Split HVAC Components

Abstract

A split heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The split HVAC includes: a first subassembly including an evaporator and a first airflow space; a second subassembly including a second airflow space; a single sealing element located between a wall and one of the first subassembly or the second subassembly; and a first interface connection element directly connecting the first subassembly and the second subassembly. The single sealing element and the first interface connection element prevent any airflow leakage from both the first subassembly and the second subassembly, and one of the first subassembly and the second subassembly partially extends into the other of the first subassembly and the second subassembly.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In the automotive field, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system regulates the aerodynamic and thermal parameters of air that is circulated within a passenger compartment. A split HVAC system may be implemented in situations where an HVAC system may not be preferred. Summary of the invention

[0002] In general, in one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a split-type heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly for a motor vehicle. The split-type HVAC includes: a first subassembly including an evaporator and a first airflow space; a second subassembly including a second airflow space; a single sealing element located between a wall and one of the first subassembly or the second subassembly; and a first interface connection element directly connecting the first subassembly and the second subassembly. The single sealing element and the first interface connection element prevent any airflow leakage from both the first subassembly and the second subassembly, and one of the first subassembly and the second subassembly partially extends into the other of the first subassembly and the second subassembly.

[0003] In general, in one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for assembling a split heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly configured to be located in a motor vehicle, comprising: installing a single sealing element on a first subassembly; connecting the first subassembly to a second subassembly by securing a first interface connection element; aligning the first subassembly relative to the second subassembly; and securing the first subassembly and the second subassembly to a wall by connecting a protruding portion of the second interface connection element through the wall to a housing portion of the second interface connection element.

[0004] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 An example of a split-type HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 3 An example of a split-type HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 4 An example of a split-type HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 5 An example of a split-type HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 6 An example of a split-type HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 7 An example of a split-type HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 8 An example of a split-type HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0013] Fig. 9 A flow chart for assembling a split HVAC according to one or more embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Now, the specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in the various drawings are represented by similar reference numerals.

[0015] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0016] Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any nouns in the application). The use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular ordering of elements, nor does it limit any element to a single element, unless explicitly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish elements. For example, a first element is different from a second element, and a first element may include more than one element and is after (or before) a second element in the ordering of the elements.

[0017] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and systems intended to assemble a split HVAC system. In particular, the split HVAC system can be used in vehicle applications, such as in electric vehicles where an engine is not present. In these applications, a smaller footprint can be achieved by using only a single sealing element to seal one subassembly of the split HVAC and interface two HVAC housings or subassemblies. The sealing element can be located inside or outside the passenger compartment, and the position of the sealing element does not depend on the position of the subassembly on which the seal is mounted. In one or more embodiments, these subassemblies can be further connected directly or through a wall by means of one or more interface connection elements, which can be designed to attach the subassembly to the wall.

[0018] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 1 A split heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) (100) for a motor vehicle having various devices powered during normal operation of the motor vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown. The split HVAC system can be a system installed at the front or rear of the motor vehicle. Additionally, the split HVAC system can be a system divided into two divisions, one division located at the front of the motor vehicle and the other division located at the rear of the motor vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the system or subsystem located at the front of the vehicle can include the same elements that are mirrored at the rear of the vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the motor vehicle can be divided into two areas: an area (170, 175) outside the passenger compartment and an area (110, 115) inside the passenger compartment. In addition, the system can include an electric blower (120, 125), a first airflow space (130, 135), an evaporator (140, 145), a second airflow space (150, 155), a heater core (not shown), and a distribution controller (160, 165).

[0019] The area (170, 175) outside the passenger compartment can be any area that is not accessible to any occupant through normal use of the motor vehicle. Thus, these areas can include below and above the motor vehicle, under the hood at the front of the motor vehicle, or in the trunk at the rear of the motor vehicle. In large vehicles or vehicles that do not require a conventional engine (such as in the case of an electric motor vehicle), this area can be larger. In a hatchback vehicle or a vehicle with a rear or front exposed to the driver, this area can be considered to be any area outside the dashboard at the front or any area behind the rear seats at the rear.

[0020] The area (110, 115) inside the passenger compartment can be any area that any occupant can access at any time through normal use of the motor vehicle. For example, this area can include any area from the dashboard toward the driver and any area from the rear seats toward the front of the car.

[0021] The system may include an electric blower (120, 125), which may be hardware configured to generate a regulated burst of rotational force to enable a subsequent motor or directly impact airflow in the airflow chamber and airflow space. For example, the electric blower (120, 125) may be considered a device for enabling a fan to push hot / cold air into / out of the area (110, 115) inside the passenger compartment.

[0022] The first airflow space (130, 135) and the second airflow space (150, 155) can be hardware configured to deliver airflow within the interior of a motor vehicle, and in a split HVAC system (100), these components circulate air in / out of the motor vehicle while avoiding affecting the transfer of weight. For example, the first airflow space (130, 135) can be coupled to an evaporator (140, 145) for moving airflow through the motor vehicle.

[0023] The evaporator (140, 145) and heater core (not shown) may be one or more elements of an electric heater that exchanges heat with at least one fluid to change the temperature level in the distributed airflow.

[0024] The distribution controller (160, 165) may be a processor or human-machine interface by which the electric blower (120, 125) is controlled. The distribution controller (160, 165) may be a processor coupled to a motor connected to vents for distributing airflow into the motor vehicle. Further, the distribution controller (160, 165) may control and regulate the use of the evaporator (140, 145) and the heat core (not shown).

[0025] In one or more embodiments, a split HVAC system can be assembled into two different subassemblies. Thus, the above-mentioned elements of the HVAC can be distributed in one or both of the subassemblies. For example, in one or more embodiments, the evaporator and blower can be parts of a first subassembly of the split HVAC located outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, while the heater core and distribution controller can be parts of a second subassembly of the split HVAC located inside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above-mentioned examples of the distribution of elements across subassemblies, but rather, these elements can be located in either subassembly without departing from the embodiments disclosed herein. hereinafter in Figures 2 to 9The subcomponents and their corresponding assembly processes are described in more detail in .

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the area outside the passenger compartment and the area inside the passenger compartment may be divided by a wall (not shown). In one or more embodiments, the wall may be a wall that is parallel to the dashboard ( Figure 1 ) and associated metal plates. Figure 2 This wall is discussed and shown in .

[0027] Steering Figure 2 , Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an assembly according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 2 As shown, a split HVAC system (200) can be installed across a wall (i.e., wall 210), including a first subassembly outside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (i.e., a subassembly installed on an area 220 outside the passenger compartment) and a second subassembly inside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle (i.e., a subassembly installed on an area 225 outside the passenger compartment). The first subassembly installed outside the passenger compartment can be assembled into one of two subdivisions of the split HVAC system, which includes an airflow distribution chamber (i.e., chamber 230), a blower motor (i.e., blower 240), an arrangement of spaces for conveying air (i.e., airflow space 250), and an electric heater (i.e., evaporator 270). The second subassembly installed inside the passenger compartment can be assembled into one of two subdivisions of the split HVAC system, which includes a pressurized space (i.e., airflow space 260).

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the first subassembly and the second subassembly are installed through the wall (210) and create an outer area (220) of the passenger compartment and an inner area (225) of the passenger compartment. The wall can be a metal plate associated with the dashboard of the motor vehicle. The subassemblies are arranged to optimize the airflow in the split HVAC system. Therefore, the subassemblies are tightly sealed to prevent any airflow leakage. To this end, one or more embodiments may include a sealing element (280) installed on only one of the two subassemblies. By installing the sealing element on only one of the two subassemblies, airflow leakage can be prevented while maximizing installation time.

[0029] Sealing element (280) can be hardware including the function of preventing fluid leakage from subassembly and optimizing the assembly of two subassemblies. For example, sealing element (280) can be a sealant arranged around a hole or a connection point, and the first subassembly and the second subassembly can be connected around the hole or the connection point interface. In one or more embodiments, this hole can enable the maximum amount of air to flow between the first subassembly and the second subassembly. In one or more embodiments, sealing element (280) can be a sealing material including a space for connecting a housing, a stud or a pin through the wall (210). Thus, sealing element (280) can include an orifice and an alignment housing to ensure that one of the first subassembly or the second subassembly can be engaged.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the sealing element (280) may be located on either side of the wall (210). Further, the sealing element (280) may be mounted on either the first subassembly or the second subassembly. Thus, if Figure 2 As shown, in one or more embodiments, a sealing element (280) can be included on a first subassembly including an evaporator (270) located in an area (220) outside the passenger compartment. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, a sealing element (280) can be included on a second subassembly located in an area (225) inside the passenger compartment. Thus, the sealing element (280) can be located between the wall and one of the two subassemblies. In one or more embodiments, a single sealing element is used in only one of the two subassemblies. That is, only one sealing element is required to interface between the wall and one of the subassemblies. The split HVAC is sealed to be sealed by Figure 3 The single sealing element and the first interface connecting element discussed in detail in the present invention are used to prevent air flow leakage.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the sealing element (280) may be further disposed on a subassembly located in the first region, and the sealing element (280) may be located at the second region. Thus, the sealing element (280) may be disposed on a subassembly located in the region (225) inside the passenger compartment, while being located on one side of the wall (210) in the region (225) outside the passenger compartment.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the sealing element (280) may follow the shape of the hole, may follow the shape of smaller sub-holes, and may include additional space between the sealing materials (ie, this may be the case to allow housing space or studs to pass through for installation).

[0033] Steering Figure 3 , Figure 3 A close-up view of an example interface connection point is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. Figure 3As shown, the first subassembly (330) may be a subassembly including an evaporator and a blower, and may be located on a side of the wall that is outside the passenger compartment. In addition, the second subassembly (320) may be a subassembly including a distribution controller, a heater core, and an airflow space, and may be located on a side of the wall that is inside the passenger compartment. Additionally, as shown in reference Figure 2 As explained, the sealing element (340) may be included on either side of the wall, and the sealing element (340) may be arranged on either of the first subassembly (330) or the second subassembly (320). Additionally, a first interface connection element (310) may be included to directly connect and engage the first subassembly (330) with the second subassembly (320). The first interface connection element (310) may be positioned through the hole through which the subassembly exchanges airflow. Thus, the first interface connection element (310) may be arranged in an inward position of the sealing element (340). Further, the first interface connection element (340) may connect only one portion of the two subassemblies. For example, the first interface connection element may be a connector that is only located on the lower portion of the hole and may not follow the periphery of the hole. In another example, the first interface connection element may be a connector located in any or all portions of the periphery of the hole. Thus, the first interface connection element may follow the shape of the sealing element, pass through a portion of the hole, or pass through the entire hole.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the first interface connection element (310) can be hardware configured to cooperate with the sealing element (340) to prevent any fluid leakage from the split HVAC system. For example, in one or more embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the first interface connection element can be a tongue and groove joint (310) distributed between the first subassembly (330) and the second subassembly (320). Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the first interface connection element can be a locking hook joint, wherein a hook-shaped portion on the HVAC subassembly inside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle can latch to another subassembly outside the passenger compartment and pass through the wall. Thus, the first interface connection element (310) can latch the sealing element (340) to an area outside the passenger compartment, while the first interface connection element (310) can be attached to a subassembly located in an area inside the passenger compartment. Further, in one or more embodiments, the first interface connection element (310) can latch the sealing element (340) to an area inside the passenger compartment, while the first interface connection element (310) can be attached to a subassembly located in an area outside the passenger compartment.

[0035] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to tongue-and-groove or latch hook hardware of the first interface connection element, but rather any suitable hardware arrangement for directly connecting and engaging the first and second sub-components of the split HVAC may be used without departing from the scope disclosed herein.

[0036] Steering Figure 4 , Figure 4 Examples of HVAC subassemblies on one side of a wall located inside a passenger compartment are provided. The following examples are for purposes of explanation and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Figure 4 The second subassembly (400) may include a hole (420) and a second interface connection element (410, 440). The second subassembly (400) may be located inside the passenger compartment and may include a front side (430) facing away from the wall and toward the passenger compartment. Figure 4 In the embodiment, although the hole (420) is shown as being substantially square in shape, and the hole (420) protrudes in the direction toward the wall, other embodiments may include holes of different shapes (i.e., one or more square, circular, triangular and / or rectangular). For example, the hole may be various sub-holes of one or more different shapes, wherein each of these shapes may all be connected to different airflow spaces inside the second subassembly (400).

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the second interface connection element (410, 440) can connect the second subassembly (400) to the first subassembly (not shown). For example, the second interface connection element (410, 440) can be a plurality of studs (440) and a plurality of alignment pins (410). Thus, the second interface connection element (410, 440) can be one or more elements arranged in the direction of the wall and arranged in the engagement position. The commonality of the plurality of studs (440) and the plurality of alignment pins (410) can be their protruding portions. That is, each of the plurality of studs (440) and the plurality of alignment pins (410) can include a portion extending away from the body of the second subassembly (400) in a protruding manner.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of studs (440) may be hardware configured to penetrate the wall and may be capable of collectively withstanding the desired weight and weight fluctuations. Further, the plurality of studs (440) may be made of a material different from or the same as the material of the remainder of the second subassembly (400). For example, the plurality of studs (440) may be made of metal while the remainder of the second subassembly may be made of plastic. The plurality of studs (440) may be equipped to assemble the housing portion in the first subassembly at a side of the wall that is outside the passenger compartment. As will be described in Figure 5As detailed in , the protruding portion of each of the plurality of studs (440) may be capable of penetrating the wall to attach the second subassembly to the first subassembly. Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of studs (440) may be arranged in such a manner as to be surrounded by a sealing element.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of alignment pins (410) can be hardware configured to be attached to or slid into the first subassembly and can be capable of collectively withstanding the desired weight and weight fluctuations. Further, the plurality of alignment pins (410) can be made of a material that is different from or the same as the material of the remainder of the second subassembly (400). For example, the plurality of studs can be made of metal while the remainder of the second subassembly can be made of plastic.

[0040] Steering Figure 5 , Figure 5 An example of an assembled subassembly on one side of a wall located inside a passenger compartment is provided. The following example is for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Figure 5 , Figure 4 The described second subassembly may be mounted to a wall (500). The mounted second subassembly (500) may include a plurality of studs (540) and a plurality of alignment pins (520) that protrude through their respective protruding portions and extend away from the second subassembly.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of studs (540) are installed through the wall, and the plurality of alignment pins (420) are suspended through the holes (530). Thus, the plurality of studs (540) and the plurality of alignment pins (520) are installed in the installed second subassembly (500), and the installed second subassembly faces the direction (510) of the interior of the passenger compartment. Further, their respective protruding portions face the direction (550) of the exterior of the passenger compartment.

[0042] Steering Figure 6 , Figure 6 Examples of subassemblies on one side of a wall that is outside of the passenger compartment are provided. The following examples are for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Figure 4 The first subassembly (600) may include a hole and a second interface connection element (610, 630). The first subassembly (600) may be located outside the passenger compartment and may include a rear side (620) facing away from the wall and toward the outside of the passenger compartment. Figure 6In the embodiment, although the hole is shown as being substantially square in shape and the hole protrudes in the direction toward the wall, other embodiments may include holes of different shapes (i.e., one or more square, circular, triangular and / or rectangular). For example, the hole may be various sub-holes of one or more different shapes, wherein each of these shapes may all be connected to different airflow spaces outside the first subassembly (600).

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the second interface connection element (610, 630) can connect the first subassembly (600) to the second subassembly (not shown). For example, the second interface connection element (610, 630) can be a plurality of stud housings (610) and a plurality of alignment pin housings (630). Thus, the second interface connection element (610, 630) can be one or more elements disposed in the direction of the wall and arranged in a receiving position. The commonality of the plurality of stud housings (610) and the plurality of alignment pin housings (630) can be their housing portions. That is, each of the plurality of stud housings (610) and the plurality of alignment pin housings (630) can include a portion hollowed out in a recessed manner on the body of the first subassembly (600). The plurality of stud housings (610) and the plurality of alignment pin housings (630) can be respectively connected to the body of the first subassembly (600). Figure 4 The plurality of studs and the plurality of alignment pins described are aligned.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of stud housings (610) may be hardware configured to receive studs through a wall and may be capable of collectively withstanding the desired weight and weight fluctuations. Further, the plurality of stud housings (610) may be made of a material different from or the same as the material of the remainder of the first subassembly (600) and may be hollowed-out extrusions on the body of the first subassembly. For example, the plurality of stud housings (610) may be made of metal while the remainder of the second subassembly may be made of plastic. The plurality of stud housings (610) may be equipped to fit a protrusion from a side of the wall that is within the passenger compartment into the second subassembly. As will be described in Figure 7 As detailed in , the housing portion of each of the plurality of stud housings (610) may be capable of passing through a wall to attach the second subassembly to the first subassembly. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of stud housings (610) may be arranged in such a manner as to be surrounded by a sealing element (640).

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of alignment pin housings (630) can be hardware configured to attach to or slide around the second subassembly and can be capable of collectively withstanding the desired weight and weight fluctuations. Further, the plurality of alignment pin housings (630) can be made of a material that is different from or the same as the material of the remainder of the first subassembly (600). For example, the plurality of studs can be made of metal while the remainder of the second subassembly can be made of plastic.

[0046] Steering Figure 7 , Figure 7 An example of an assembled subassembly on one side of a wall that is outside of the passenger compartment is provided. The following example is for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Figure 7 , Figure 6 the first subassembly and Figure 4 The second subassembly can be mounted to the wall (730). The mounted first subassembly (750) can include a plurality of studs (760) passing through the wall (730) and the sealing element (740) and facing the area outside the passenger compartment. Further, a plurality of alignment pins (760) can protrude through their corresponding protruding portions and extend away from the wall (730).

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of studs (760) are installed through the wall (730) and through the sealing element (740) located on the first subassembly (750). Thus, the plurality of studs (760) and the plurality of alignment pins (not shown) are installed by placing their corresponding protruding portions into the Figure 6 The plurality of stud housings and the plurality of alignment pin housings are shown in the housing portions. Further, their respective protrusions face in the direction of the exterior of the passenger compartment (710).

[0048] Steering Figure 8 , Figure 8 A close-up view of an example interface connection point according to one or more embodiments is shown. The following examples are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Figure 8 As shown, the interface connection point connecting the first subassembly (830) and the second subassembly (850) and attaching the two subassemblies to the wall (820) can include a housing portion (860), a sealing element (840), a stud housing (870), and a stud (880) of the plurality of studs. In one or more embodiments, the stud (880) is introduced through the wall in a direction toward the outside of the passenger compartment (810), while the second subassembly (850) remains facing the inside of the passenger compartment (890).

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the housing portion (860) can be hardware configured to receive a protruding portion. For example, the housing portion (860) can be a deformation in the first subassembly that receives a protruding portion of the stud (880) through the wall (820). Further, as described above, the sealing element (840) can be placed around the housing portion (860) and the stud (880).

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the stud housing (870) may include a housing portion (860) and additional securing elements. For example, the stud housing (870) may further include a nut that acts as a fastener with a seal on a washer.

[0051] As mentioned above, although Figures 4 to 8 A first subassembly outside the passenger compartment and a second subassembly inside the passenger compartment are described, but the first subassembly and the second subassembly are not limited to this arrangement. Similarly, their corresponding components (e.g., studs, alignment pins, stud housings, alignment pin housings, and sealing elements) are not limited to the order presented in the above figures.

[0052] Steering Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 A flow chart according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Fig. 9 A method for assembling a split HVAC system using only one sealing element is described. Figure 5 One or more of the boxes in may be as described above in Figures 1 to 8 One or more of the components described may be used to perform the Fig. 9 The various blocks in the embodiment are presented and described in sequence, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that some or all of these blocks may be performed in different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of these blocks may be performed in parallel. In addition, these blocks may be performed actively or passively.

[0053] In step 910, a single sealing element is installed on a subassembly of two subassemblies of a split HVAC for a motor vehicle. For example, the sealing element may be installed on a first subassembly or a second subassembly of the split HVAC. Further, the sealing element may be installed on a subassembly that is inside or outside a passenger compartment. Thus, the sealing element may be installed on the same side as a side on which a substantial portion of the subassembly is located, or the sealing element may be installed on a side opposite to a side on which a substantial portion of the subassembly is located.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the different sides are defined by a wall that divides the assembly into two sides or two regions. Thus, these regions can be different sides of a wall. The wall can be made of metal, rock, cardboard, or any other synthetic or non-synthetic material. The wall can be made of one or more combinations of the aforementioned materials. Thus, the wall can partially or completely divide the interior of the passenger compartment and the exterior of the passenger compartment, the interior of a room and the exterior of a room, or two regions of the same open space.

[0055] In step 920, the first interface connection element is secured. For example, a tongue and groove or a lock and hook from the first subassembly and the second subassembly can be secured. Thus, the subassemblies are at least partially in direct contact with each other.

[0056] In step 930, the subassembly with a single sealing element installed is aligned relative to another subassembly. For example, a first subassembly including a sealing element can be aligned with a second subassembly. Thus, aligning the subassemblies can include aligning the protrusion and the housing portion of the first interface connection element and the second interface connection element.

[0057] In step 940, the housing portion and the protrusion portion are engaged and cooperated to form a second interface connection element. Thus, the subassembly can be fixed to the wall while separating the sealing element between the wall and one of the subassemblies. For example, the first subassembly can be assembled on the wall by receiving the protrusion portions of the plurality of studs into the housing portion of the plurality of stud housings.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, Fig. 9 The described method can be used to improve airflow control and reduce airflow leakage in a split-type HVAC system. Additionally, the aforementioned techniques for assembling a split-type HVAC system can be useful in reducing the number of sealing elements used in the assembly. For example, Fig. 9 The method described can reduce production and assembly costs because only one sealing element is used to completely prevent airflow leakage. This can be additionally beneficial for split HVAC systems in applications related to electric vehicles, which typically include more space in the front of the vehicle outside the passenger compartment.

[0059] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art having benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that other embodiments can be designed which do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure shall be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A split HVAC assembly for a motor vehicle, the split HVAC assembly being mounted through a wall, comprising: a first subassembly of the split HVAC assembly, the first subassembly including an evaporator and a first airflow space; a second subassembly of the split HVAC assembly, the second subassembly comprising a second airflow space; a single sealing element located between the wall and one of the first subassembly or the second subassembly; as well as a first interface connection element, the first interface connection element directly connecting the first subassembly and the second subassembly, wherein the single sealing element and the first interface connection element prevent any airflow leakage from both the first subassembly and the second subassembly, wherein one of the first subassembly and the second subassembly partially extends into the other of the first subassembly and the second subassembly, wherein the wall is configured to be located in the motor vehicle and to separate a first section of the motor vehicle from a second section of the motor vehicle, wherein the first subassembly is configured to be located in a first subsection of the motor vehicle, wherein the second subassembly is configured to be located in a second subsection of the motor vehicle, and Therein, the single sealing element is located in only one of the first section of the motor vehicle or the second section of the motor vehicle.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A second interface connection element connects the first subassembly and the second subassembly.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, in, The first interface connection element comprises a first part and a second part, Wherein, the first part is located in the first subassembly, wherein the second part is located in the second subassembly, Therein, the first part and the second part complement each other to form a tongue and groove joint.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first interfacing element is a tongue and groove joint, the tongue and the groove being molded from the same material.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, in, The second interface connection element comprises a housing portion and a protrusion portion, wherein the housing portion comprises an opening facing the wall and is located in the first subassembly, wherein the protruding portion protrudes through the wall and is located in the second subassembly, Therein, the housing portion and the protruding portion complement each other to form a fastening element fastening the first subassembly and the second subassembly to the wall.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, in, The second interface connection element includes a plurality of studs and a plurality of alignment pins, wherein the plurality of studs pass through the wall and through the single sealing element to connect the first subassembly and the second subassembly, and Wherein, the plurality of alignment pins directly connect the first subassembly and the second subassembly.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, in, The first subassembly further includes a blower coupled to the evaporator and the first airflow space, and Wherein, the second subassembly further includes a heater core connected to the second air flow space.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, in, The wall is the dashboard of a motor vehicle and is sheet metal.

9. A split HVAC system for a motor vehicle, the split HVAC system being mounted through a wall, comprising: an electric blower coupled to the evaporator and the first airflow space, the electric blower, the evaporator and the first airflow space being mounted on a first subassembly; a heating core coupled to the second airflow space, the heating core and the second airflow space being mounted on the second subassembly; and a distribution controller, the distribution controller controls and regulates the electric blower, The first subassembly and the second subassembly are directly connected via a first interface connection element. wherein the first subassembly further comprises a sealing element cooperating with the first interface connection element to prevent any airflow leakage from both the first subassembly and the second subassembly, and wherein one of the first subassembly and the second subassembly partially extends into the other of the first subassembly and the second subassembly; The sealing element is located between the wall and the first subassembly; wherein the wall is configured to be located in the motor vehicle and to separate a first section of the motor vehicle from a second section of the motor vehicle, wherein the first subassembly is configured to be located in a first subsection of the motor vehicle, wherein the second subassembly is configured to be located in a second subsection of the motor vehicle, and Therein, the sealing element is located only in one of the first section of the motor vehicle or the second section of the motor vehicle.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: A second interface connection element connects the first subassembly and the second subassembly through the wall.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: The first interface connection element comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is located in the first subassembly, wherein the second part is located in the second subassembly, and wherein the first part and the second part complement each other to form a tongue and groove joint.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein: The second interface connection element comprises a shell portion and a protrusion portion, wherein the shell portion comprises an opening facing the wall and is located in the first subassembly, wherein the protrusion portion protrudes through the wall and is located in the second subassembly, and wherein the shell portion and the protrusion portion complement each other to form a fastening element for fastening the first subassembly and the second subassembly to the wall.

13. The system of claim 10, in, The second interface connection element includes a plurality of studs and a plurality of alignment pins, wherein the plurality of studs pass through the wall and through the sealing element to connect the first subassembly and the second subassembly, and Wherein, the plurality of alignment pins directly connect the first subassembly and the second subassembly.

14. A method for assembling an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the split HVAC assembly being mounted through a wall, comprising: installing a single sealing element on a first subassembly of the split HVAC assembly; connecting the first subassembly to the second subassembly of the split HVAC assembly by securing the first interface connection element; aligning the first subassembly relative to the second subassembly; as well as securing the first subassembly and the second subassembly to the wall by connecting a protruding portion of the second interfacing element through the wall into a housing portion of the second interfacing element; The single sealing element is located between the wall and the first subassembly.

Images