Waterproof structure of air inlet connecting air duct of air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automobile wading protection, and provides an air conditioner air inlet connecting air duct waterproof structure which comprises a first air inlet shell and a one-way valve, a drainage groove is formed in a preset position in the first air inlet shell, the one-way valve is installed on the drainage groove and comprises a fixed frame and a movable valve, the fixed frame is clamped to the drainage groove, and the movable valve is connected with the fixed frame. The edge of the movable valve is attached to the side wall of the fixing frame, a gap is formed between the edge of the movable valve and the side wall of the fixing frame under the preset water volume so that water can be discharged, and external water enters the drainage groove so that the movable valve can be pushed to be attached to the fixing frame. The gap is formed between the edge of the movable valve and the side wall of the fixing frame to drain water under the preset water volume, the waterproof performance of the automobile air conditioner air inlet in the raining environment can be met, external water enters the drainage groove to push the movable valve to be attached to the fixing frame, water entering is stopped, and the service life of the automobile air conditioner air inlet is prolonged. The problem that water enters an air conditioner air inlet when a vehicle runs in a high-water-level environment and is soaked in a waterlogging environment is solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of automobile water crossing protection, and particularly relates to a water-proof structure of an air conditioner air inlet connecting air duct. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the attention of consumers and vehicle enterprises to the safety performance of vehicles continues to increase. As a key indicator for guaranteeing the life safety of drivers and passengers and the stable operation of core components of vehicles, the water-proof electric shock safety is particularly important in extreme weather scenarios. The frequent urban waterlogging phenomenon in the plum rain season every year directly tests the water crossing protection capability of new energy vehicles, and the insufficient water-proof performance of the air conditioner air inlet, as an important channel for the connection between the vehicle and the outside world, has become one of the core pain points causing safety hazards and user complaints.

[0003] To solve the water-proof problem of the air conditioner air inlet, the existing technology has carried out related research, but there are still significant limitations. For traditional fuel vehicles, the industry mostly arranges a water channel and adds a water baffle in the air conditioner air inlet area to block the rainwater flowing from the top from being sucked into the air conditioner system, thereby realizing basic water-proofing. Due to the limitations of the overall vehicle structure design (such as the arrangement of the battery pack, the lightweight demand of the vehicle body, etc.), most new energy vehicles cancel the water channel structure and instead optimize the design of the connecting air duct to improve the water-proof capability. For example, by designing a blocking flip and a blocking sunken table at the edge of the air conditioner air inlet of the front wall baffle and adding horizontal and vertical water baffles to form a partition on the water flow path of the air inlet, the problem of water absorption of the air conditioner air inlet under rain conditions is effectively solved. By adding an upper and lower connecting air duct between the air conditioner air inlet and the front compartment trim cover and arranging water blocking ribs and water guide hole structures inside the lower connecting air duct close to the air inlet side, water-proofing is realized by using the water-gas separation principle, which can also solve the problem of water absorption of the air inlet under normal rain conditions.

[0004] However, the above existing technologies all focus on solving the water-proofing demand of the air conditioner air inlet of the vehicle under normal rain conditions, and there is a significant deficiency in the protection capability for special extreme environments such as high water level water crossing (such as when the vehicle is driving in water, the water level is close to or above the air inlet) and urban waterlogging (such as when the vehicle is parked in a waterlogged area, the water continues to rise and submerges the air inlet). In such scenarios, the external water will form a significant water pressure difference or water level difference, causing the rainwater to break through the existing water blocking and water guiding structures and flow backward along the air conditioner air inlet and the connecting air duct, thereby causing water ingress, electrical system failure and other problems in the vehicle. At present, there is no effective solution to the technical problem of backward water flow of the air conditioner air inlet under high water level water crossing and waterlogging environments, therefore, it is urgent to develop a protection technology that can adapt to extreme water crossing scenarios and completely prevent backward water flow of the air conditioner air inlet, to meet the safety needs of new energy vehicles in complex use environments and fill the gap in the existing technology. SUMMARY

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a waterproof structure for an air conditioning inlet connection duct, comprising: a first inlet housing and a one-way valve. A drainage groove is provided at a predetermined position within the first inlet housing. The one-way valve is installed on the drainage groove. The one-way valve includes a fixed frame and a movable valve. The fixed frame is snapped onto the drainage groove, and the movable valve is connected to the fixed frame. The edge of the movable valve is abutted against the side wall of the fixed frame. Under a predetermined water volume, a gap is created between the edge of the movable valve and the side wall of the fixed frame to drain water. External water enters the drainage groove to push the movable valve to adhere to the fixed frame.

[0006] Optionally, the thickness of the edge region of the active valve is less than the thickness of the center region of the active valve.

[0007] Optionally, the movable valve includes a connecting column and a sealing seat. The connecting column is disposed on the sealing seat and connected to the fixing frame. The edge of the sealing seat is in contact with the side wall of the fixing frame, and the thickness of the edge region of the sealing seat is less than the thickness of the center region of the sealing seat.

[0008] Optionally, the fixing frame includes a fixing frame and a connector. The connector is disposed in the fixing frame and forms multiple water outlet holes in the fixing frame. The movable valve is connected to the connector, and the edge of the movable valve is attached to the side wall of the fixing frame. The fixing frame is snapped into the drainage groove.

[0009] Optionally, the connector has multiple circumferentially arranged connecting plates, each connecting plate being connected to the fixed frame to form multiple water outlet holes, and a connecting hole is provided at the center of the connector, the connecting hole cooperating with the movable valve.

[0010] Optionally, multiple water inlet holes are provided on the side wall of the fixed frame, and multiple claws are provided on the fixed frame, with each claw spaced apart, and each claw engaging with a slot on the drain trough.

[0011] Optionally, a sealing ring is also included, which is fitted onto one end of the fixing frame near the drain groove.

[0012] Optionally, a cover plate is also included, which is disposed on the bottom of the fixed frame and covers the movable valve.

[0013] Optionally, a second air inlet housing is also included, which is snapped onto one end of the first air inlet housing.

[0014] Optionally, a baffle is also included, which is connected to the other end of the first air inlet housing.

[0015] The waterproof air conditioning inlet connection duct structure provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: By creating a gap between the edge of the movable valve and the side wall of the fixed frame under a predetermined water volume to drain water, the waterproof performance of the car air conditioning inlet can be satisfied in rainy environments. External water enters the drainage channel to push the movable valve to adhere to the fixed frame, thereby blocking water from entering and solving the problem of water entering the air conditioning inlet caused by driving in high water levels or being submerged in flooded environments.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the one-way valve in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first air inlet shell in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning air inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion of the one-way valve in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 5 This is a top view of the fixing bracket in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the fixing bracket in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 7 This is an overall schematic diagram of the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second air inlet shell in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning air inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure of the two air inlet shells in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the two shells of the waterproof structure for the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 11 This is a sectional view of the waterproof structure layout of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application under rain conditions; Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve in the waterproof structure of the air conditioning inlet connection duct provided in this application under water immersion / water immersion environment.

[0019] In the diagram, 1. First air inlet housing; 10. Drainage groove; 11. Locking block; 12. Fixing groove; 13. Pin; 14. Mounting groove; 15. Second sponge; 2. Second air inlet housing; 21. Locking plate; 22. Fixing structure; 3. One-way valve; 31. Fixing bracket; 32. Movable valve; 33. Sealing ring; 34. Cover plate; 35. First sponge; 4. Baffle; 310. Water outlet; 311. Fixing frame; 312. Connector; 313. Water inlet; 314. Claw; 321. Connecting column; 322. Sealing seat. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a waterproof structure for an air conditioning inlet connection duct, comprising: a first inlet housing 1 and a one-way valve 3, wherein a drain groove 10 is provided at a predetermined position within the first inlet housing 1, and the one-way valve 3 is installed on the drain groove 10, as shown. Figure 2As shown, the one-way valve 3 includes a fixed frame 31 and a movable valve 32. The fixed frame 31 is snapped onto the drainage trough 10, and the movable valve 32 is connected to the fixed frame 31. The edge of the movable valve 32 is attached to the side wall of the fixed frame 31. Under a predetermined water volume, a gap is created between the edge of the movable valve 32 and the side wall of the fixed frame 31 to drain the water. External water enters the drainage trough 10 to push the movable valve 32 to adhere to the fixed frame 31. This not only meets the waterproof performance requirements of the air conditioning inlet of new energy vehicles in rainy environments, but also, based on the existing air conditioning inlet connection duct structure, the design of the fixed frame 31 and movable valve 32 can effectively solve the problem of water entering the air conditioning inlet caused by vehicles driving in high water levels and being submerged in flooded environments. This air inlet connection duct integrated one-way valve 3 structure has strong operational flexibility. The one-way valve 3 can be supplied as a complete assembly with the connection duct, or it can be assembled separately at the vehicle assembly site. While solving the current technical defects, it does not affect the arrangement of the surrounding components of the air conditioning inlet, and the technical cost is not high. It should be noted that, as Figure 12 As shown, when the water volume reaches a certain weight, the edge of the movable valve 32 is deformed to a certain extent under the weight of the water, creating a gap between the edge of the movable valve 32 and the side wall of the fixed frame 31, thereby achieving drainage. If there is no water or the water volume is small, the deformation of the edge of the movable valve 32 is reset by its own restoring force, and the edge of the movable valve 32 is brought back to fit against the side wall of the fixed frame 31. In addition, when water enters from the outside, due to the buoyancy of the water, it will push the movable valve 32 closer to the side wall of the fixed frame 31 and make the movable valve 32 fit tightly against the fixed frame 31, thereby achieving a sealed water inlet.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the drainage groove 10 has a diameter of 40mm and a drainage hole diameter of 25mm.

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the thickness of the edge region of the movable valve 32 is less than the thickness of the center region of the movable valve 32. By making the edge region of the movable valve 32 thinner, under the action of gravity, the thinner edge region deforms to create a larger gap, allowing rainwater to flow out. This achieves a gap between the movable valve 32 and the fixed frame 31, ultimately realizing drainage.

[0024] In one embodiment, the movable valve 32 includes a connecting column 321 and a sealing seat 322. The connecting column 321 is disposed on the sealing seat 322 and connected to the fixing frame 31. The edge of the sealing seat 322 is in contact with the side wall of the fixing frame 31, and the thickness of the edge region of the sealing seat 322 is less than the thickness of the central region of the sealing seat 322. Optionally, the sealing seat 322 has an annular structure and its overall shape is approximately disc-shaped. Internal drainage is achieved through the sealing seat 322, preventing water from entering from the outer wall. The connecting column 321 and the sealing seat 322 have a simple structure, which can save costs. The sealing seat 322 can be made of silicone material and has an overall circular shape. The wall thickness of the sealing seat 322 is uniformly distributed from 1.5 mm in the central region to 0.2 mm around the perimeter. Under the influence of gravity and the accumulation of rainwater, the edges deform to create larger gaps, allowing rainwater to flow out. In high-water-level wading and waterlogging environments, due to the buoyancy of the water, the edges will press against the plane of the fixing frame 31 to achieve the function of waterproofing the bottom.

[0025] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the fixing frame 31 includes a fixing frame 311 and a connector 312. The connector 312 is disposed within the fixing frame 311 and forms multiple water outlet holes 310 within the fixing frame 311. A movable valve 32 is connected to the connector 312, and the edge of the movable valve 32 is fitted against the side wall of the fixing frame 311. The fixing frame 311 is snapped into the drainage groove 10. Optionally, the fixing frame 311 has an annular structure with an annular step inside the fixing frame 311. Each side of the connector 312 forms four water outlet holes 310 with the annular step. A sealing seat 322 covers the side wall of the fixing frame 311, thereby blocking the four water outlet holes 310 to form corresponding grooves. When the water in each groove reaches a certain weight, the sealing seat 322 of the corresponding groove bends, thereby draining the water. The outer wall of the fixing frame 311 is also provided with an annular step structure to facilitate cooperation with the corresponding drainage groove 10.

[0026] In one embodiment, the connector 312 has multiple circumferentially arranged connecting plates, each connecting plate being connected to the fixing frame 311 to form multiple water outlets 310, and a connecting hole is provided at the center of the connector 312, the connecting hole cooperating with the movable valve 32. Optionally, the multiple water outlets 310 have a fan-shaped structure, and there can be four water outlets 310. Optionally, the external structure of the connector 312 is similar to that of a bladed fan or a pickaxe. The connector 312 serves to connect the connecting post 321 in the movable valve 32, and can divide the water outlets 310 into multiple parts.

[0027] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, multiple water inlet holes 313 are formed on the side wall of the fixing frame 311, such as... Figure 5As shown, the fixed frame 311 is provided with multiple claws 314, each claw 314 being spaced apart, and each claw 314 engaging with a slot on the drainage groove 10. It should be noted that... Figure 7 As shown, multiple water inlet holes 313 are opened on the side wall of the fixing frame 311, or the side wall of the fixing frame 311 is hollowed out to facilitate the flow of water accumulated in the air duct into the water outlet hole 310. There are six clips 314, including two main mounting clips and four auxiliary mounting clips. The six clips engage with the drainage groove 10 simultaneously, making the fit between the two more secure.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, a sealing ring 33 is further included, which is sleeved on the fixed frame 311 near one end of the drain groove 10. It should be noted that the sealing ring 33 and the main mounting clip can be matched in the Z direction to mounting surfaces with a thickness of 0.6-2.0mm and ensure the seal between the sealing ring 33 and the mounting surface, that is, it can seal the gap between the fixed frame 311 and the clip on it and the drain groove 10.

[0029] In one embodiment, a cover plate 34 is also included, which is disposed on the bottom of the fixed frame 311 and covers the movable valve 32. Optionally, a water guide groove with a diameter of 9mm is designed at the bottom of the cover plate 34, allowing water flowing down from the sealing seat 322 to be discharged to the outside of the connecting duct. Moreover, the cover plate 34 can provide protection for the sealing seat 322 against impacts from larger solid particles and muddy water, preventing damage to the sealing seat 322.

[0030] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, a second air inlet housing 2 is further included, which is snapped onto one end of the first air inlet housing 1. Optionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, multiple retaining plates 21 are provided on the side of the second air inlet housing 2, and multiple fixing slots 12 are provided on the periphery of the first air inlet housing 1. Each retaining plate 21 is engaged with the corresponding fixing slot 12. Additionally, two retaining blocks 11 are provided on one side of the first air inlet housing 1, and corresponding fixing structures 22 are provided on the first air inlet housing 1. The two retaining blocks 11 are engaged with the corresponding fixing structures 22. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, after the connection between the second air inlet shell 2 and the first air inlet shell 1 is completed, the compression of the first sponge 35 in the circumferential direction of the first air inlet shell 1 reaches 70%, so as to achieve a waterproof seal at the connection between the two shells.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, a baffle 4 is also included, which is connected to the other end of the first air inlet housing 1. It should be noted that an "S"-shaped recirculation structure is designed on the air conditioning inlet side of the baffle 4 to achieve water-air separation. Specifically, the pin 13 on the first air inlet housing 1 is inserted into the air conditioning mounting bracket of the front baffle 4, and then the mounting groove 14 on the first air inlet housing 1 is snapped onto the welding stud of the baffle 4. Furthermore, a second sponge 15 is provided between the first air inlet housing 1 and the baffle 4 to improve sealing.

[0032] like Figure 11 As shown, this illustrates the connection form of the air conditioning intake duct boundary and the water-air separation path. During rainy weather, the air conditioning operates in external circulation mode. Rainwater and air from the top pass through the connecting duct, where they are separated. The water flows out of the vehicle through the one-way valve 3 at the bottom of the duct, while the airflow is drawn into the air conditioning intake through the upper part of the duct. (See diagram for details.) Figure 13 As shown, the movement trajectory of the one-way valve 3 when floating in water is demonstrated. In high water level wading and flooding environments, the one-way valve 3, which is connected to the air duct, can effectively block the water flow at the bottom by floating, thus solving the quality problem of water entering the cabin through the conventional air duct bottom opening design and being sucked into the cabin by the air conditioner.

[0033] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a kind of air inlet shell and one-way valve, including: First air inlet shell (1) and one-way valve (3), predetermined position is equipped with drain groove (10) in the first air inlet shell (1), the one-way valve (3) is installed on the drain groove (10), the one-way valve (3) includes fixed frame (31) and movable valve (32), the fixed frame (31) is clamped on the drain groove (10), the movable valve (32) is connected with the fixed frame (31), the edge of the movable valve (32) is attached on the side wall of the fixed frame (31), under predetermined water volume, the edge of the movable valve (32) and the side wall of the fixed frame (31) generate gap to discharge water, external water enters the drain groove (10) to promote the movable valve (32) to be attached on the fixed frame (31).

2. The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge area thickness of the movable valve (32) is less than the center area thickness of the movable valve (32).

3. The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable valve (32) includes connecting column (321) and plugging seat (322), the connecting column (321) is arranged on the plugging seat (322), the connecting column (321) is connected with the fixed frame (31), the edge of the plugging seat (322) is attached on the side wall of the fixed frame (31), and the edge area thickness of the plugging seat (322) is less than the center area thickness of the plugging seat (322).

4. The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed frame (31) includes fixed frame (311) and connecting piece (312), the connecting piece (312) is arranged in the fixed frame (311) and forms a plurality of water outlet holes (310) in the fixed frame (311), the movable valve (32) is connected with the connecting piece (312), and the edge of the movable valve (32) is attached on the side wall of the fixed frame (311), and the fixed frame (311) is clamped in the drain groove (10).

5. The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting piece (312) has a plurality of circumferentially arranged connecting plates, each of the connecting plates is connected with the fixed frame (311) to form a plurality of water outlet holes (310), and a connecting hole is arranged at the center position of the connecting piece (312), and the connecting hole is matched with the movable valve (32). 6.The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, A plurality of water inlet holes (313) are formed in the side wall of the fixed frame (311), and a plurality of clamping claws (314) are arranged on the fixed frame (311), each of the clamping claws (314) is arranged at intervals, and each of the clamping claws (314) is matched with the clamping groove on the drain groove (10).

7. The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a sealing rubber ring (33), which is sleeved on one end of the fixed frame (311) close to the drain groove (10). 8.The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a cover plate (34), which is arranged on the bottom of the fixed frame (311) and covers the movable valve (32). 9.The air conditioner inlet connection duct waterproof structure of claim 1, wherein, It further includes a second air inlet shell (2), which is clamped with one end of the first air inlet shell (1). 10.The air conditioner inlet connection air duct waterproof structure of claim 9, wherein, It further includes a baffle (4), which is connected with the other end of the first air inlet shell (1).

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