Automobile air pipe lining with antibacterial coating

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automobile air pipe lining with an antibacterial coating. The automobile air pipe lining comprises a base material layer, the antibacterial coating and an adhesion enhancing structure. The antibacterial coating is formed by mixing nano-silver particles and a polymer matrix, the adhesion enhancing structure comprises a microporous membrane and a fiber net, and the adhesion is improved through a silane coupling agent. Flow guide ribs are arranged on the inner surface of the base material layer to optimize an airflow path, and a conical protruding microstructure is arranged on the outer surface of the antibacterial coating to improve the antibacterial performance. The microporous membrane is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, the fiber net is made of polyester fibers, and the bonding layer is made of epoxy resin to enhance the connection strength. And the two ends of the air pipe lining are connected with flanges, so that the sealing performance is ensured. The antibacterial performance, durability and environmental protection performance are remarkably improved, and a better solution is provided for an automobile air conditioning system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts and interior materials technology, and in particular to an automotive air duct liner with an antibacterial coating. Background Technology

[0002] The duct liner is an important component of a vehicle's air conditioning system, primarily functioning to guide airflow and reduce noise. However, over long-term use, the duct liner is susceptible to the effects of a humid environment and microorganisms, leading to the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. These microorganisms can not only produce unpleasant odors but also affect the air quality inside the vehicle, posing a potential threat to the health of passengers.

[0003] To address this issue, some automotive air duct liners have begun to employ antibacterial materials or coating technologies. While existing antibacterial treatments can inhibit microbial growth to some extent, their effectiveness is often short-lived due to insufficient coating adhesion or uneven distribution of antibacterial components. Furthermore, in high-temperature or high-humidity environments, the antibacterial performance may be further weakened, thus reducing the overall usability.

[0004] Due to the complex operating environment of automotive air conditioning systems, the duct lining needs to simultaneously meet multiple requirements, including antibacterial properties, durability, and environmental friendliness. However, current antibacterial coating technologies still have certain limitations in terms of overall performance, especially after long-term use, where the stability of the antibacterial effect needs to be improved. Therefore, a better technical solution is urgently needed to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an automotive duct liner with an antibacterial coating, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] This invention is implemented as follows: an automotive duct liner with an antibacterial coating includes a substrate layer, an antibacterial coating, and an adhesion enhancement structure. The substrate layer is made of a flexible material to guide airflow and reduce noise. The antibacterial coating is disposed on the outer surface of the substrate layer and is formed by mixing nano-silver particles with a polymer matrix, wherein the nano-silver particles are uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The adhesion enhancement structure is located between the substrate layer and the antibacterial coating. The adhesion enhancement structure includes a microporous membrane and a fiber web embedded in the microporous membrane. The microporous membrane is fixed to the surface of the substrate layer by a hot-pressing process, and the fiber web is chemically bonded to the microporous membrane. The surface of the fiber web is coated with a silane coupling agent layer to enhance the adhesion between the antibacterial coating and the substrate layer.

[0007] Preferably, the inner surface of the substrate layer is provided with guide ribs, which are arranged in a spiral shape along the airflow direction. The cross-section of the guide ribs is an arc-shaped structure, and the height of the guide ribs is 1.5 to 2 times the thickness of the substrate layer, in order to optimize the airflow path and reduce noise generation.

[0008] Preferably, the outer surface of the antibacterial coating is provided with a multi-layer microstructure array, which consists of multiple conical protrusions with a height of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and a spacing of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm between adjacent conical protrusions, in order to increase the surface area of ​​the antibacterial coating and improve its antibacterial performance.

[0009] Preferably, the microporous membrane has a pore size ranging from 0.5 μm to 5 μm and a porosity of 30% to 50%. The microporous membrane is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to ensure air permeability while preventing moisture penetration. The fiber web is made of polyester fiber, with a single filament diameter of 10 μm to 20 μm and a weaving density of 50 to 80 fibers per square centimeter to enhance adhesion while maintaining flexibility.

[0010] Preferably, an adhesive layer is provided between the substrate layer and the microporous membrane. The adhesive layer is made of epoxy resin and has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. The adhesive layer is uniformly coated on the surface of the substrate layer by a spraying process to further enhance the connection strength between the substrate layer and the microporous membrane.

[0011] Preferably, the thickness of the antibacterial coating is 0.02 mm to 0.05 mm. The antibacterial coating is applied to the surface of the microporous membrane by electrostatic spraying. During the spraying process, a high-voltage electric field is used to uniformly disperse the nano-silver particles in the polymer matrix to ensure the uniformity and stability of the antibacterial coating.

[0012] Preferably, a sealing strip is provided on the edge of the substrate layer. The sealing strip is made of silicone and is fixed in the edge groove of the substrate layer by an embedded installation method to prevent external moisture from entering the interior of the duct lining.

[0013] Preferably, the duct liner is provided with connecting flanges at both ends. The connecting flanges are made of aluminum alloy and are fixedly connected to the duct interface of the automotive air conditioning system by bolts. A sealing gasket is provided on the inner side of the connecting flange. The sealing gasket is made of EPDM rubber to ensure the sealing of the connection.

[0014] This invention provides an automotive duct liner with an antibacterial coating. Its advantages include: by setting an adhesion-enhancing structure between the substrate layer and the antibacterial coating, and utilizing the synergistic effect of a microporous membrane and fiber mesh, the adhesion between the antibacterial coating and the substrate layer is significantly improved, solving the problem of insufficient adhesion of antibacterial coatings in existing technologies. The uniform dispersion of nano-silver particles and the design of the conical protrusion microstructure in the antibacterial coating not only enhance antibacterial performance but also prolong the duration of the antibacterial effect. Furthermore, the guide ribs on the inner surface of the substrate layer optimize the airflow path and reduce noise generation, while the design of the sealing strip and connecting flange further enhances the sealing and durability of the duct liner. In summary, this invention, through multi-layered structural design and material selection, achieves a comprehensive improvement in antibacterial performance, durability, and environmental friendliness, providing a superior technical solution for automotive air conditioning system duct liners. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is an axial sectional view of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a radial sectional view of the present invention.

[0018] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1. Substrate layer; 2. Antibacterial coating; 3. Adhesion reinforcement structure; 4. Guide ribs; 5. Sealing strip; 6. Microporous membrane; 7. Fiber mesh; 8. Silane coupling agent layer; 9. Conical protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This utility model relates to an automotive air duct liner with an antibacterial coating, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the structure includes a substrate layer 1, an antibacterial coating 2, and an adhesion reinforcement structure 3. The substrate layer 1 is made of a flexible material, and the adhesion reinforcement structure 3 is provided on its outer surface. The antibacterial coating 2 is applied to the outer surface of the adhesion reinforcement structure 3 using an electrostatic spraying process. The adhesion reinforcement structure 3 consists of a microporous membrane 6 and a fiber mesh 7. The microporous membrane 6 is fixed to the outer surface of the substrate layer 1 using a hot-pressing process, and the fiber mesh 7 is embedded in the microporous membrane 6 and bonded to it through chemical bonding. The surface of the fiber mesh 7 is coated with a silane coupling agent layer 8 to enhance the adhesion between the antibacterial coating 2 and the substrate layer 1. The inner surface of the substrate layer 1 is provided with flow-guiding ribs 4, which are arranged spirally along the airflow direction, have an arc-shaped cross-section, and a height 1.5 to 2 times the thickness of the substrate layer 1. A sealing strip 5 is provided at the edge of the substrate layer 1, and the sealing strip 5 is fixed in the edge groove of the substrate layer 1 by an embedded installation method.

[0020] The specific construction of the attachment reinforcement structure 3 is as follows: Figure 2As shown, the microporous membrane 6 has a pore size ranging from 0.5 μm to 5 μm and a porosity of 30% to 50%, and is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The fiber web 7 is made of polyester fiber, with a single filament diameter of 10 μm to 20 μm and a weaving density of 50 to 80 filaments per square centimeter. The fiber web 7 is chemically bonded to the microporous membrane 6, and its surface is coated with a silane coupling agent layer 8. An adhesive layer is provided between the substrate layer 1 and the microporous membrane 6. The adhesive layer is made of epoxy resin, with a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, and is uniformly coated on the surface of the substrate layer 1 by a spraying process. This multi-layered structural design ensures that the adhesion-enhancing structure 3 significantly improves the adhesion between the antibacterial coating 2 and the substrate layer 1 while maintaining flexibility.

[0021] The outer surface of the antibacterial coating 2 is provided with a multi-layer microstructure array, such as Figure 3 As shown, the microstructure array consists of multiple conical protrusions 9, each with a height of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and a spacing of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm between adjacent protrusions 9. The antibacterial coating 2 has a thickness of 0.02 mm to 0.05 mm and is formed by mixing silver nanoparticles with a polymer matrix, wherein the silver nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. During the spraying process, a high-voltage electric field is used to ensure the uniform distribution of the silver nanoparticles, thereby guaranteeing the uniformity and stability of the antibacterial coating 2. This multi-layer microstructure design not only increases the surface area of ​​the antibacterial coating 2 but also further enhances its antibacterial properties.

[0022] The duct liner has connecting flanges at both ends, made of aluminum alloy, which are bolted to the duct interface of the automotive air conditioning system. A sealing gasket made of EPDM rubber is installed on the inside of the connecting flange. The design of the connecting flanges and sealing gaskets ensures a tight seal between the duct liner and the automotive air conditioning system, preventing external moisture from entering the duct.

[0023] In practical applications, air enters the duct liner from the automotive air conditioning system and flows along the guide ribs 4 on the inner surface of the substrate layer 1. The spiral arrangement and arc-shaped cross-section of the guide ribs 4 optimize the airflow path and reduce noise generation. Due to the flexible material properties of the substrate layer 1, the duct liner can adapt to complex installation environments and reduce noise caused by vibration. Simultaneously, the design of the sealing strip 5 effectively prevents external moisture from entering the duct liner, avoiding the impact of a humid environment on its performance.

[0024] The nano-silver particles in the antibacterial coating 2 continuously release antibacterial components during airflow, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold. The multi-layered microstructure array composed of conical protrusions 9 increases the surface area of ​​the antibacterial coating 2, further enhancing its antibacterial effect. The microporous membrane 6 and fiber mesh 7 in the adhesion reinforcement structure 3 work synergistically to ensure the stability and durability of the antibacterial coating 2 during long-term use. Furthermore, the breathability and waterproof properties of the microporous membrane 6 ensure the normal operation of the duct lining in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.

[0025] The adhesive layer between the substrate layer 1 and the adhesion reinforcement structure 3 is uniformly coated using a spraying process, ensuring a strong bond between the two. The weaving density and monofilament diameter of the fiber web 7 are optimized to enhance adhesion while maintaining the overall structural flexibility. The introduction of the silane coupling agent layer 8 further enhances the bonding strength between the fiber web 7 and the antibacterial coating 2, solving the problem of insufficient adhesion of the antibacterial coating in the prior art.

[0026] In the manufacturing process, the outer surface of the substrate layer 1 is first cleaned, and then an epoxy resin adhesive layer is uniformly coated onto its surface using a spraying process. Subsequently, the microporous membrane 6 is fixed to the adhesive layer surface using a hot-pressing process, ensuring a tight bond between the microporous membrane 6 and the substrate layer 1. A fiber mesh 7 is embedded in the microporous membrane 6 and chemically bonded to it; its surface is coated with a silane coupling agent layer 8 to enhance adhesion. Finally, an antibacterial coating 2 is applied to the outer surface of the adhesion-enhancing structure 3 using an electrostatic spraying process. During the spraying process, a high-voltage electric field is used to uniformly disperse the nano-silver particles in the polymer matrix, forming a stable antibacterial coating 2.

[0027] During duct liner installation, the sealing strip 5 is embedded into the edge groove of the base material layer 1 and fixed to the duct interface of the automotive air conditioning system via a connecting flange. The sealing gasket inside the connecting flange ensures a tight seal at the connection, preventing external moisture from entering the duct liner. The entire installation process is simple and efficient, meeting the needs of different vehicle models.

[0028] This invention achieves a comprehensive improvement in antibacterial performance, durability, and environmental friendliness through multi-layered structural design and material selection. The flexible material properties of the substrate layer 1, the optimized design of the guide ribs 4, the multi-layered microstructure of the antibacterial coating 2, and the synergistic effect of the adhesion enhancement structure 3 together constitute a complete solution, providing a superior technical solution for the duct lining of automotive air conditioning systems.

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this utility model, the following supplementary explanation of the specific implementation principle of this utility model is provided in conjunction with a specific application scenario.

[0030] During the operation of the automotive air conditioning system, air enters the duct liner through the duct and first contacts the inner surface of the substrate layer 1. The guide ribs 4 on the inner surface of the substrate layer 1 are arranged spirally along the airflow direction, and their arc-shaped cross-sectional structure effectively guides the airflow along a predetermined path. Since the height of the guide ribs 4 is 1.5 to 2 times the thickness of the substrate layer 1, this design not only optimizes the airflow path but also reduces noise caused by turbulence. At the same time, the flexible material properties of the substrate layer 1 allow it to adapt to complex installation environments and reduce noise transmission caused by vehicle vibration.

[0031] As air flows through the duct lining, the nano-silver particles in the antibacterial coating 2 continuously release antibacterial components under the influence of airflow. The nano-silver particles are uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix, and their release process depends on the humidity and temperature conditions in the air. This release mechanism ensures the stable action of the antibacterial components over a long period. Furthermore, the multi-layered microstructure array on the outer surface of the antibacterial coating 2 consists of multiple conical protrusions 9, each with a height of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and a spacing of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm between adjacent protrusions. This microstructure design significantly increases the surface area of ​​the antibacterial coating 2, thereby enhancing the contact opportunity between the antibacterial components and the air, further strengthening the antibacterial effect.

[0032] The adhesion-enhancing structure 3 plays a crucial role in the stability of the antibacterial coating 2. A microporous membrane 6, with a pore size ranging from 0.5 μm to 5 μm and a porosity of 30% to 50%, is fixed to the outer surface of the substrate layer 1 via a hot-pressing process. The microporous membrane 6 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a material with excellent breathability and waterproof properties, and remains stable under high temperature and humidity conditions. A fiber web 7 is embedded in the microporous membrane 6 and chemically bonded to it. Its monofilament diameter is 10 μm to 20 μm, and its weaving density is 50 to 80 strands per square centimeter. The surface of the fiber web 7 is coated with a silane coupling agent layer 8, which enhances the bonding strength between the fiber web 7 and the antibacterial coating 2 through chemical bonding. This multi-layered structural design not only improves the adhesion of the antibacterial coating 2 but also ensures its durability during long-term use.

[0033] The adhesive layer between the substrate layer 1 and the microporous membrane 6 is uniformly coated using a spraying process. The adhesive layer is made of epoxy resin and has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. This uniform coating ensures a strong bond between the substrate layer 1 and the microporous membrane 6, while preventing peeling due to localized stress concentration. The weaving density and monofilament diameter of the fiber mesh 7 are optimized to enhance adhesion while maintaining the overall structural flexibility, allowing the duct lining to adapt to complex installation environments.

[0034] During the installation of the duct liner, the sealing strip 5 is embedded in the edge groove of the base layer 1. Made of silicone, it effectively prevents external moisture from entering the duct liner. The connecting flanges at both ends of the duct liner are bolted to the duct interface of the automotive air conditioning system. Sealing gaskets made of EPDM rubber are installed on the inner side of the connecting flanges. This design ensures a tight seal between the duct liner and the automotive air conditioning system, preventing external moisture penetration and thus avoiding the impact of a humid environment on the performance of the duct liner.

[0035] In summary, this invention achieves optimized airflow path, enhanced antibacterial performance, and improved structural stability through the synergistic effect of the substrate layer 1, antibacterial coating 2, and adhesion reinforcement structure 3. The combination of these steps and principles ensures the comprehensive performance of the duct lining under complex operating environments, meeting multiple requirements for antibacterial properties, durability, and environmental friendliness.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A car duct liner with an antibacterial coating, comprising a substrate layer (1), an antibacterial coating (2), and an adhesion reinforcement structure (3), characterized in that: The substrate layer (1) is made of a flexible material to guide airflow and reduce noise; The antibacterial coating (2) is disposed on the outer surface of the substrate layer (1). The antibacterial coating (2) is formed by mixing silver nanoparticles with a polymer matrix, wherein the silver nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The adhesion enhancement structure (3) is located between the substrate layer (1) and the antibacterial coating (2). The adhesion enhancement structure (3) includes a microporous membrane (6) and a fiber web (7) embedded in the microporous membrane (6). The microporous membrane (6) is fixed to the surface of the substrate layer (1) by a hot pressing process. The fiber web (7) is bonded to the microporous membrane (6) by chemical bonding. The surface of the fiber web (7) is coated with a silane coupling agent layer (8).

2. The automotive duct liner with antibacterial coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surface of the substrate layer (1) is provided with flow guiding ribs (4), which are arranged in a spiral shape along the air flow direction. The cross-section of the flow guiding ribs (4) is an arc-shaped structure, and the height of the flow guiding ribs (4) is 1.5 to 2 times the thickness of the substrate layer (1).

3. The automotive duct liner with antibacterial coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the antibacterial coating (2) is provided with a multi-layer microstructure array, which consists of multiple conical protrusions (9). The height of the conical protrusions (9) is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, and the spacing between adjacent conical protrusions (9) is 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

4. The automotive duct liner with antibacterial coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microporous membrane (6) has a pore size range of 0.5 micrometers to 5 micrometers and a porosity of 30% to 50%. The microporous membrane (6) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The fiber web (7) is made of polyester fiber. The diameter of the single filament of the fiber web (7) is 10 micrometers to 20 micrometers, and the weaving density of the fiber web (7) is 50 to 80 filaments per square centimeter.

5. The automotive duct liner with antibacterial coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: An adhesive layer is provided between the substrate layer (1) and the microporous membrane (6). The adhesive layer is made of epoxy resin and has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. The adhesive layer is uniformly coated on the surface of the substrate layer (1) by a spraying process.

6. The automotive duct liner with antibacterial coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the antibacterial coating (2) is 0.02 mm to 0.05 mm. The antibacterial coating (2) is applied to the surface of the microporous membrane (6) by electrostatic spraying. During the spraying process, a high voltage electric field is used to uniformly disperse the nano-silver particles in the polymer matrix.

7. The automotive duct liner with antibacterial coating according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing strip (5) is provided on the edge of the substrate layer (1). The sealing strip (5) is made of silicone and is fixed in the edge groove of the substrate layer (1) by an embedded installation method.

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