air outlet channel, wherein the at least one mist guiding channel is provided on the air outlet channel defining component.

5. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air outlet channel defining component includes a housing and an air guide, the air guide is located in a space defined by the housing, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the air guide includes a first air guide portion and a second air guide portion, and an air guide internal space is defined between inner sides of the first air guide portion and the second air guide portion; The at least one mist guiding channel includes a first mist guiding channel and a second mist guiding channel, the first mist guiding channel is located on the first air guide portion, the second mist guiding channel is located on the second air guide portion, and the first mist guiding channel and the second mist guiding channel are located in the inner space of the air guide; and The air outlet channel includes a first air outlet channel portion and a second air outlet channel portion, the first air outlet channel portion is located on the outside of the first air guide portion and is defined between the first air guide portion and the first outer shell portion, and the second air outlet channel portion is located on the outside of the second air guide portion and is defined between the second air guide portion and the second outer shell portion.

6. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The at least one pipeline includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first pipeline and the second pipeline are respectively connected to the two ends of the first mist guiding channel, and the first pipeline is provided with a first manifold, and the second pipeline is provided with a second manifold, the first manifold and the second manifold are respectively connected to the two ends of the second mist guiding channel, wherein the first pipeline, the second pipeline, the first manifold and the second manifold are respectively configured to have an open state and a closed state to connect or disconnect the respective first mist guiding channel or the second mist guiding channel to the fluid of the mist supply device.

7. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device comprises: A light emitting device is configured to illuminate the mist released from the at least one mist outlet.

8. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The light emitting device is configured to emit light of different colors in response to a temperature change in the vehicle cabin, so that the mist released from the at least one mist outlet exhibits different colors in response to the temperature in the vehicle cabin.

9. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one mist outlet has a length that extends across a width of the flow path.

10. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mist supply device comprises: a housing defining a cavity configured to contain a liquid; and At least one atomizer is accommodated in the cavity, wherein the mist supply device is configured to selectively open at least one of the at least one atomizer to atomize the liquid to generate the mist.

11. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 10, characterized in that: An air pressure sensor is provided in the cavity, and the air pressure sensor is configured to detect the air pressure in the cavity, wherein the number of the atomizers opened and / or the flow rate of the mist released from the at least one mist outlet is controlled based on the detection result of the air pressure sensor.

12. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A liquid level sensor is provided in the cavity, and the liquid level sensor is configured to detect the liquid level in the cavity.

13. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A mist flow rate regulating device is provided in the cavity, and the mist flow rate regulating device is configured to regulate the flow rate of the mist released from the at least one mist outlet.

14. The automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to claim 10, characterized in that: At least one temperature regulating device is provided in the cavity, and the temperature regulating device is configured to heat or cool the liquid in the cavity to regulate the temperature of the mist released from the at least one mist outlet.

15. An automobile, characterized in that: The automobile comprises the automobile air-conditioning air outlet device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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