Heater core and method for repairing a heater core

Abstract

A method for servicing a heater core installed in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly of a motor vehicle includes removing a sealing attachment from an interface connection that interfaces with the heater core. The method includes sliding the heater core in an insertion direction. The method includes disconnecting the interface connection from the heater core. The method includes removing the heater core in an extraction direction that is orthogonal to the insertion direction.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In the automotive field, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system regulates the aerodynamic thermal parameters of the air that circulates within the passenger compartment. The heater core is a radiator-like device that is used to heat the cabin of a motor vehicle. Hot coolant from the motor vehicle's engine passes through the coiled tubing of the heater core, a heat exchanger between the coolant and the cabin air. Fins attached to the heater core tubing serve to increase the heat transfer surface, which is transferred to the air that is forced over the fins by the fan, thereby warming the cabin of the motor vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0002] In general, in one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for servicing a heater core installed in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly of a motor vehicle. The method includes removing a sealing attachment from an interface connection that interfaces with the heater core. The method includes sliding the heater core in an insertion direction. The method includes disconnecting an interface connection conduit from the heater core. The method includes removing the heater core in an extraction direction. The extraction direction is orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0003] In general, in one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly for a motor vehicle. The HVAC assembly includes a heater core. The HVAC assembly includes a housing having walls defining an interior volume of the HVAC. The heater core is configured to slide inwardly in the interior volume toward opposite sides of the housing in an insertion direction. The HVAC assembly is configured to service the heater core by removing the heater core from the HVAC assembly in an extraction direction. The extraction direction is orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0004] In general, in one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a motor vehicle. The HVAC system includes a heater core. The HVAC system includes at least two sleeves connected to the heater core interface, and the at least two sleeves convey fluid to or from the heater core. The HVAC system includes at least two sealing attachments that seal at least two sealing points of the HVAC system. The heater core is configured to slide inwardly in an interior volume toward opposite sides of a housing in an insertion direction. The HVAC system is configured to repair the heater core by removing the heater core from the HVAC assembly in a withdrawal direction. The withdrawal direction is orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0005] The heater core may be serviceable with minimal disassembly of the HVAC module or instrument panel. The heater core may also be serviceable from the cabin side of the motor vehicle. The heater core may also be serviceable in a vertical orientation, while the heater core may be inserted into the distribution subassembly in a horizontal orientation. To remove the heater core, it may not be necessary to pull the heater core horizontally out of the distribution subassembly, which may require horizontal space equivalent to the length of the heater core.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the heater core can be configured for servicing while allowing the HVAC module to be assembled in a lateral configuration (horizontally) while still allowing the heater core to be serviced in a vertical manner to avoid limited horizontal vehicle clearance. To this end, the heater core can be configured to move across the motor vehicle within the module when the support cover is removed. Locking ribs attached to the support cover can hold the core in place during normal use. Thus, when the support cover is removed, the heater core can be pushed across the motor vehicle, thereby compressing the thick elastic material sheet that prevents air from bypassing the heater core. In one or more embodiments, once the heater core is moved inward, the pipes attached to the heater core can be rotated out of the tank sleeve attached to the heater core, giving the heater core clearance to slide vertically out of the module. Installation can be performed by reversing the process.

[0007] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram of an automotive system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram of an automotive system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 An example of a heater core installed in an HVAC assembly is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 An example of a heater core installed in an HVAC assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 An example of a heater core installed in an HVAC assembly is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 An example of a heater core service configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7An example of a heater core service configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8 An example of a heater core service configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 9 An example of a heater core service configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0017] Fig.10 An example of a heater core service configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0018] Fig.11 An example of a heater core service configuration is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0019] Fig.12 A flow chart describing a process for servicing a heater core installed in an HVAC according to one or more embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Now, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in various drawings are represented by similar reference numerals.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 elements.

[0023] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, assemblies, and systems intended to repair a heater core installed in an HVAC system. The heater core can be used in HVAC vehicle applications, such as in heavy motor vehicles that can rely on a programmed HVAC system to adjust the cabin temperature. In these applications, a smaller footprint can be achieved by installing the heater core in an HVAC assembly or subassembly during the manufacturing process or assembly process of the HVAC assembly. The heater core can be configured for repair without removing any other portion of the HVAC assembly assembled during the manufacturing process. In one or more embodiments, the heater core can be installed in an HVAC system in a first orientation, and the heater core can be repaired in a second orientation.

[0024] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 1 A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system (100) for a motor vehicle having various devices powered during normal operation of the motor vehicle is shown according to one or more embodiments. The HVAC system (100) may be a split HVAC system configured to connect two HVAC subassemblies for operation of the HVAC system (100). The HVAC system (100) may be a single system mounted at the front or rear of the motor vehicle. Additionally, the HVAC system (100) may be a system divided into two portions, one portion located at the front of the motor vehicle and the other portion located at the rear of the motor vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the system or subsystem located at the front of the vehicle may include the same elements that are mirrored at the rear of the vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the motor vehicle may 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 may include a distribution controller (120, 125), an airflow space (130, 135), a motor blower (140, 145), an evaporator (150, 155) and a heater core (160, 165). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that Figure 1 The configuration is not limited to the configuration shown, and one or more of the above-described components may be combined or omitted.

[0025] The area (170, 175) outside the passenger compartment can be any area that is not accessible to the occupants 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.

[0026] The area (110, 115) inside the passenger compartment can be any area that any occupant can reach at any time through normal use of the motor vehicle. For example, this area can include any area from the dashboard towards the driver's direction and any area from the rear seats towards the front of the car.

[0027] The system may include electric blower (140, 145) hardware that may be configured to generate a regulated burst of rotational force to activate a subsequent motor or directly impact air flow in the airflow chamber and airflow space (130, 135). For example, the electric blower (140, 145) 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.

[0028] The airflow space (130, 135) can be hardware configured to convey airflow in / out of a motor vehicle. In the HVAC system (100), these components can circulate air into / out of the motor vehicle while avoiding the impact of weight transfer. For example, the airflow space (130, 135) can be coupled to the evaporator (150, 155) and the heater core (160, 165) for moving airflow through the motor vehicle.

[0029] The evaporator (150, 155) and the heater core (160, 165) may be one or more elements of an electric heater that exchanges heat with at least one fluid to change the temperature level of the distributed airflow.

[0030] The distribution controller (120, 125) may be a processor or a human-machine interface by which the electric blower (140, 145) is controlled. The distribution controller (120, 125) may be a processor coupled to a motor connected to vents for distributing airflow into the motor vehicle. Further, the distribution controller (120, 125) may control and regulate the use of the evaporator (150, 155) and the heater core (160, 165).

[0031] The HVAC system (100) may be assembled in the form of at least two different subassemblies. Thus, the above-mentioned elements of the HVAC system (100) may be distributed in one or both of these subassemblies. For example, in one or more embodiments, the evaporator (150, 155) and the electric blower (140, 145) may be part of a first subassembly of the HVAC system (100) located outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, while the heater core (160, 165) and the distribution controller (120, 125) may be part of a second subassembly of the HVAC system located inside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above-mentioned examples of the distribution of elements across subassemblies, but rather, these elements may be located in either subassembly without departing from the embodiments disclosed herein. hereinafter in Figures 3 to 11 The subcomponents and their corresponding assembly processes are described in more detail in .

[0032] 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 adjacent to the dashboard ( Figure 1 ) and associated metal plates.

[0033] Steering Figure 2 , Figure 2 A block diagram of an automotive system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. Figure 2 An extended HVAC system (200) for a heavy motor vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown, the heavy motor vehicle having various devices powered during normal operation of the heavy motor vehicle. The extended HVAC system (200) can be a system divided into two parts, one part located at the front of the heavy motor vehicle and the other part located at the rear of the heavy motor vehicle, or one part located on the top of the heavy motor vehicle and the other part located at the bottom of the heavy 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 as the rear of the heavy motor vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the heavy motor vehicle can be a truck and can include one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250), a distribution controller (220), an electric blower (240), an evaporator (260), a heater core (270), and an airflow space (280).

[0034] The system may include one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250), which may be hardware configured to evaluate the surrounding area inside / outside the heavy motor vehicle and provide feedback related to the physical phenomenon. In one or more embodiments, the one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250) may be a first sensing element (210), a second sensing element (230), and a third sensing element (250). The one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250) may operate individually or in cooperation with each other to provide information related to the physical phenomenon to the distribution controller (220). The one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250) may be hardware sensors for sensing / measuring the vehicle environment, such as object detection sensors, temperature sensors, distance sensors, etc. For example, the one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250) may assist in the automatic driving operation of the heavy motor vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250) may provide the driver with visual / audio signals related to the surrounding area of ​​the heavy motor vehicle. Furthermore, the one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250) may be part of an autonomously operated system for determining respective temperature values ​​inside a cabin in a heavy motor vehicle.

[0035] The distribution controller (220) may be a processor or human-machine interface by which the electric blower (240) and the one or more sensing elements (210, 230, 250) are controlled. The distribution controller (220) may be a processor coupled to a motor connected to vents for distributing airflow into a heavy motor vehicle. Further, the distribution controller (220) may control and regulate the use of the evaporator (260) and the heater core (270).

[0036] The electric blower (240) may be hardware configured to generate a regulated burst of rotational force to activate a subsequent motor or directly impact airflow in the airflow chamber and airflow space (280). For example, the electric blower (240) may be considered a device for enabling a fan to push hot / cold air into / out of an area inside the passenger compartment.

[0037] The evaporator (260) and the heater core (270) can be one or more elements of an electric heater that exchanges heat with at least one fluid to change the temperature level of the distributed airflow. In one or more embodiments, the evaporator (260) and the heater core (270) can be assembled during the manufacturing process, and the evaporator (260) and the heater core (270) can then be installed in the heavy motor vehicle as part of the extended HVAC system (200). In one or more embodiments, the evaporator (260) and / or the heater core (270) can be serviced through the passenger compartment without removing any other part of the extended HVAC system (200).

[0038] The airflow space (280) may be hardware configured to deliver airflow in / out of a heavy motor vehicle. In an expanded HVAC system (200), this component may circulate air into / out of the motor vehicle while avoiding shock transfers of weight. For example, the airflow space (280) may be coupled to an evaporator (260) and a heater core (270) for moving airflow through the motor vehicle.

[0039] The extended HVAC system (200) can be assembled in the form of at least two different sub-assemblies. Thus, the above-mentioned elements of the extended HVAC system (200) can be distributed in one or both of these sub-assemblies. For example, in one or more embodiments, the evaporator (260) and the electric blower (240) can be part of a first sub-assembly of the extended HVAC system (200) located outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, while the heater core (270) and the distribution controller (220) can be part of a second sub-assembly of the HVAC system 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 sub-assemblies, but rather, these elements can be located in either sub-assembly without departing from the embodiments disclosed herein. hereinafter in Figures 3 to 11 The subcomponents and their corresponding assembly processes are described in more detail in .

[0040] Steering Figure 3 , Figure 3 A front view of an HVAC assembly according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 3As shown, the HVAC assembly (300) can be a combination of at least two subassemblies assembled in an insertion direction within a motor vehicle. The HVAC assembly (300) can include an air distribution outlet (310) that can be coupled to an evaporator (320) and a heater core (360) in one direction. The HVAC assembly (300) can include an electric blower (330) in a blower assembly (340) that can be coupled to an air distribution inlet (350) in an air inlet assembly (380).

[0041] Once the HVAC assembly (300) has been installed by a manufacturing process or an assembly process, it may not be necessary to dismantle or remove the HVAC assembly. Thus, after the HVAC assembly (300) has been installed, it may allow the heater core (360) to be serviced in only one direction. In one or more embodiments, this direction of heater core service may be a withdrawal direction (370), which may provide sufficient space for the heater core (360) to be removed from the HVAC assembly (300) without having to unnecessarily dismantle or remove other portions of the HVAC assembly (300). The necessary portion may be a portion of the HVAC assembly (300) or a subassembly that may directly hold the heater core (360) installed in the HVAC assembly (300). The portion that does not need to be removed for heater core service may be a portion of the HVAC assembly (300) or a subassembly that may not directly hold the heater core (360) installed in the HVAC assembly (300). Thus, the unnecessary portion may include any element or subassembly discussed herein, as long as these components do not contact the heater core (360). For example, in one or more embodiments, when servicing the heater core (360), only the latch, locking mechanism, or clip that holds the heater core (360) in the HVAC assembly (300) may be removed. Even when servicing the heater core, other subassemblies (e.g., evaporator subassembly, air inlet subassembly, etc.) may remain intact as part of the HVAC assembly.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the extraction direction (370) can be a direction toward a vehicle cabin or passenger compartment, also referred to as a "Z" direction. The extraction direction can be orthogonal or perpendicular to the insertion direction of the heater core (360) into the HVAC assembly (300). For example, during a manufacturing / assembly process, the HVAC assembly (300) can include assembling the heater core (360) along the Y-axis in the insertion direction at a manufacturing / assembly location (e.g., from Figure 3In this example, the heater core may include pipe connections outside the HVAC housing that can be disconnected for maintenance, thereby allowing the heater core (360) to move back and forth in the insertion direction. At this time, the heater core (360) can be further configured to allow movement along the insertion direction so as to remove the heater core (360) in the withdrawal direction (370) along the Z axis.

[0043] Steering Figure 4 , Figure 4 1 shows a plan view of an assembly according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 As shown, the HVAC assembly (400) may include three different subassemblies. These assemblies may include an air inlet subassembly (420), an electric blower subassembly (430), and an evaporator housing subassembly (440). The heater core may be embedded or mounted in one or more of these subassemblies at the heater core location (410). Thus, when servicing the heater core, the heater core may be configured for removal and servicing in a specific orientation.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, a heater core position (410) including a heater core cannot be reached in the insertion direction along the Y axis. Similarly, in one or more embodiments, a heater core position (410) including a heater core cannot be serviced in the direction along the X axis. Thus, the heater core can be removed and serviced in the withdrawal direction along the Z axis.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the area immediately adjacent to the heater core location (410) is blocked by portions of the HVAC assembly (400) that cannot be removed because removing those portions would require additional work from a mechanic or repair facility. In one or more embodiments, a mechanic or repair facility repairs the heater core by removing the heater core from the heater core location (410) without disassembling or removing any other portions of the HVAC assembly (400).

[0046] Steering Figure 5 , Figure 5 A close-up view of an assembly according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 4As shown, an area (500) around the heater core (530) can be blocked. In one or more embodiments, the blocked area is in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (540). The direction parallel to the insertion direction (540) can be blocked by at least one pipe (520) attached to the heater core (530) by at least one can (510). Thus, the heater core (530) can be locked in place within the HVAC assembly by anchoring at a sealing point created between the at least one pipe (520) and the at least one can (510) connected to the heater core (530).

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the region (500) is shown as being permanently blocked in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (540), at least because the at least one tube (520) cannot be disconnected from the canister (510) without removing a larger portion of other subassemblies of the HVAC assembly. Figure 5 Considered as Figure 4 Close-up view of HVAC components in Figure 5 Area (500) is shown blocked and preventing servicing of the heater core in a direction along the Z-axis.

[0048] Steering Figure 6 , Figure 6 Examples of heater core repair configurations are provided. The following examples are for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Figure 6 , showing a cross section (600) of a plan view of an HVAC assembly (610). The cross section (600) includes an arrow pointing in the direction of insertion (620), at least one can (630), at least one tube (650), and a rib (640) including a gap (690) and adjacent to a heater core (680). The rib may be disposed on a support cap (670) and a locking element (660).

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the at least one tube (650) is attached to the heater core (680) by the at least one can-shaped sleeve (630), thereby preventing the heater core (680) from traveling along the Y-axis in a direction parallel to the insertion direction and toward the at least one tube (650). Thus, the heater core (680) can be configured for maintenance along the Z-axis in an extraction direction, i.e., orthogonal to the insertion direction (620).

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the heater core (680) is held in place by the ribs (640) in a direction parallel to the withdrawal direction. In one or more embodiments, during the manufacturing / assembly process of the HVAC assembly, the ribs (640) on the support cover (670) control the installation of the heater core (680) in the insertion direction (620). Thus, the ribs (640) can ensure that the heater core (680) is placed in a nominal position during installation. In one or more embodiments, it is advantageous for the ribs (640) to have a gap (690) at the base of the heater core. The gap (690) can be a lateral gap having a length at least equal to the height of the heater core (680). In one or more embodiments, the gap (690) can be filled with an elastic material that compresses when the heater core is pushed against the material. For example, for servicing the heater core (680), the gap (690) can be filled with a resilient insulator or foam material that can be compressed when the heater core (680) is slid inwardly into the gap (690) region along the insertion direction (620). In one or more embodiments, the gap (690) can include a length of insulating material up to 20 mm and a thickness of up to 25 mm. Thus, the space provided for the gap (690) is sufficient to disconnect the interface connection of the at least one pipe (650). Additionally, the foam can be distributed around the heater core (680) on all narrow sides except for one side including the can-shaped sleeve (630). The gap (690) allows for easy compression but does not allow air to bypass the heater core.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, a gap (690) on the rib (640) at the base of the heater core (680) allows the heater core (680) to be pushed in the insertion direction (620) along the Y-axis, which allows the at least one tube (650) to be disengaged from the canister (630) connecting the at least one tube (650) to the heater core (680).

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the support cover (670) includes a locking element (660) that attaches the support cover (670) to the heater core (680). The locking element (660) can be hardware configured to lock the support cover (670) so that it contacts one side of the heater core (680). When the locking element (660) is in a locked position, the locking element (660) can prevent the heater core (680) from moving in the insertion direction (620). Thus, unlocking the locking element (660) and removing the support cover (670) having the rib (640) allows the heater core (680) to move in the insertion direction (620). For example, the locking element (660) can be a sliding component that applies pressure between the heater core (680) and the support cover (670) by sliding in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (620). To this end, the locking element (660) can release pressure between the heater core (680) and the support cover (670) by sliding in the insertion direction (620), thereby allowing the support cover (670) to be removed without the locking element (680) ever contacting the heater core (680).

[0053] Steering Figure 7 , Figure 7 Examples of heater core repair configurations are provided. The following examples are for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Figure 7 , Figure 5 The region (500) may include at least one sealing attachment (740) assembled at a sealing point located at a connection between at least one tube (720) and at least one can-shaped sleeve of the heater core (710). In one or more embodiments, the at least one sealing attachment (740) includes at least one tab (730) configured to be pulled to release from at least one tube (720). In one or more embodiments, the at least one sealing attachment (740) may be a spring clip that may need to be pulled on the tab to unlock the position of the at least one tube (720), and the clip may need to be pulled to release the at least one tube (720) from the at least one can-shaped sleeve. In one or more embodiments, there are at least two positions in the sealing attachment (740) that include pulling in the manner discussed herein.

[0054] Steering Figure 8 , Figure 8 A close-up of an example of a heater core repair configuration is provided. The following example is for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Go to Figure 8The maintenance area (800) may include a support cover (830) in contact with a heater core (810), the heater core including at least one can-shaped sleeve (820) attached by a locking element (840). The locking element (840) may remain locked until it is unlocked by sliding so that the support cover (840) no longer holds the heater core (810) in a nominal position. The locking element (840) may slide in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (850) and orthogonal to the withdrawal direction.

[0055] Steering Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 A close-up of an example of a heater core repair configuration is provided. The following example is for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Go to Fig. 9 The maintenance area (900) may include removing a support cover (930) from a heater core (910), the heater core including at least one canister (920) released by a locking element (940). The locking element (940) may remain disposed on a surface of the support cover (940) facing the withdrawal direction (950). The locking element (940) may be removed from the HVAC component along the Z axis in the withdrawal direction (950).

[0056] In one or more embodiments, after releasing the locking element (940) from the heater core (910) and the support cover (930), and before disconnecting Figure 7 After at least one sealing attachment (740) is attached, the heater core (910) can freely move inwardly in a direction parallel to the insertion direction, compressing the foam or elastic material, thereby providing a seal for the pipe fitting ( Figure 7 720) is separated from the heater core to form a space.

[0057] Steering Fig.10 , Fig.10 A close-up of an example of a heater core service configuration is provided. The following example is for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Fig.10 , the area (1000) can be Figure 5 area (500) and may include Fig. 9 The heater core (910) can be released from the attached support cover (1030). The heater core can be pushed in the insertion direction (1050) along the Y-axis toward the HVAC component. Thus, the tube (1040) can be rotated in a direction away from the insertion direction (1020) to completely disconnect from the heater core. At this time, the heater core can be pushed against the support cover (1030) set in the Y-axis. Figure 6 On the elastic material in the gap (690).

[0058] In one or more embodiments, disconnecting the tubing (1040) from the heater core and releasing the heater core from the support cap (1030) configures the heater core to move axially in each direction required to remove the heater core from the HVAC assembly. That is, without the support cap (1030) holding the heater core in place, the heater core can be moved in the Y-axis parallel to the insertion direction (1050) to disconnect from the tubing (1040). Subsequently, without the tubing (1040) holding the heater core stationary in the Z-axis, the heater core can now be removed in the extraction direction along the Z-axis.

[0059] Steering Fig.11 , Fig.11 A close-up of an example of a heater core service configuration is provided. The following example is for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Fig.11 , the maintenance area (1100) may include a heater core (1120) that moves along the Z-axis in an extraction direction (1140) and away from a previous heater core installation position where the heater core is held in place by a support cover and at least one tube (1130). In addition, in one or more embodiments, the elastic material that is compressed to allow extraction of the heater core (1120) may fall off the HVAC assembly along with the heater core (1120) during maintenance. Alternatively, the elastic material may remain intact when the heater core is removed for maintenance.

[0060] As mentioned above, although Figures 3 to 11 It is described that the heater core can be configured for serviceability while allowing the HVAC module to be assembled in a sideways configuration (horizontally) and still allowing the heater core to be serviced in a vertical manner to avoid limited horizontal vehicle clearance, but the heater core configured to achieve serviceability is not limited to this arrangement. Similarly, its corresponding components are not limited to the order presented in the above figures.

[0061] Steering Fig.12 , Fig.12 A flow chart according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Fig.12 A method for servicing a turbo heater core installed in an HVAC assembly of a motor vehicle is described. Figure 1 or Figure 2 One or more of the boxes in may be as described above in Figures 3 to 11 One or more of the components described may be used to perform the Fig.12 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.

[0062] In step 1210, a sealing accessory may be removed from one or more connections that interface with the heater core. For example, a sealing accessory may be connected to a sealing point formed by a connection between a fitting or sleeve and the heater core. At this point, the sealing accessory may be required to prevent leaks. Thus, when servicing the heater core, the sealing accessory may be removed to facilitate movement of other components in the HVAC assembly during servicing of the heater core. In one or more embodiments, the sealing accessory may be a spring clip that may be pulled to release the sealing point and loosen the connection between the fitting and the heater core.

[0063] In step 1220, a locking mechanism on the support cover can be slid in a direction orthogonal to the direction of extraction of the heater core. For example, the support cover can include a locking element that attaches the support cover to the heater core and locks the heater core, thereby preventing any translational movement. As a result, the support cover can be removed by sliding the locking element translationally parallel to the insertion direction.

[0064] The support cover may be detached in the extraction direction of the heater core in step 1230. Because the serviceability process describes techniques for servicing the heater core in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, the support cover may also be detached and removed from the HVAC assembly in the extraction direction by first moving along a horizontal displacement in the insertion direction.

[0065] In step 1240, the heater core slides inwardly in the insertion direction against the resilient compressible material. In step 1250, the space created by the sliding of the heater core in the horizontal direction allows the interface connection connected to the heater core interface to be disconnected from the heater core. This step may include, for example, rotating the pipe of the sleeve to disconnect from the heater core once the heater core is allowed to slide horizontally. The horizontal sliding was previously limited by the support cover. Thus, the heater core can slide to one side and compress the resilient material arranged at the end of the sliding path in the insertion direction. The resilient material is a material that can be compressed without allowing fluid / air to bypass.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, Fig.12 The methods described can be used to improve the serviceability of a heater core installed in an HVAC system. Additionally, the above techniques for servicing a heater core can be useful in reducing the number of parts that need to be removed or disassembled when servicing a heater core of an HVAC assembly. For example, Fig.12The method described may reduce production and assembly costs because only one component of the HVAC assembly is removed during the repair process. In this regard, the heater core and its surroundings are also manufactured with the above configuration in mind. Therefore, if the heater core has been manufactured / assembled with the above configuration for serviceability, the manufacturing / assembly location may only be improved in terms of service operations. This may be an additional benefit for a horizontally assembled heater core that can be serviced vertically.

[0067] 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 method for servicing a heater core installed in a HVAC assembly of a motor vehicle, the HVAC assembly comprising the heater core and a housing having walls defining an interior volume of the HVAC assembly, the method comprising: removing a sealing attachment from an interface connection that interfaces with the heater core; sliding the heater core in an insertion direction; disconnecting the interface connection from the heater core; as well as Remove the heater core in the extraction direction. wherein the withdrawal direction is orthogonal to the insertion direction; The method further comprises: sliding the support cover in a direction parallel to the insertion direction and orthogonal to the extraction direction; and releasing the support cover from the HVAC component in the extraction direction; The method further comprises: before sliding the support cover, unlocking the support cover by sliding a locking element in a direction orthogonal to the withdrawal direction.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The support cover includes the locking element attached to an outer surface of the support cover, and The outer surface is the surface of the support cover facing the withdrawal direction.

3. The method according to claim 2, in, Prior to unlocking the support cover, the support cover is in contact with the heater core; and Wherein, before the support cover is unlocked, the locking element is not in contact with the heater core.

4. The method according to claim 1, in, The interface connection is a socket that delivers fluid to or from the heater core. wherein the sealing accessory is a spring clamp type sealing accessory clamped onto the pipe sleeve, and Wherein, the spring clamp type sealing accessory is installed at the sealing point of the HVAC component.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: Unlocking the sleeve by pulling the tab of the spring clip seal attachment; as well as The spring clip seal attachment is removed from the sleeve by pulling the clip away from around the sleeve.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: the heater core being configured to slide inwardly within the interior volume toward opposite sides of the housing in an insertion direction, thereby compressing the resilient material; disconnecting the interfacing portion from the heater core by sliding the heater core toward the resilient material and away from the interfacing portion; as well as The interface connection is rotated in a direction away from the heater core.

7. The method according to claim 1, in, The motor vehicle HVAC assembly includes at least two sealing attachments attached to at least two interface connections, each sealing attachment corresponding to a respective interface connection.

8. The method according to claim 7, in, The withdrawal direction is a direction toward a maintenance point, which is a withdrawal point that allows maintenance of the heater core.

9. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning assembly for a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising: Heater core; as well as a housing having walls defining an interior volume of the HVAC assembly, wherein the heater core is configured to slide inwardly in the interior volume toward an opposite side of the housing in an insertion direction, wherein the HVAC assembly is configured to service the heater core by removing the heater core from the HVAC assembly in a withdrawal direction, and wherein the withdrawal direction is orthogonal to the insertion direction; The component further comprises: A support cover, the support cover being configured to: sliding in a direction parallel to the insertion direction and orthogonal to the withdrawal direction, and de-attaching from the HVAC component in the withdrawal direction; The component further comprises: A locking element is configured to lock the support cover by sliding in a direction orthogonal to the withdrawal direction.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, in, The support cover includes the locking element attached to an outer surface of the support cover, The outer surface is the surface of the support cover facing the withdrawal direction. wherein, when the support cover is locked, the support cover is in contact with the heater core; and Wherein, when the support cover is locked, the locking element does not contact the heater core.

11. The assembly of claim 9, comprising a sealing attachment attached to an interfacing portion; the interfacing portion interfacing with the heater core; in, The interface connection is a socket that delivers fluid to or from the heater core. wherein the sealing accessory is a spring clamp type sealing accessory clamped onto the pipe sleeve, and Wherein, the sealing point of the HVAC component is located on the interface connection portion.

12. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a tab of the spring clamp seal attachment that locks the sleeve; as well as The spring clamp seal attachment includes a clip that clamps around the sleeve.

13. The assembly of claim 9, the heater core interface being connected to the interface connection; in, The interface connection is configured to be disconnected from the heater core by sliding the heater core away from the interface connection; and Wherein, the interface connection portion is configured to rotate in a direction away from the heater core.

14. The assembly of claim 9, in, The motor vehicle HVAC assembly includes at least two sealing attachments attached to at least two interface connections, each sealing element corresponding to a respective interface connection.

15. The assembly of claim 14, in, The withdrawal direction is a direction toward a maintenance point, which is a withdrawal point that allows maintenance of the heater core.

16. A HVAC system for a motor vehicle, the system comprising a HVAC assembly, the HVAC assembly comprising: Heater core; a housing having walls defining an interior volume of the HVAC assembly; at least two sleeves connected to the heater core interface, the at least two sleeves conveying fluid to or from the heater core; as well as at least two sealing accessories, the at least two sealing accessories sealing at least two sealing points of the HVAC system, wherein the heater core is configured to slide inwardly in the interior volume toward an opposite side of the housing in an insertion direction, thereby compressing the resilient material, wherein the HVAC system is configured for servicing the heater core by removing the heater core from the HVAC system in a withdrawal direction, and wherein the withdrawal direction is orthogonal to the insertion direction; Wherein, the HVAC component further comprises: A support cover, the support cover being configured to: sliding in a direction parallel to the insertion direction and orthogonal to the withdrawal direction, and de-attaching from the HVAC component in the withdrawal direction; Wherein, the HVAC component further comprises: A locking element is configured to lock the support cover by sliding in a direction orthogonal to the withdrawal direction.

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