Heating ventilation and air conditioning system

Abstract

A heating ventilation and air conditioning system having means for distributing conditioned air to central and side vents includes a housing configured by assembling first and second housing portions, at least one partition plate and at least one shaft. The partition plate configures central and side ventilation channels. A shaft passes through the partition plate and is mounted within the central and side ventilation channels for supporting the baffle thereon. The shaft is formed with at least one portion to receive the shaft in an aperture configured on the partition plate. The shaft also includes a rib that facilitates mounting the shaft along with the baffle plate on a corresponding divider plate only in a predetermined configuration and also defines an angular movement of the shaft. The shaft includes a sealing element for preventing leakage from and / or between the central and side ventilation channels.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of March 28, 2019 and the application number of 201910241851.8. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and more particularly to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] A conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, hereinafter referred to as an HVAC system, includes an air distribution module for distributing air to at least one central vent and at least one side vent. Generally, the HVAC system includes at least a pair of side vents and at least a pair of central vents. The side vents are provided on the sides of the instrument panel and direct the conditioned air to the sides of the vehicle, particularly the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. The central vents are provided in the center of the instrument panel and direct the conditioned air to the center of the vehicle and between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat and to the rear of the vehicle. The HVAC system includes at least one side vent passage corresponding to the side vents and at least one central vent passage corresponding to the central vents. In particular, the side vent passage is connected to the side vent via a duct to supply the conditioned air to the side vent. Similarly, the central vent passage is connected to the central vent via a duct to supply the conditioned air to the central vent. The side vent passage needs to be always open to supply the conditioned air to the side vent, while the central vent passage needs to be closed during a few operating modes of the vehicle HVAC system. To achieve this independent opening and closing of the side vent passage and the central vent passage, the walls defining each vent passage form separate vent passages, and a damper mounted on a shaft supported between the walls operates in the separate vent passages for opening and closing the vent passages. In addition, air leakage between the vent passages is undesirable because leakage between the vent passages will defeat the purpose of configuring separate vent passages. More specifically, in a case where the central vent passage needs to be closed and the side vent passage needs to be opened, the conditioned air leaking from the side vent to the central vent passage will result in uncontrolled air distribution, which is undesirable.

[0004] In addition, as Figure 1aAs shown, the traditional HVAC system 1 uses a single shaft 2, on which a single baffle 3 is mounted. The shaft and baffle assembly is supported between side walls 1a and 1b and partition walls 5a and 5b. The shaft and baffle assembly extends through separate ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c and moves angularly within the ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c to facilitate the opening and closing of the ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c. This configuration of the HVAC system 1 is simple and inexpensive. However, this configuration of the HVAC system cannot prevent leakage from the central ventilation channel 4b or between the central ventilation channel 4b and the side ventilation channels 4a and 4b, and thus cannot control the air distribution in the ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c. In addition, this configuration cannot ensure that the shaft and baffle assembly is installed only within the corresponding ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c in a specific desired configuration or orientation and results in incorrect assembly. Moreover, this configuration cannot define the angular movement of the shaft and baffle assembly. The uncontrolled angular movement of the shaft and baffle assembly results in uncontrolled air distribution, which is undesirable.

[0005] In addition, as Figure 1b shown, another traditional HVAC system 11 uses separate individual shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, where each individual shaft 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d is supported between side walls 11a, 11b and partition walls 15a, 15b, and 15c that define ventilation channels 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. Although this configuration of the multiple shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d and the corresponding baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d mounted thereon prevents leakage from adjacent ventilation channels or between them, this configuration is expensive and cannot ensure that the multiple shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d together with the baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d mounted thereon are installed only within the corresponding ventilation channels 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d in a specific desired configuration or orientation to prevent incorrect assembly. In addition, this configuration cannot determine the angular movement of the shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d together with the baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d mounted thereon. If any arrangement is provided for installing only the shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d together with the baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d in a predetermined configuration or for defining the angular movement of the shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, then such an arrangement is bulky, expensive, inefficient, and unreliable. In addition, with this configuration of the HVAC system, the number of components increases, for example, more shafts are required to mount the baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d in each ventilation channel 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d respectively, thereby increasing inventory, associated inventory costs, assembly time, manufacturing / assembly steps, manufacturing costs involved in the manufacturing / assembly of the HVAC system, and also reducing the reliability of the HVAC system.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an HVAC system configured with separate ventilation ducts that can control the air distribution to the vents to provide improved temperature / airflow control within the passenger compartment. Further, there is a need for an HVAC system that prevents leakage from adjacent ventilation ducts or between them. Additionally, there is a need for an HVAC system that ensures that at least one shaft along with at least one damper mounted thereon is installed and assembled within the ventilation duct only in a specific desired configuration, thereby preventing incorrect or improper assembly. Moreover, there is a need for an HVAC system that defines the angular movement of at least one shaft along with at least one damper mounted thereon within the ventilation duct to achieve improved control of damper movement and improved air distribution. Even further, there is a need for an HVAC system that involves a relatively small number of components, thereby reducing inventory, associated inventory costs, assembly time, manufacturing / assembly steps, and the manufacturing costs involved in the manufacture / assembly of the HVAC system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC system configured with separate ventilation ducts and eliminating the drawbacks associated with conventional HVAC systems.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC system configured with separate ventilation ducts that prevents leakage from adjacent ventilation ducts or between them.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC system configured with separate ventilation ducts that ensures that at least one shaft along with at least one damper mounted thereon is assembled relative to the corresponding ventilation duct in a specific desired configuration, thereby preventing incorrect or improper assembly.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC system configured with separate ventilation ducts that defines the angular movement of at least one shaft along with at least one damper mounted thereon within the ventilation duct to achieve improved control of damper movement and improved air distribution.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC system configured with separate ventilation ducts that is easy to assemble and disassemble for maintenance and is reliable, energy-efficient, and inexpensive.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC system that involves a relatively small number of components, thereby reducing inventory, associated inventory costs, assembly time, manufacturing / assembly steps, and the manufacturing costs involved in the manufacture / assembly of the HVAC system.

[0013] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element and a second element. In such a case, unless otherwise specified, this indexing is only used to distinguish and name similar but different elements. No priority should be inferred from such indexing, as these terms can be switched without betraying the invention. Additionally, this indexing does not imply any order of installation or use of the elements of the invention.

[0014] An embodiment according to the present invention discloses a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system includes a housing, at least one partition, and at least one shaft. The housing is configured by assembling a first housing part and a second housing part. At least one partition is disposed within the housing and configured to define at least two ventilation channels. At least one shaft passes through at least one partition and is installed within at least two ventilation channels for supporting at least one baffle thereon. At least one shaft is formed with at least one portion to facilitate receiving at least one shaft within an opening formed in a corresponding partition. At least one shaft further includes ribs that facilitate installing at least one shaft together with at least one baffle mounted thereon within the opening formed in a corresponding partition only in a predetermined configuration and also define an angular movement of at least one shaft. At least one shaft further includes a sealing element disposed thereon for preventing leakage between two ventilation channels.

[0015] Specifically, at least one partition together with at least one of the side walls and the intermediate wall of the housing configures at least one central ventilation channel and at least one side ventilation channel adjacent to at least one central ventilation channel.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate wall is disposed between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one partition is disposed on either side of the intermediate wall to configure at least one central ventilation channel between the intermediate wall and the corresponding partition.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one partition extends from a ventilation door seat to a ventilation outlet.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one shaft includes a cylindrical sealing cap that covers the opening and defines and maintains the position of at least one shaft and at least one baffle mounted on the shaft relative to the corresponding partition.

[0019] Generally, at least one shaft includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion on which a baffle is mounted is disposed within at least one side ventilation channel, and the second portion on which at least one baffle is mounted is adapted to be disposed within at least one central ventilation channel adjacent to the side ventilation channel.

[0020] Specifically, at least one part has an oval cross-section, at least one part is disposed between a first part and a second part of at least one shaft, and is received in an opening configured in a corresponding partition plate.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the ribs are configured on at least one part.

[0022] Specifically, the opening of the opening forms an angle of less than 180 degrees with the center of the opening.

[0023] Generally, the shaft further includes an end having a profile that facilitates mounting the shaft together with the baffle mounted thereon on either the side wall or the intermediate wall only in a predetermined configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, details, and advantages of the present invention can be inferred from the following description of the present invention. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a more complete understanding of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, in which:

[0025] Figure 1a An isometric view of a conventional HVAC system is shown;

[0026] Figure 1b An isometric view of another conventional HVAC system is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 An isometric view of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 3a An embodiment according to the present invention is shown Figure 2 A front view of the assembly between the shaft and a pair of baffles;

[0029] Figure 3b A sectional view of the assembly taken along Figure 3a section line A-A' is shown, showing the cross-section of the shaft along section line A-A';

[0030] Figure 3c A side view of the assembly is shown Figure 3a showing the profile configured on the end of the shaft to facilitate mounting the shaft in a predetermined configuration, only to avoid incorrect assembly;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic view according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing the assembly of the shaft received in the opening configured in the partition plate; and

[0032] Figure 5Another cross-sectional view of a component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing a portion of a shaft having an elliptical cross-section, the shaft being received in an opening configured in a partition plate, wherein the angular movement of the shaft in the opening is defined by ribs formed on the shaft. Detailed Description

[0033] It must be noted that the drawings disclose the present invention in sufficient detail to be implemented, and the drawings help to better define the present invention when needed. However, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an HVAC system is disclosed that is configured with means for distributing conditioned air to at least one central vent and at least one side vent provided on a vehicle dashboard. The HVAC system includes a housing, at least one partition plate, and at least one shaft. The partition plate configures a central ventilation passage and a side ventilation passage. The HVAC system of the present invention is designed to provide an effective seal between the ventilation passages, facilitate the assembly of at least one shaft with a baffle mounted thereon within the ventilation passages, and prevent the misassembly of at least one shaft together with the baffle mounted thereon in the ventilation passages by providing a poka-yoke feature. In particular, the shaft passes through the partition plate and is mounted within the central and side ventilation passages for supporting the baffle thereon. The shaft is formed with at least one portion to facilitate the reception of the shaft in an opening configured in the partition plate. The shaft further includes ribs that help to mount the shaft together with the baffle on the corresponding partition plate only in a predetermined configuration and also define the angular movement of the shaft with the baffle mounted thereon. The shaft includes a sealing element for preventing leakage from the central and side ventilation passages and / or between them. However, while the disclosed HVAC system is for vehicle cabin air conditioning, the HVAC system is also applicable to other vehicle and non-vehicle applications and is not limited to cabin air conditioning.

[0035] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A conventional HVAC system is shown that is configured with means for distributing conditioned air to at least one central vent and at least one side vent provided on a vehicle dashboard. Some prior art HVAC systems, such as Figure 1aAs shown, a single shaft 2 is used, on which a single baffle 3 is mounted and is disposed within ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c. The shaft and baffle assembly is supported between side walls 1a, 1b and partition walls 5a, 5b, but it cannot prevent leakage from the central ventilation channel 4b and between the central ventilation channel 4b and the adjacent side ventilation channels 4a and 4c. Therefore, it cannot control the air distribution in the ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c. Additionally, this configuration cannot ensure that the shaft and baffle assembly is installed within the respective ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c only in a specific desired configuration or orientation. Moreover, this configuration cannot define the angular movement of the shaft and baffle assembly within the ventilation channels 4a, 4b, and 4c.

[0036] Other prior arts, such as Figure 1b the HVAC system 11 shown in, has respective shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d with corresponding baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d mounted thereon disposed within respective ventilation channels 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. This configuration prevents leakage from adjacent ventilation channels or between them. However, this configuration is expensive and cannot ensure that the shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d together with the baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d mounted thereon are installed within the respective ventilation channels 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d only in a specific desired configuration or orientation. Moreover, this configuration cannot determine the angular movement of the shafts 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d together with the baffles 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d mounted thereon. Additionally, with this configuration of the HVAC system 11, the number of components increases. For example, more shafts are required to mount the baffles in each of the ventilation channels 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, thereby increasing inventory, associated inventory costs, assembly time, manufacturing / assembly steps, manufacturing costs involved in the manufacturing / assembly of the HVAC system, and also reducing the reliability of the HVAC system.

[0037] Figure 2An isometric view of an HVAC system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The HVAC system 100 includes a housing 10, at least one partition plate 20a, 20b, and at least one shaft 50a, 50b, on which a baffle 60 is mounted. The HVAC system 100 of the present invention not only prevents leakage from adjacent ventilation ducts (such as a central ventilation duct 30a and a side ventilation duct 40a) or between them, but also ensures that at least one shaft, such as shaft 50a, together with the baffle 60 mounted thereon, is mounted in the central ventilation duct 30a and the side ventilation duct 40a in a specific desired configuration or orientation to prevent its incorrect assembly. Moreover, the HVAC system 100 of the present invention defines the angular movement of at least one shaft, such as shaft 50a, together with the baffle 60 mounted thereon, to achieve improved control of the baffle movement, thereby achieving improved flow control. In addition, the HVAC system of the present invention further includes additional sealing elements for configuring a seal between adjacent ventilation ducts.

[0038] The housing 10 is configured by assembling a first housing part 10a and a second housing part 10b. The first housing part 10a and the second housing part 10b include complementary engaging elements 19a, 19b configured thereon. In particular, the first housing part 10a includes a first engaging element 19a configured along its engaging edge. Similarly, the second housing part 10b includes a second engaging element 19b configured along its engaging edge, wherein the second engaging element 19b is complementary to the first engaging element 19a. The first engaging element engages with the complementary second engaging element to facilitate the engagement between the first housing part 10a and the second housing part 10b to configure the housing 10. This modular configuration of the housing 10 provides access to the interior of the housing 10 to maintain and replace the elements provided within the housing 10 when needed. Therefore, this configuration of the housing 10 provides easy maintenance. This modular configuration of the housing 10 also facilitates the assembly of the shafts 50a, 50b with the baffles 60 mounted thereon in the corresponding central ventilation ducts 30a, 30b and side ventilation ducts 40a, 40b. The housing 10 is made of a plastic material and is manufactured by a molding process. However, the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the housing 10 or any specific material or process for configuring the housing 10, as long as the housing 10 can be easily manufactured.

[0039] At least one partition plate 20a, 20b disposed within the housing 10 is configured to define at least two ventilation channels 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b. According to one embodiment, at least one partition plate 20a, 20b together with at least one of the side walls 10c, 10d of the housing 10 and the intermediate wall 25 configure at least one central ventilation channel 30a, 30b and at least one side ventilation channel 40a, 40b adjacent to the at least one central ventilation channel 30a, 30b. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one partition plate 20a, 20b extends from the ventilation door seat 22a to the ventilation outlet 24a, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown. The central ventilation channels 30a, 30b are disposed between the side ventilation channels 40a, 40b. In particular, the side ventilation channel 40a is disposed near the central ventilation channel 30a. Similarly, the side ventilation channel 40b is disposed near the central ventilation channel 30b. At least one partition plate 20a, 20b is disposed on either side of the intermediate wall 25 to configure at least one central ventilation channel 30a, 30b between the intermediate wall 25 and the corresponding partition plate 20a, 20b. More specifically, the central ventilation channel 30a is configured between the intermediate wall 25 and the partition plate 20a. Similarly, the central ventilation channel 30b is configured between the intermediate wall 25 and the partition plate 20b. Although the following description and drawings explain the configuration and operation of the HVAC system 100 of the present invention 10, which has two central vents 30a, 30b, two side vents 40a, 40b and two shafts 50a and 50b on which baffles 60 are mounted to supply conditioned air to the two side vents and the two central vents. However, the HVAC system 100 of the present invention may have any number of central ventilation channels, side ventilation channels, and shafts on which baffles are mounted, such as additional ventilation channels to supply conditioned air to additional vents configured in the HVAC system for rear seat occupants. In particular, the HVAC system 100 of the present invention is not limited to having two central ventilation channels, two side ventilation channels, and two shafts with only baffles mounted thereon. The number of partition plates 20a, 20b and the arrangement of the partition plates 20a, 20b relative to the intermediate wall 25 define the number of central ventilation channels and side ventilation channels of the HVAC system 100.

[0040] At least one shaft 50a, 50b passes through and is supported by at least one partition plate 20a, 20b. At least one baffle 60 is mounted on at least one shaft 50a, as Figures 3a - 3cAs shown. Referring to FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings, a front view of the assembly between the shaft 50a and a pair of baffles 60 is shown. At least one of the shafts 50a, 50b on which the baffle 60 is mounted is disposed within at least one central ventilation passage 30a, 30b and at least one side ventilation passage 40a, 40b. More specifically, the shaft 50a passes through and is supported by the partition plate 20a. The shaft 50a on which the baffle 60 is mounted is disposed within the central ventilation passage 30a and the side ventilation passage 40a adjacent to the central ventilation passage 30a. The shaft 50a on which the baffle 60 is mounted moves angularly within at least one central ventilation passage 30a and at least one side ventilation passage 40a to define the opening and closing of the central ventilation passage 30a and the side ventilation passage 40a. Similarly, the shaft 50b passes through and is supported by the partition plate 20b. The shaft 50b on which the baffle 60 is mounted is disposed within the central ventilation passage 30b and the side ventilation passage 40b adjacent to the central ventilation passage 30b. The shaft 50b on which the baffle 60 is mounted moves angularly within at least one central ventilation passage 30b and at least one side ventilation passage 40b to define the opening and closing of the central ventilation passage 30b and the side ventilation passage 40b. Since the shafts 50a and 50b on which the baffle 60 is mounted are functionally and structurally similar, and since the central ventilation passage 30a, side ventilation passage 40a and partition plate 20a receiving the shaft 50a are functionally and structurally similar to the central ventilation passage 30b, side ventilation passage 40b and partition plate 20b receiving the shaft 50b, only the shaft 50a and the means for receiving the shaft 50a within the central ventilation passage 30a, side ventilation passage 40a and partition plate 20a are described in the following description and shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] At least one shaft 50a (also referred to as the first shaft 50a) is formed with at least one portion 50c to facilitate receiving the at least one shaft 50a within an opening 29a configured in the corresponding partition plate 20a. The cross-section of the at least one portion 50c is elliptical. Referring to the accompanying drawings Figure 3b , a cross-sectional view of the assembly between the shaft 50a and the baffle 60 is depicted along the section line A-A'. More specifically, Figure 3b the elliptical cross-section of the portion 50c of the shaft 50a and the rib 52a configured on the portion 50c of the shaft 50a is depicted. Figure 4 A schematic view showing the shaft 50a received within the opening 29a configured in the partition plate 20a is shown. Figure 5Shows another side view of the assembly of the shaft 50a and the partition plate 20a, in particular the portion 50c of the shaft 50a received within the opening 29a configured in the partition plate 20a, wherein the portion 50c of the shaft 50a has an oval cross-section to facilitate the receipt of the shaft 50a, on which a baffle 60 is mounted, within the opening 29a configured in the partition plate 20a. Also shown is a rib 52a configured on the portion 50c of the first shaft 50, which interacts with the opening of the opening 29a configured in the partition plate 20a to define the angular movement of the shaft 50a on which the baffle 60 is mounted. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape configuration of the portion 50c, as long as the portion 50c facilitates the receipt of the shaft 50a within the opening 29a configured in the corresponding partition plate 20a. The rib 52a configured on at least one shaft 50a facilitates the mounting of at least one shaft 50a, together with at least one baffle 60 mounted thereon, on the corresponding partition plate 20a in only the desired predetermined configuration. With this configuration of the rib 52a configured on at least one shaft 50a, the shaft 50a cannot be assembled within the opening 29a configured in the partition plate 20a if inserted incorrectly. The rib 52a also maintains a safe clearance of the shaft 50a relative to the opening 29a. The rib 52a is configured on at least one shaft 50a, in particular on the portion 50c of at least one shaft 50a, and also defines the angular movement of at least one shaft 50a. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the rib 52a, as long as the rib 52a facilitates the mounting of the shaft-baffle assembly in a predetermined configuration relative to the corresponding partition plate 20a to prevent incorrect assembly, and as long as the rib 52a defines the angular movement of at least one shaft 50a to provide improved control of the baffle movement and improved flow control. More specifically, the angular movement of the shaft 50a is defined by the opening of the opening 29a, and more specifically by the angular movement of the rib 52a configured on the portion 50c of the shaft 50a along the opening of the opening 29a. Based on the desired angular movement of at least one shaft 50a, the opening of the opening 29a is defined. The opening of the opening 29a is at an angle less than 180 degrees with respect to the center of the opening 29a. The shaft 50a also includes an end 50e, the profile of which is received within a complementary hole configured in either the side wall 10c or the intermediate wall 25 to facilitate the mounting of the shaft 50a, together with the baffle 60 mounted thereon, on either the side wall 10c or the intermediate wall 25 in only a predetermined configuration.

[0042] Referring again to the Figures 3a - 3c, the shaft 50a generally includes a first portion 50aa and a second portion 50ab. The first portion 50aa, on which the baffle 60 is mounted, is disposed within at least one side ventilation passage 40a, while the second portion 50ab, on which at least one baffle 60 is mounted, is disposed within at least one central ventilation passage 30a adjacent to the side ventilation passage 40a. At least one portion 50c having an oval cross-section is disposed between the first portion 50aa and the second portion 50ab and is received within an opening 29a configured in the corresponding partition plate 20a. The baffles 60 mounted on the portions 50aa and 50ab respectively disposed within the side ventilation passage 40a and the adjacent central ventilation passage 30a may have the same dimensions and configurations or different dimensions and configurations.

[0043] The shaft 50a further includes a sealing element configured thereon to prevent leakage between the central ventilation passage 30a and the adjacent side ventilation passage 40a. More specifically, referring to the accompanying drawings Figures 3a - 3c , the shaft 50a includes a cylindrical sealing cover or sealing element 54a that covers the opening 29a formed in the partition plate 20a to prevent leakage between the central ventilation passage 30a and the adjacent side ventilation passage 40a. More specifically, the cylindrical sealing element 54a covers the gap between the shaft 50a and the opening 29a configured in the partition plate 20a to prevent any leakage from the gap. The cylindrical sealing element 54a also holds the baffle 60 on the shaft 50a for pre-assembly. The cylindrical sealing cover 54a also defines and holds the position of the shaft 50a and at least one baffle 60a mounted on the shaft 50a relative to the corresponding partition plate 20a. However, the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the sealing cover 54a as long as the sealing cover 54a can cover the opening 29a formed in the partition plate 20a through which the shaft 50a passes to prevent leakage between the central ventilation passage 30a and the adjacent side ventilation passage 40a.

[0044] A similar shaft 50b (referred to as the second shaft 50b) passes through the partition plate 20b and is installed within the central ventilation passage 30b and the adjacent side ventilation passage 40b. Similar to shaft 50a, shaft 50b is configured with a baffle 60 mounted thereon and angularly moves within the central ventilation passage 30b and the adjacent side ventilation passage 40b to define the open / closed configuration of the central ventilation passage 30b and the adjacent side ventilation passage 40b. Shaft 50b is also configured with a sealing element 54b for preventing leakage between the central ventilation passage 30b and the adjacent side ventilation passage 40b. Shaft 50b is formed with at least one portion 50d to facilitate receiving shaft 50b within the opening 29b configured in the corresponding partition plate 20b. The portion 50d of shaft 50b is also configured with ribs 52b. The ribs 52b facilitate installing at least one shaft 50b together with at least one baffle 60 mounted thereon on the corresponding partition plate 20b in only a predetermined configuration. The ribs 52b also define the angular movement of shaft 50b. Shaft 50b also includes an end 50f having a profile that facilitates installing shaft 50b together with the baffle 60 mounted thereon on either the side wall 10d or the intermediate wall 25 in only a predetermined configuration. For the sake of brevity of this document, details regarding portions 50ba and 50bb of shaft 50b and different possible variations in which shaft 50b can be received in the central ventilation passage 30b and the side ventilation passage 30b, where the second portion 50bb is received in the central ventilation passage 30b and the first portion 50ba is received in the adjacent side ventilation passage 40b, are not disclosed in detail in this document.

[0045] A method of assembling an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present invention is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of: assembling a first shaft with a baffle mounted thereon within a first housing, wherein a portion of the shaft configured with at least one rib is received within an opening formed in a partition plate provided within the first housing to facilitate installing the shaft together with the baffle mounted thereon in only a predetermined configuration, and thereafter, assembling a second shaft with a baffle mounted thereon within a second housing, wherein a portion of the second shaft configured with at least one rib is received within an opening formed in a partition plate provided within the second housing to facilitate installing the second shaft together with the baffle mounted thereon in only a predetermined configuration. Thereafter, assembling an intermediate wall to the profile configured on an end of either the first shaft or the second shaft to respectively enclose the open end of either the first housing or the second housing. Finally, assembling the first housing to the second housing such that the intermediate wall is disposed between the first housing and the second housing to configure a central ventilation passage between the intermediate wall and the partition plates respectively provided within the first housing and the second housing.

[0046] Those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements to the HVAC system 100 as defined above, and these modifications and improvements will still be considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention, provided that the system includes a housing, at least one partition plate, and at least one shaft. The housing is configured by assembling a first housing portion and a second housing portion. At least one partition plate is disposed within the housing. The at least one partition plate, together with at least one of the side walls of the housing and the intermediate wall, configures at least one central ventilation passage and at least one side ventilation passage adjacent to the at least one central ventilation passage. At least one shaft passes through at least one partition plate and is mounted within at least one of the central ventilation passage and the adjacent side ventilation passage for supporting at least one baffle thereon. The at least one shaft is formed with at least one portion to facilitate receiving the at least one shaft within an opening configured in the corresponding partition plate. The at least one shaft further includes ribs that facilitate mounting the at least one shaft, together with at least one baffle mounted thereon, on the corresponding partition plate only in a predetermined configuration and also define the angular movement of the at least one shaft. The at least one shaft further includes a sealing element disposed thereon for preventing leakage between the central ventilation passage and the adjacent side ventilation passage.

[0047] In any case, the present invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, as there may be other embodiments. The present invention should extend to any equivalent devices and any combination of technically operative devices.

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100), comprising: · A housing (10) configured by assembling a first housing part (10a) and a second housing part (10b); · At least one partition plate (20a, 20b) disposed within the housing (10), configured to define at least two ventilation channels (30a, 30b, 40a, 40b), and at least one shaft (50a, 50b) adapted to pass through at least one partition plate (20a, 20b) and be installed within at least two ventilation channels (30a, 30b, 40a, 40b) for supporting at least one baffle (60) thereon. The at least one shaft (50a, 50b) is formed with at least one portion (50c, 50d) adapted to facilitate receiving the at least one shaft (50a, 50b) within an opening (29a, 29b) formed in the corresponding partition plate (20a, 20b). The at least one shaft (50a, 50b) further includes: o Ribs (52a, 52b) adapted to facilitate installing the at least one shaft (50a, 50b) together with at least one baffle (60) mounted thereon within the opening (29a, 29b) formed in the corresponding partition plate (20a, 20b) in only a predetermined configuration, and further defining at least the angular movement of the shaft (50a, 50b); and o Sealing elements (54a, 54b) disposed thereon for preventing leakage between two channels (30a, 30b, 40a, 40b).

2. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to the previous claim, wherein the at least one partition plate (20a, 20b) together with at least one of the side walls (10c, 10d) of the housing (10) and an intermediate wall configures at least one central ventilation channel (30a, 30b) and at least one side ventilation channel (40a, 40b) adjacent to the at least one central ventilation channel (30a, 30b).

3. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate wall (25) is disposed between the first housing part (10a) and the second housing part (10b), and the at least one partition plate (20a, 20b) is disposed on either side of the intermediate wall (25) to configure at least one central ventilation channel (30a, 30b) between the intermediate wall (25) and the corresponding partition plate (20a, 20b).

4. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shaft (50a, 50b) includes cylindrical sealing caps (54a, 54b) adapted to cover the openings (29a, 29b) and define and maintain the position of the at least one shaft (50a, 50b) and at least one baffle (60a, 60b) mounted on the shaft (50a, 50b) relative to the corresponding partition plate (20a, 20b).

5. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one shaft (50a, 50b) includes a first portion (50aa, 50ba) and a second portion (50ab, 50bb), wherein the first portion (50aa, 50ba) on which the baffle (60) is mounted is adapted to be disposed within at least one side ventilation passage (40a, 40b), and the second portion (50ab, 50bb) on which at least one baffle (60) is mounted is adapted to be disposed within at least one central ventilation passage (30a, 30b) adjacent to the side ventilation passage.

6. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to claim 5, wherein, the at least one portion (50c, 50d) has an elliptical cross-section, the at least one portion (50c, 50d) is disposed between the first portion (50aa, 50ba) and the second portion (50ab, 50bb) of the at least one shaft (50a, 50b), and is received within openings (29a, 29b) configured in corresponding partition plates (20a, 20b).

7. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the ribs (52a, 52b) are configured on the at least one portion (50c, 50d).

8. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the opening of the opening (29a, 29b) forms an angle of less than 180 degrees with the center of the opening (29a, 29b).

9. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the shaft (50a, 50b) further includes ends (50e, 50f) having a profile adapted to facilitate mounting of the shaft (50a, 50b) together with the baffle (60) mounted thereon on either the side wall (10c, 10d) or the intermediate wall (25) only in a predetermined configuration.

10. A method of assembling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (100), the method comprising the steps of: · Assembling a first shaft (50a) having a baffle (60) mounted thereon within a first housing (10a), wherein a portion (50c) of the shaft (50a) on which at least one rib (52a) is configured is received within an opening (29a) formed in a partition plate (20a) disposed within the first housing (10a) to facilitate mounting of the shaft (50a) together with the baffle (60) mounted thereon only in a predetermined configuration and further defining angular movement of the shaft (50a); · Assembling a second shaft (50b) having a baffle (60) mounted thereon within a second housing (10b), wherein a portion (50d) of the second shaft (50b) on which at least one rib (52b) is configured is received within an opening (29b) formed in a partition plate (20b) disposed within the second housing (10b) to facilitate mounting of the second shaft (50b) together with the baffle (60) mounted thereon only in a predetermined configuration and further defining angular movement of the shaft (50b); · Assemble the intermediate wall (25) to the contour disposed at the end (50e, 50f) of either the first shaft (50a) or the second shaft (50b) to respectively enclose the open end of either the first housing (10a) or the second housing (10b); and · Assemble the first housing (10a) to the second housing (10b) such that the intermediate wall (25) is disposed between the first housing (10a) and the second housing (10b) to configure central ventilation channels (30a) and (30b) between the intermediate wall (25) and the partition plates (20a) and (20b) respectively disposed within the first housing (10a) and the second housing (10b).

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