Vehicle air vent apparatus with antibacterial liquid spray function

The integrated air vent device with antibacterial liquid spraying functionality addresses the inconvenience and space issues of separate deodorizers by providing a controlled spraying solution that maintains vehicle interior cleanliness without component damage.

KR102992668B1Active Publication Date: 2026-07-21HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
Filing Date
2021-05-17
Publication Date
2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for disinfecting vehicle interiors require separate antibacterial deodorizers, which are inconvenient to use and can damage air vents and require additional storage space, and may scatter liquid adversely affecting the vehicle's interior components.

Method used

An air vent device integrated with an antibacterial liquid spraying function, featuring a duct section, vent section, and spray section, including a housing, connecting pipe, pressurizing member, and spray nozzle, allowing for controlled spraying of antibacterial liquid into the vehicle interior.

Benefits of technology

The integrated air vent device eliminates the need for separate deodorizers, optimizing space usage and ensuring the antibacterial liquid is sprayed without damaging the vehicle's components, while maintaining cleanliness.

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Abstract

An air vent device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a duct portion having an air passage communicating with an air conditioner and having a connecting hole on one side of a lower portion; a vent portion having a wing knob for controlling the direction of airflow toward the outlet of the duct portion; and a spray portion disposed at the bottom of the duct portion to communicate with the connecting hole of the duct portion and spraying an antibacterial liquid into the interior of the duct portion.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air vent device equipped with an antibacterial liquid spraying function. Background Technology

[0002] The recent COVID-19 outbreak, with its rampant epidemic virus, is recording a large number of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. As the virus has spread into a pandemic, the entire world has been placed in a safety blind spot.

[0003] As a result, as people's interest in hygiene increases, the sales and use of hygiene management products such as masks, antibacterial solutions, and air purifiers are surging.

[0004] Amidst this trend, people are striving to maintain cleanliness by purchasing separate antibacterial deodorizers to disinfect (and sterilize) the vehicle interior and spraying them directly inside the air conditioner and throughout the car cabin.

[0005] However, this method had the inconvenience of requiring the user to purchase a separate aftermarket product and spray it by hand, and it also had the problem of requiring a separate storage space as it had to be kept inside the vehicle for use whenever needed. Furthermore, the antibacterial liquid scattered inside the vehicle could have an adverse effect on the existing air vents and the garnish materials around the air vents. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention is proposed to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a vehicle air vent device equipped with an antibacterial liquid spraying function.

[0007] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0008] An air vent device for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the inside of the vehicle's dashboard and guides air entering from the vehicle's air conditioning system into the vehicle's interior.

[0009] The air vent device of such a vehicle includes: a duct section having an air passage communicating with an air conditioner and a connecting hole on one side of the lower part; a vent section having a wing knob for controlling the direction of airflow toward the outlet of the duct section; and a spray section disposed at the bottom of the duct section in communication with the connecting hole of the duct section and spraying an antibacterial liquid into the interior of the duct section.

[0010] The wing knob is hinge-connected to the duct section so that its position can be adjusted up and down, and is equipped with a pressurizing trigger at the bottom that pressurizes the spray section to induce the spraying of the antibacterial liquid.

[0011] The spray unit includes a housing comprising an inner case containing an antibacterial liquid and an outer case surrounding the inner case; a connecting pipe connecting the housing to a connecting hole; a pressurizing member capable of vertical positioning on the inner diameter of the connecting pipe and pressurized downward by a pressurizing trigger; an elastic member positioned on the inner diameter of the connecting pipe and providing elastic force from below the pressurizing member; and a hose embedded in the housing to communicate with the connecting pipe and provide a path for the movement of the antibacterial liquid.

[0012] The connecting pipe is partially penetrated through the side of the body and is equipped with a spray nozzle that forms a conduit so that the antibacterial liquid can be sprayed into the interior of the duct.

[0013] The housing may have a detachable structure in which the inner case is inserted into the outer case in a sliding manner.

[0014] As another example, the housing may have a detachable structure in which the inner case is inserted into the outer case in the vertical direction.

[0015] At this time, the housing can be snap-fit ​​connected at the contact area between the inner case and the outer case.

[0016] The hose may have an integrated structure in which an inclined section slanted relative to the bottom surface of the internal case and a vertical section extending vertically from the inclined section are connected as one.

[0017] The lower part of the inclined section can come into contact with the bottom surface of the internal case.

[0018] The sprayer is connected in a manner that wraps around the outer circumference of the hose, and may further include a hose knob that acts as a handle to allow the user to adjust the position of the hose.

[0019] The pressure trigger can be extended in a bent state at the bottom of the wing knob.

[0020] The pressure trigger can be attached and detached in a bent state at the bottom of the wing knob. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention, since the air vent device of a vehicle is equipped with an antibacterial liquid spraying function, the inconvenience of the user having to spray a separate antibacterial deodorizer can be resolved.

[0022] Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in terms of space utilization as it does not require a separate storage space for the antibacterial deodorizer.

[0023] In particular, the present invention can satisfy customer needs by implementing an antibacterial liquid spraying function that does not affect cockpit parts at a designated location where air flowing in from the vehicle's air conditioning system can be utilized. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air vent device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of A-A' shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an example diagram of the operation of an air vent device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 to 6 are exemplary diagrams illustrating the detachable structure of an injection part in an air vent device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 are exemplary diagrams illustrating the detachable structure of an injection part in an air vent device of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined by the claims. Meanwhile, the terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. The terms "comprises" or "comprising" as used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements other than those mentioned.

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] Basic configuration

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air vent device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along A-A' shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle's air vent device (100) is mounted inside the dashboard (not shown) of the vehicle and guides air entering from the vehicle's air conditioner (not shown) into the vehicle's interior by switching it to a direct air mode or an indirect air mode.

[0030] The air vent device (100) of the vehicle includes a duct section (110), a vent section (120), and a spray section (130).

[0031] The duct section (110) has an inlet connected to the vehicle's air conditioner, an outlet (outlet side) facing the vehicle interior, and an air passage between the inlet and the outlet.

[0032] A connecting hole (111) is formed at the lower end of the outlet of the duct section (110).

[0033] The vent section (120) controls the airflow direction toward the outlet of the duct section (110). This vent section (120) is equipped with a wing knob (121) so that the user can manually control the airflow direction.

[0034] The wing knob (121) has a structure that links with separate wings that are adjustable left and right and up and down in the vent section (120).

[0035] The wing knob (121) is hinge-connected to the outlet side of the duct section (110) and can be adjusted up and down with respect to the hinge axis. At this time, one end of the wing knob (121) functions as a handle, and the other end of the wing knob (121) can function as a pressure trigger (121a) that presses the pressure member (133) to be described later.

[0036] The spraying unit (130) is positioned at the bottom of the duct unit (110) and sprays antibacterial liquid into the duct unit (110) when pressurized by the pressurizing trigger (121a) of the wing knob (121).

[0037] The injection unit (130) includes a housing (131), a connecting pipe (132), a pressurizing member (133), an elastic member (134), a hose (135), and a hose knob (136).

[0038] The housing (131) is a storage tank containing antibacterial liquid and includes an outer case (131a) and an inner case (131b).

[0039] The outer case (131a) functions as a frame that maintains the overall structure of the housing (131) and is located on the inner side of the garnish (10), communicating with the connecting hole (111) of the duct section (110) through the connecting pipe (132).

[0040] The inner case (131b) is formed with a shape corresponding to the outer case (131a) and has a structure that can be inserted into the inner section of the outer case (131a). The inner case (131b) communicates with the connecting hole (111) of the duct section (110), just like the outer case (131a).

[0041] The connecting pipe (132) connects the connecting hole (111) of the duct section (110) with the housing (131). This connecting pipe (132) is formed with both ends open.

[0042] A cylinder hole (132a) is formed at the lower part of the body of the connecting tube (132) that penetrates the outer case (131a) and the inner case (131b). The cylinder hole (132a) is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting tube (132).

[0043] A spray nozzle (132b) is provided on the side of the body of the connecting pipe (132) to form a channel that is partially penetrated so that the antibacterial liquid can be sprayed into the interior of the duct (110).

[0044] The pressure member (133) can move up and down within the inner diameter of the connecting pipe (132). This pressure member (133) can be pressed downward by the pressure trigger (121a) of the wing knob (121).

[0045] The elastic member (134) is positioned on the inner diameter of the connecting pipe (132) and is placed below the pressure member (133) to provide elastic force toward the pressure member (133).

[0046] The hose (135) is embedded in the housing (131) and has a structure that penetrates the cylinder hole (132a) and communicates with the connecting pipe (132). This hose (135) has an integrated structure in which the inclined section and the vertical section are connected as one, and the lower end of the inclined section contacts the bottom surface of the embedded case (131b).

[0047] The hose knob (136) is connected in a manner that wraps around the outer circumference of the hose (135), preferably connected to the vertical portion of the hose (135). This hose knob (136) serves as a handle to allow the user to adjust the position of the hose (135).

[0048] Operating mechanism of the injection unit (130)

[0049] FIG. 3 is an example diagram of the operation of an air vent device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, when the pressurizing member (133) of the spraying unit (130) is pressurized by the pressurizing trigger (121a) of the wing knob (121), the antibacterial liquid in the internal case (131b) moves upward along the hose (135) according to the Bernoulli principle (theorem).

[0051] The antibacterial liquid moved upward along the hose (135) is sprayed out of the spray nozzle (132b) (inside the duct section (110)) through the connecting pipe (133a) of the pressurizing member (133).

[0052] Since air flows toward the outlet of the duct section (110), the antibacterial liquid sprayed into the duct section (110) by the spray nozzle (132b) can move into the vehicle interior along with the airflow.

[0053] Accordingly, the air vent device (100) of the vehicle has a structural feature that allows the user to simply adjust the wing knob (121) upward to spray antibacterial liquid into the vehicle interior.

[0054] The spraying unit (130) may selectively spray antibacterial liquid through a driving unit (not shown) that rotates the wing knob (121) to a preset angle.

[0055] Detachable structure of the injection part (130); left and right detachable method

[0056] FIGS. 4 to 6 are exemplary diagrams illustrating the detachable structure of the injection part in an air vent device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the inner case (131b) can be optionally detached from the outer case (131a). For example, the detachment structure of the inner case (131b) and the outer case (131a) can be formed by sliding in the front-rear direction.

[0058] First, when the inner case (131b) is removed from the outer case (131a), the hose (135) must descend through the hose knob (136) so as not to come into contact with the connecting pipe (132). Additionally, the vertical movement path of the hose knob (136) must be ensured through a separate slit, and the length of the slit must be such that the minimum hose (135) can be mounted on or removed from the connecting pipe (132).

[0059] When the hose (135) is moved downward by the hose knob (136) and the lower end of the hose (135) touches the inner bottom surface of the inner case (131b), it is preferable that the upper end of the hose (135) does not protrude to the upper surface of the inner case (131b). This is because the sliding detachable structure of the inner case (131b) is possible only when the hose (135) is embedded in the inner case (131b).

[0060] In the section where the inner case (131b) and the outer case (131a) come into contact, a separate caster or rail may be provided to assist in sliding operation.

[0061] Meanwhile, when the inner case (131b) is mounted on the outer case (131a), the inner case (131b) must be in close contact with the interior of the outer case (131a). At this time, a snap-fit ​​fastening structure that facilitates easy mounting or removal operations between the inner case (131b) and the outer case (131a) may be adopted.

[0062] Next, when the inner case (131b) is in close contact with the outer case (131a), the hose (135) can communicate with the connecting pipe (132) through the cylinder hole (132a) by adjusting the hose knob (136) upward. Here, the hose knob (136) can fix its current position through a separate stopper (not shown).

[0063] Detachable structure of the injection part (130'); upper and lower detachable method

[0064] FIGS. 7 and 8 are exemplary diagrams illustrating the detachable structure of the injection part in an air vent device of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the air vent device (100') of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention has a different shape of the injection part (130') compared to the previously described embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same configuration already described above will be omitted, and the differences will be examined in detail.

[0066] The injection unit (130') illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 has a structure in which the inner case (131b') is detached from the outer case (131a') in the up and down direction.

[0067] This embodiment relates to a structure that can conceal the location for replacing the antibacterial liquid inside a vehicle, wherein, basically, the spraying part (130') can be embedded inside the garnish, with the remaining portion excluding the lower portion. This form is significant in that it can increase design freedom and quality.

[0068] Basically, the bottom part of the outer case (131a') is formed in an open shape.

[0069] The internal case (131b') is formed in a shape corresponding to the external case (131a') and is embedded in the external case (131a') through the lower part of the external case (131a').

[0070] At this time, a snap-fit ​​fastening structure that facilitates easy mounting or removal operations between the inner case (131b') and the outer case (131a') may be adopted.

[0071] Additionally, a separate bracket (not shown) capable of effectively supporting the inner case (131b') may be provided on the lower perimeter of the outer case (131a').

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and may be implemented with various modifications within the scope permissible to the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0073] 10: Garnish 100, 100': Vehicle air vent system 110: Duct section 111: Connecting hole 120: Vent section 121: Wing knob 121a: Pressurized trigger 130, 130': Injection part 131, 131': Housing 131a, 131a': External case 131b, 131b': Internal case 132: Connector 132a: Cylinder hole 132b: Injection nozzle 133: Pressurizing member 133a: Connecting pipe 134: Elastic member 135, 135': Hose 136: Hose knob

Claims

Claim 1 An air vent device for a vehicle, mounted on the inside of the vehicle's dashboard and guiding air entering from the vehicle's air conditioning system into the vehicle's interior, comprising: a duct portion having an air passage communicating with the air conditioning system and having a connecting hole on one side of a lower portion; a vent portion having a wing knob for controlling the airflow direction toward the outlet of the duct portion; and a spray portion disposed at the bottom of the duct portion in communication with the connecting hole of the duct portion and spraying an antibacterial liquid into the interior of the duct portion, wherein the wing knob is hinge-connected on the duct portion and is adjustable in position up and down, and is equipped with a pressure trigger at the bottom portion for pressurizing the spray portion to induce the spraying of the antibacterial liquid, and the spray portion comprises: a housing including an inner case containing the antibacterial liquid and an outer case surrounding the inner case; a connecting pipe connecting the housing in communication with the connecting hole; and a pressure member capable of moving up and down on the inner diameter of the connecting pipe and being pressurized downward by the pressure trigger. Claim 2 An air vent device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the injection part is positioned on the inner diameter of the connecting pipe and includes an elastic member that provides elastic force at the lower part of the pressurizing member; and a hose embedded in the housing to communicate with the connecting pipe and provide a path for the movement of an antibacterial liquid, wherein the connecting pipe is partially penetrated in the side of the body and has an injection nozzle that forms a conduit so that the antibacterial liquid can be injected into the interior of the duct part. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the air vent device of a vehicle, wherein the housing has a detachable structure in which the inner case is inserted into the outer case in a sliding manner. Claim 4 In paragraph 2, the air vent device of a vehicle, wherein the housing has a detachable structure in which the inner case is inserted in the upper and lower directions of the outer case. Claim 5 An air vent device for a vehicle according to either Paragraph 3 or Paragraph 4, wherein the housing is such that the contact section between the inner case and the outer case is snap-fit ​​connected. Claim 6 In paragraph 2, the air vent device of a vehicle, wherein the hose has an integrated structure in which an inclined portion inclined relative to the bottom surface of the inner case and a vertical portion extending vertically from the inclined portion are connected as one. Claim 7 In paragraph 6, the lower portion of the inclined part is in contact with the bottom surface of the internal case, in a vehicle air vent device. Claim 8 An air vent device for a vehicle according to paragraph 2, further comprising a hose knob that is connected in a manner that wraps around the outer circumference of the hose and acts as a handle to allow a user to adjust the position of the hose. Claim 9 An air vent device of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the pressure trigger is extended in a bent state at the lower end of the wing knob. Claim 10 An air vent device of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the pressure trigger is detachably attached to the lower end of the wing knob in a bent state. Claim 11 An air vent device for a vehicle, comprising: a duct section having an air passage connected to the air conditioner of the vehicle and having a connecting hole on one side of the lower portion; a vent section including a wing knob for controlling the direction of airflow toward the outlet of the duct section and a pressure trigger located at the lower portion of the wing knob and linked to the operation of the wing knob; and a spray section that is pressurized by the pressure trigger linked to the operation of the wing knob and selectively sprays an antibacterial liquid into the interior of the duct section, wherein the spray section comprises a housing including an inner case containing the antibacterial liquid and an outer case surrounding the inner case; a connecting pipe connecting the housing to the connecting hole; and a pressure member capable of moving up and down on the inner diameter of the connecting pipe and being pressurized downward by the pressure trigger, wherein the spray section is snap-fit ​​connected to the lower portion of the duct section. Claim 12 In claim 11, the above-mentioned spraying unit is capable of selectively spraying an antibacterial liquid through a driving unit that rotates the above-mentioned wing knob to a preset angle, in an air vent device of a vehicle.