Ventilation device for a motor vehicle comprising a connection interface allowing the dispersion of a fluid by said device.

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilation device for a motor vehicle comprising a connection interface allowing the dispersion of a fluid by said device. The ventilation device (2) comprises a duct (4) extending between a proximal end (6) and a distal end (8), means (12) for generating an air flow flowing in the duct (4), from its proximal end (6) to its distal end (8), and means (16) for filtering the air flow flowing in the duct (4). The device is remarkable in that the duct (4) comprises a connection interface (18) configured to allow the introduction of a fluid into the duct (4), and in that the connection interface (18) is located downstream of the filtration means (16) relative to an air flow produced by the generation means (12) Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Ventilation device for a motor vehicle comprising a connection interface allowing the dispersion of a fluid by said device. Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the automotive industry and, more particularly, to a ventilation device for a motor vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Nowadays, the disinfection of the interior of motor vehicles has become an important public health concern, particularly due to the growing awareness concerning the transmission by respiratory tract of pathogenic agents, more or less dangerous, such as COVID-19 or the flu.

[0003] However, this approach goes beyond pandemic contexts, including more common situations such as car rentals, where several people may share an enclosed space.

[0004] In order to ensure the safety of occupants and to comply with high hygiene standards, regular disinfection of vehicle interiors has become an essential preventive measure.

[0005] To achieve this, it is recommended to regularly spray a disinfectant gas into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle after use. This practice helps eliminate any pathogens present on surfaces and in the air of the passenger compartment, thus ensuring a healthier interior environment.

[0006] The disinfection protocol begins by thoroughly spraying the disinfectant inside the passenger compartment. Once the disinfectant is applied and the windows are closed, the vehicle's ventilation system is activated in interior air recycling mode. By turning on the ventilation system in recycling mode, the disinfectant-laden interior air is continuously recycled, thus increasing its dispersion in the passenger compartment and therefore its effectiveness. This step is crucial to maximize the distribution of the disinfectant, ensuring its dispersion in all corners of the passenger compartment, including ventilation ducts, seats, and frequently touched surfaces.

[0007] However, it should be noted that this disinfection method has a certain limitation, due to the fact that particles of the disinfectant gas can be deposited inside the passenger compartment, before reaching the ventilation device. This situation is particularly observed when the disinfectant gas consists of massive molecules. The dispersion of the disinfectant gas can then be inhomogeneous in the passenger compartment, certain more or less important areas then being left untreated.

[0008] The invention aims to solve this technical problem, by proposing a ventilation device making it possible to increase the efficiency of a method of disinfecting a motor vehicle, implementing a step of dispersing a disinfectant gas in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Subject of the invention

[0009] For this, the invention proposes a ventilation device comprising a duct extending between a proximal end and a distal end, means for generating an air flow flowing in the duct, from its proximal end to its distal end, and means for filtering the air flow flowing in the duct.

[0010] The invention is remarkable in that the conduit comprises a connection interface, configured to allow the introduction of a fluid into the conduit, and in that the connection interface is located downstream of the filtration means, relative to an air flow produced by the generation means.

[0011] In other words, the invention proposes a ventilation device comprising a connection interface, at a duct in which an air flow flows. Advantageously, the connection interface is configured to allow the introduction of a fluid into the duct. Thus, when a disinfection protocol as described above must be implemented, in a motor vehicle equipped with the ventilation device according to the invention, the disinfectant fluid can be directly injected into the ventilation device via the connection interface, to allow optimal dispersion of the disinfectant fluid in the motor vehicle, via the air flow generated by the ventilation device.

[0012] According to another advantage, the connection interface is located according to the invention, downstream of the filtration means of the ventilation device, so that the filtration means do not hinder the diffusion of the fluid in the duct. In other words, the fluid is introduced into the duct via the connection interface, so that the fluid cannot be captured by the filtration means during its first passage through the ventilation device.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment, the filtration means are located upstream of the means for generating an air flow, relative to the direction of flow of an air flow produced by the generation means. Preferably, the connection interface is located between the filtration means and the means for generating an air flow.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connection interface is configured to allow its connection to fluid supply means. Preferably, the connection interface is configured to allow, at will, a connection then disconnection of the fluid supply means.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connection interface is sealed when no fluid supply means is connected to said interface.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connection interface is configured to be connected to one end of a pipe capable of allowing the flow of a fluid.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connection interface is connected to a reservoir capable of containing a fluid. Preferably, the reservoir comprises a disinfection fluid intended to enable the purification of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. According to an alternative embodiment, the fluid comprises aromatic components intended to perfume the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0018] The term "fluid" means a liquid and / or gas capable of flowing through the connection interface.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the ventilation device comprises an access hatch allowing access to the connection interface.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the ventilation device comprises a housing in which the connection interface is present, the housing comprises an opening allowing a user to access the connection interface, the opening being able to be closed at will by the access hatch.

[0021] Of course, the various characteristics, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be associated with each other in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0022] The invention also relates to an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle comprising a ventilation device as described above.

[0023] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a ventilation device or an air conditioning system as described above. Description of figures

[0024] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a section of a first mode of rea use of a ventilation device according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a section of a second mode of rea use of a ventilation device according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a section of a third mode of rea use of a ventilation device according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0028] As a reminder, the invention proposes a ventilation device making it possible to increase the effectiveness of a method for disinfecting a motor vehicle, implementing a step of dispersing a disinfectant gas in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0029] A first non-limiting embodiment of the invention is illustrated by [Fig. 1]. According to this first embodiment, the ventilation device 2 comprises a duct 4 extending between a proximal end 6 and a distal end 8. The walls 10 delimiting the duct are sealed in order to allow the flow of an air flow between its ends. The distal end 8 of the duct is intended to be placed in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The term "duct" here means any means allowing the flow of an air flow through a ventilation device for a motor vehicle.

[0030] The ventilation device 2 also comprises means 12 for generating an air flow, allowing an air flow to flow in the duct from its proximal end 6 to its distal end 8. According to the present example, the generation means 12 comprise a fan present in the duct 4. The generation means 12 also comprise control means 14 for controlling the operation of the fan. Preferably, the control means 14 are present outside the duct 4, in order to facilitate their connection to an on-board computer of a motor vehicle.

[0031] The ventilation device 2 also comprises filtration means 16 positioned at the proximal end 6 of the duct 4. The filtration means 16 are configured to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris in the duct 4, as well as to capture fine particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores and other allergens, present in the air entering the duct 4. In other words, the filtration means 16 are intended to improve the quality of the airflow flowing from the ventilation device 2.

[0032] The invention is remarkable in that the duct 4 of the ventilation device comprises a connection interface 18. By the term “connection interface” is meant here any means allowing the passage of a fluid through the wall 10 of the duct, from the outside to the inside of said duct.

[0033] The connection interface 18 is present downstream of the filtration means 16. The term “downstream” here designates a positioning of the connection interface relative to the direction of flow of an air flow in the duct 4, set in motion by the generation means 12. In other words, the connection interface is arranged so that the fluid passing through said interface can mix with the air flow flowing in the duct, after the air flow has passed through the generation means 12. filtration 16.

[0034] By way of non-limiting example, the connection interface 18 may be a one-way valve, sealed in the closed position when no fluid container is interfaced therewith.

[0035] Thus, when a disinfection protocol such as described above must be implemented, in a motor vehicle equipped with the ventilation device 2, the disinfectant fluid can be directly injected into the ventilation device via the connection interface, to allow optimal dispersion of the disinfectant fluid in the motor vehicle, via the air flow generated by the ventilation device.

[0036] Preferably, as illustrated by [Fig.l], the ventilation device comprises a housing 20 in which the connection interface 18 is present. The housing is arranged and of suitable dimensions in order to facilitate access to the connection interface for an operator. For this purpose, the housing comprises an access hatch 22 to said housing, easily accessible to the operator from outside the ventilation device.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 2], in order to facilitate the introduction of a fluid into the ventilation device 2, the connection interface 18 can be configured to allow its connection with a pipe 24 connected to a reservoir 26 containing the fluid. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to facilitate the implementation of the disinfection protocol mentioned above.

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 3], the connection interface 18 is connected to a reservoir 26 containing a fluid intended to be injected into the ventilation device 2. Preferably, the reservoir is present in the housing 20. Optionally, the reservoir 26 can be configured to allow its substitution by another reservoir, containing a similar or different fluid.

[0039] According to another embodiment not shown, the connection interface can be controlled by a control unit, in order to remotely control and over time, the quantity of fluid injected into the ventilation device 2.

[0040] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the injection of a disinfection fluid into the ventilation device, but can also allow the injection of a fluid comprising aromatic or other elements.

Claims

Claims

1. Ventilation device (2) comprising a duct (4) extending between a proximal end (6) and a distal end (8), means (12) for generating an air flow flowing in the duct (4), from its proximal end (6) to its distal end (8), and means (16) for filtering the air flow flowing in the duct (4), characterized in that the duct (4) comprises a connection interface (18) configured to allow the introduction of a fluid into the duct (4), and in that the connection interface (18) is located downstream of the filtration means (16), relative to an air flow produced by the generation means (12).

2. Ventilation device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filtration means (16) are located upstream of the means (12) for generating an air flow, relative to the direction of flow of an air flow produced by the generation means (12).

3. Ventilation device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection interface (18) is located between the filtration means (16) and the means (12) for generating an air flow.

4. Ventilation device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection interface (18) is configured to allow its connection to fluid supply means.

5. Ventilation device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the connection interface (18) is configured to allow, at will, a connection then a disconnection of the fluid supply means.

6. Ventilation device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection interface (18) is sealed when no fluid supply means is connected to said interface.

7. Ventilation device (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the connection interface (18) is configured to be connected to one end of a pipe (24) capable of allowing the flow of a fluid.

8. Ventilation device (2) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the connection interface (18) is connected to a reservoir (26) capable of containing a fluid.

9. Ventilation device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising an access hatch (22) allowing access to the interface connection (18).

10. Motor vehicle comprising a ventilation device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

Images