A kind of automobile air conditioner evaporator side-mounted flow divider pipe orifice sealing device and installation method

Abstract

The application provides a kind of automobile air conditioner evaporator side positioning flow distributor pipe orifice sealing device and installation method.The device is provided with base recess, bolt mounting hole, cover recess and upper shell recess in upper shell, the bottom of lower shell is provided with lower shell recess, the outer part of sponge sleeve pipe is respectively provided with sealing cover plate and pipeline base, pipeline base is sealed and embedded with base recess through base boss, bottom cover boss is respectively sealed and embedded with upper shell recess, lower shell recess and cover recess, and evaporator bottom cover is fastened and installed in the bottom of upper shell and lower shell by bolt.The installation method includes:1, the installation of pipeline base;2, the assembly of evaporator assembly;3, the installation of sealing cover plate;4, the installation of evaporator bottom cover.The device has high assembly efficiency, good sealing reliability, strong sealing stability, reasonable structure design, simple and convenient assembly, reduces the use cost of automobile air conditioner, and greatly improves the working efficiency of automobile air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive air conditioning evaporator side-mounted manifold technology, and particularly to an automotive air conditioning evaporator side-mounted manifold pipe port sealing device and installation method. Background Technology

[0002] As a key heat exchange component in air conditioning systems, the reliability of the evaporator's pipe sealing structure directly affects the system's operating efficiency and service life. Current technology typically seals evaporator pipes without a manifold by clamping the evaporator's inlet and outlet pipes between the upper and lower shells. This structure is only suitable for evaporator assemblies without a manifold. However, in practical applications, the operating space around the pipe openings is limited due to internal evaporator components such as the manifold. Since the manifold occupies the area near the pipe openings, the traditional sealing method of clamping the evaporator's inlet and outlet pipes between the upper and lower shells is difficult to implement. For these reasons, the sealing structure needs to be moved to the outside of the shell or installed laterally to avoid the space occupied by the manifold. The following two solutions are commonly used: Option 1: Add a transition pressure block and weld the evaporator inlet and outlet pipes onto it. By introducing the transition pressure block, the sealing position is changed, thus returning to the traditional sealing method of the upper and lower shells clamping the pipeline. This option has two drawbacks: First, an additional transition pressure block sealing cover is required; second, after the transition pressure block is added, the helium testing of the evaporator must be completed together with the shell fixed to it, which increases the difficulty and time of helium testing.

[0003] Option 2: Use an integrated evaporator inlet and outlet pipes. Adjusting the sealing position by increasing the pipe length allows for a return to the traditional method of the upper and lower shells clamping the pipes. However, this option has two drawbacks: First, the increased pipe length leads to increased refrigerant flow resistance; second, the increased contact area between the longer pipe and the airflow increases heat loss due to airflow, thus reducing the evaporator's heat exchange performance.

[0004] Since both of the aforementioned traditional solutions exhibit significant shortcomings in sealing the inlet and outlet pipes of evaporators with manifolds, there is an urgent need in the art to develop an evaporator pipe sealing structure that is easy to assemble and has stable sealing performance, in order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, those skilled in the art have provided a sealing device and installation method for the pipe openings of a side-mounted manifold for an automotive air conditioning evaporator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing device and installation method for the side-mounted manifold of an automotive air conditioning evaporator. The technical problem this invention aims to solve is: by utilizing the lateral transfer principle of the sealing interface, the direction of the sealing force is changed from "upper and lower clamping" to "lateral fitting and pushing"; by utilizing the modular pre-assembly integration principle and the quick positioning characteristics of snap-fit ​​connections, the evaporator pipe base and the evaporator assembly (including pipes, core, and manifold) are pre-assembled as a single module outside the housing; by utilizing tolerance compensation and double sealing principles, elastic compensation sealing is achieved through the material properties of the sponge insulation tube; and by employing a specific installation method, the invention overcomes the technical defects of existing evaporator manifold sealing structures with manifolds, such as inconvenient assembly and reduced heat exchange efficiency.

[0006] The design concept of this invention is as follows: Addressing the sealing challenge of evaporator nozzles with flow dividers, this invention proposes a solution based on modular prefabrication and lateral fitting sealing. Its core design principles encompass the following three aspects: 1. Lateral Transfer Principle of Sealing Interface: Existing technologies rely on the upper and lower shells vertically clamping and squeezing the sponge at the pipe opening to achieve sealing. This vertical pressure path is obstructed by the space occupied by the manifold plate. This invention introduces an independent evaporator pipe base and evaporator pipe sealing cover, changing the direction of the sealing force from "upper and lower clamping" to "lateral fitting and pushing." Through the compression of the sponge sleeve on the lateral assembly surface by the base and cover, the obstruction of the vertical operating space by the manifold plate is avoided, thus achieving reliable sealing within a limited space.

[0007] 2. Modular Pre-assembly Integration Principle: Utilizing the quick-positioning characteristics of snap-fit ​​connections, the evaporator pipe base and the evaporator assembly (including pipes, core, and distributor plate) are pre-assembled as a single module outside the housing. This transfers the previously scattered processes of pipe threading, alignment, and fixing, which required work within the confined space of the housing, to the open external environment. When the module is pushed into the housing along the pre-set groove, the sealing structure moves in one step with the main body, significantly reducing the difficulty of assembly inside the housing.

[0008] 3. Tolerance Compensation and Double Sealing Principle: Utilizing the material properties of the sponge sleeve, elastic compensation sealing is achieved. During assembly, the base seal and sealing cover apply compression to the sponge sleeve. The rebound force generated by the sponge sleeve not only fills the gap between the pipe and the shell (primary seal) but also absorbs dimensional deviations caused by component manufacturing and assembly. Simultaneously, a rigid groove and recess fitting structure (secondary seal) is used between the evaporator base and the casing. The structure's own guiding and positioning functions prevent seal misalignment, ensuring uniform distribution and long-term stability of the sealing pressure.

[0009] The overall design philosophy of this invention follows the assembly innovation approach of "simplifying complexity and avoiding obstacles," which is specifically reflected in the following three aspects: 1. Assembly-Oriented Design Philosophy: This invention fully considers the practical operability on the production line. By designing snaps on the evaporator pipe base and guide grooves on the casing, the complex sealing and alignment process is transformed into a simple "push-to-the-end" linear motion. This design philosophy eliminates blind assembly operations by operators in the dark and confined space of the casing, significantly improving the production line cycle time and assembly consistency, reflecting the pursuit of ergonomics and efficiency optimization in modern industrial design.

[0010] 2. Integrated Structural and Functional Design: This invention does not simply treat the sponge sleeve as a single insulation component, but rather integrates it into the overall design of the sealing system's elastic elements. The sponge sleeve simultaneously fulfills the dual responsibilities of preventing condensation (thermal function) and compensating for tolerances (mechanical function). Furthermore, the evaporator piping base serves as both a fixed support for the piping and a carrier for the sealing structure. This integrated design reduces the introduction of unnecessary parts (such as the adapter blocks mentioned in the background art), simplifies the bill of materials, and lowers potential leakage points and costs.

[0011] 3. Optimization with Non-destructive Compatibility: Addressing the pain point of "increased resistance and reduced heat exchange efficiency due to longer pipes" in the background technology, this invention adopts a strategy of structural avoidance rather than parameter compromise. It achieves sealing without altering the evaporator core flow path length and pipe diameter, realizing zero interference with the original thermodynamic performance and flow resistance characteristics of the evaporator. This design philosophy emphasizes prioritizing the protection of the original design performance of core heat exchange components when solving structural interference problems, reflecting a focus on the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A sealing device for the side-mounted manifold of an automotive air conditioning evaporator includes: an upper housing, a base groove, a cover plate groove, an upper housing groove, a lower housing, a lower housing groove, a sponge sleeve, an evaporator assembly, an outlet pipe, a manifold, an evaporator core, an inlet pipe, a sealing cover plate, a cover plate boss, an inlet pipe sealing cover plate, an outlet pipe sealing cover plate, a cover plate groove, an evaporator bottom cover, a bottom cover boss, a pipe base, a base boss, a buckle, an inlet pipe sealing pressure piece, an outlet pipe sealing pressure piece, and bolt mounting holes. The device has an outlet pipe and inlet pipe mounting notch on the upper housing, and a base groove and bolt mounting holes on one side of the notch on the upper housing. The upper shell on one side is provided with a cover plate groove and an upper shell groove, and the bottom of the lower shell is provided with a lower shell groove. The evaporator assembly is installed on the upper shell and the lower shell. The outlet pipe and the inlet pipe of the evaporator assembly are fitted with a sponge sleeve. A sealing cover plate and a pipe base are respectively installed on the outside of the sponge sleeve. The sealing cover plate is connected to the upper shell with bolts through the bolt mounting holes. The pipe base is sealed and embedded in the base groove through the base boss. The bottom cover of the evaporator is provided with a bottom cover boss around its perimeter. The bottom cover boss is sealed and embedded in the upper shell groove, the lower shell groove and the cover plate groove respectively. The bottom cover of the evaporator is fastened to the bottom of the upper shell and the lower shell with bolts.

[0013] The sealing cover plate in the device has a cover plate boss on its upper part and one side periphery, and a cover plate groove on the other side periphery. The sealing cover plate is provided with an inlet pipe sealing cover plate and an outlet pipe sealing cover plate. Bolt mounting holes are opened next to the inlet pipe sealing cover plate and the outlet pipe sealing cover plate respectively. The cover plate boss and the cover plate groove are sealed and fitted together. The sealing cover plate is fixed to the upper housing with bolts through the bolt mounting holes.

[0014] The pipe base in the device has a base boss around its perimeter and two arc-shaped openings. An inlet pipe sealing pressure member and an outlet pipe sealing pressure member are respectively installed in the two arc-shaped openings. The ends of the inlet pipe sealing pressure member and the outlet pipe sealing pressure member are respectively fixed with buckles. The base boss and the base groove are sealed and embedded, and the buckles respectively clamp and fix the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe.

[0015] The evaporator assembly in the device has an outlet pipe and an inlet pipe fixedly installed at the end of the flow divider plate. The outlet pipe and the inlet pipe are respectively fitted with a sponge sleeve. A sealing cover plate is installed on the upper part of the sponge sleeve, and a pipe base is installed on the lower part of the sponge sleeve. The flow divider plate is welded to the evaporator core.

[0016] A method for installing a sealing device for the side-mounted manifold of an automotive air conditioning evaporator, the method comprising the following steps: S1: Installation of the pipe base: Fit the sponge sleeves onto the outlet pipe and inlet pipe respectively. Pre-assemble the outlet pipe and inlet pipe with the pipe base. Fix the outlet pipe and inlet pipe respectively with the buckles on the inlet pipe sealing pressure and the outlet pipe sealing pressure. At this time, the inlet pipe sealing pressure and the outlet pipe sealing pressure compress the sponge sleeve to form a seal. After the assembly is completed, the evaporator assembly and the pipe base form an integral part. S2: Evaporator assembly assembly: Push the evaporator assembly assembled in S1, along with the pipe base, into the air conditioning unit. During the assembly process, ensure that the base boss on the pipe base is accurately engaged in the base groove to achieve initial positioning and sealing installation. In this step, the diverter plate on the evaporator assembly will be engaged in the clearance structure in the upper housing. S3: Installation of sealing cover: When assembling the sealing cover, align the cover plate boss and cover plate groove on the sealing cover and fit them into place for sealing. The outlet pipe sealing cover and the inlet pipe sealing cover respectively press down on the two sponge sleeves. The cover plate groove is aligned with the bottom cover boss, and the bolt mounting holes on the sealing cover are aligned with the bolt mounting holes on the upper shell. Then, use bolts to tighten them to complete the assembly of the overall sealing structure. S4: Installation of evaporator bottom cover: When installing the evaporator bottom cover, align the bottom cover protrusion with the grooves of the lower shell, upper shell, and cover plate respectively, and install them in place to seal. Then tighten the bolts.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The device has high assembly efficiency: By setting a snap-fit ​​structure on the evaporator pipe base, the evaporator inlet and outlet pipe assembly and the base are pre-assembled into a whole component, realizing modular assembly. This whole component can be directly pushed into the air conditioning unit, eliminating the need for step-by-step assembly in a confined space, which significantly simplifies the assembly process and improves assembly efficiency. 2. The device has good sealing reliability: the interlocking sealing structure formed by the boss on the component and the groove on the housing avoids the problems of easy misalignment of the seal and uneven clamping force in the traditional upper and lower housing clamping method. The interlocking structure has a self-positioning function, which can ensure the accuracy of the sealing position and the higher sealing reliability. 3. The device has strong sealing stability: The sponge sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the inlet and outlet pipe assembly. In addition to its function of heat preservation and preventing condensation, its elastic characteristics can effectively compensate for the accumulation of tolerances generated during the processing and assembly of parts, so that the sealing structure can maintain a stable sealing effect under different working conditions, further improving the reliability of the system. 4. This device indirectly ensures the actual cooling capacity of the air conditioning system by reducing ineffective air resistance; 5. This device reduces the use of transfer blocks and related sealing caps, making the bill of materials simpler, and supports independent helium testing of the evaporator assembly, resulting in lower process costs. 6. This installation method transfers the previously scattered processes of pipe threading, alignment, and fixing, which originally had to be performed inside a small enclosure, to an open external space. 7. The device has a reasonable structural design and is easy to assemble. It also reduces the operating cost of car air conditioning and greatly improves the working efficiency of car air conditioning. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention are briefly described to illustrate the technology of the present invention more clearly. The drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without any creative effort.

[0019] The accompanying drawings, including their structure, proportions, and sizes, are only intended to complement the content disclosed in this specification and to enable those skilled in the art to understand and read them. They are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention.

[0020] Figure 1 1. Exploded structural diagram of the sealing device at the pipe inlet of the evaporator side-mounted distributor plate; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main structure of the sealing device for the side-mounted distributor plate of the evaporator; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the upper shell structure; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the evaporator assembly; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the sealing cover plate; Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the pipe base.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Upper shell, 101. Base groove, 102. Cover plate groove, 103. Upper shell groove; 2. Lower shell, 201. Lower shell groove; 3. Sponge sleeve; 4. Evaporator assembly, 401. Outlet pipe, 402. Diverter plate, 403. Evaporator core, 404. Inlet pipe; 5. Sealing cover, 501. Cover plate boss, 502. Inlet pipe sealing cover, 503. Outlet pipe sealing cover, 504. Cover plate groove; 6. Evaporator bottom cover, 601. Bottom cover boss; 7. Pipe base, 701. Base boss, 702. Clip, 703. Inlet pipe sealing pressure piece, 704. Outlet pipe sealing pressure piece; 8. Bolt mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific embodiments described below are only used to further illustrate the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present application based on the above application content.

[0023] See appendix Figures 1-6 The processing and installation of the device components: When processing the upper housing 1, an installation notch for the outlet pipe 401 and the inlet pipe 404 is left in the upper housing 1. A base groove 101 and a bolt mounting hole 8 are opened on one side of the upper housing 1, and a cover plate groove 102 and an upper housing groove 103 are opened on the other side of the upper housing 1. A lower housing groove 201 is opened at the bottom of the lower housing 2. The evaporator assembly 4 is installed on the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2. The outlet pipe 401 and the inlet pipe 404 of the evaporator assembly 4 are placed into the installation notch position.

[0024] The cover plate boss 501 is machined on the upper part and one side periphery of the sealing cover plate 5, and the cover plate groove 504 is machined on the other side periphery. The inlet pipe sealing cover plate 502 and the outlet pipe sealing cover plate 503 are machined on the sealing cover plate 5. Bolt mounting holes 8 are respectively opened next to the inlet pipe sealing cover plate 502 and the outlet pipe sealing cover plate 503.

[0025] A base boss 701 is machined around the periphery of the pipe base 7. Two arc-shaped openings are provided on the pipe base 7. The inlet pipe sealing pressure member 703 and the outlet pipe sealing pressure member 704 are respectively fixedly installed in the two arc-shaped openings. The buckle 702 is respectively fixedly installed at the ends of the inlet pipe sealing pressure member 703 and the outlet pipe sealing pressure member 704.

[0026] The outlet pipe 401 and the inlet pipe 404 are respectively fixed to the ends of the flow divider plate 402. The flow divider plate 402 is welded to the evaporator core 403. The sealing cover plate 5 is installed on the upper part of the sponge sleeve 3, and the pipe base 7 is installed on the lower part of the sponge sleeve 3.

[0027] The sealing device for the side-mounted manifold of the automotive air conditioning evaporator is installed as follows: 1. Installation of pipe base 7: The sponge sleeve 3 is respectively fitted onto the outlet pipe 401 and the inlet pipe 404. The outlet pipe 401 and the inlet pipe 404 are pre-assembled with the pipe base 7. The outlet pipe 401 and the inlet pipe 404 are fixed by the buckles 702 on the inlet pipe sealing pressure member 703 and the outlet pipe sealing pressure member 704 respectively. At this time, the inlet pipe sealing pressure member 703 and the outlet pipe sealing pressure member 704 compress the sponge sleeve 3 to form a seal. After the assembly is completed, the evaporator assembly 4 and the pipe base 7 form an integral part. 2. Assembly of evaporator assembly 4: Push the evaporator assembly 4 assembled in step 1, along with the pipe base 7, into the air conditioning unit. During the assembly process, ensure that the base boss 701 on the pipe base 7 is accurately engaged in the base groove 101 to achieve initial positioning and sealing installation. In this step, the diverter plate 402 on the evaporator assembly 4 will be engaged in the clearance structure in the upper housing 1. 3. Installation of sealing cover 5: When assembling sealing cover 5, align the cover plate boss 501 on sealing cover 5 with the cover plate groove 102 and fit them into place for sealing. The outlet pipe sealing cover 503 and the inlet pipe sealing cover 502 respectively press down on the two sponge sleeves 3. The cover plate groove 504 is aligned with the bottom cover boss 601. At the same time, the bolt mounting holes 8 on sealing cover 5 are aligned with the bolt mounting holes 8 on the upper housing 1. Then, use bolts to tighten them to complete the assembly of the overall sealing structure. 4. Installation of evaporator bottom cover 6: When installing the evaporator bottom cover 6, align the bottom cover protrusion 601 on the evaporator bottom cover 6 with the lower shell groove 201, the upper shell groove 103 and the cover plate groove 504 respectively, and install them in place and seal them. Then tighten them with bolts.

[0028] Instance detection results 1. Sealing performance test data Test conditions: The air conditioning system was running in cooling mode, the evaporator surface temperature was 5±1℃, the ambient dry-bulb temperature was 35℃, and the relative humidity was 80%. The pressure holding test pressure was 2.5MPa (simulated high-pressure side of R134A refrigerant), see Table 1.

[0029] Table 1 Sealing performance test data

[0030] 2. Test on the influence of heat transfer performance and flow resistance Experimental objective: To verify the "zero interference" characteristic of the structure of this invention on the original performance of the evaporator core (addressing the problem of increased resistance and heat loss caused by lengthening the pipeline in background technical solution 2).

[0031] Experimental conditions: standard enthalpy difference laboratory, wind speed 2.5 m / s, refrigerant R134a, evaporation temperature 5℃.

[0032] Comparative Samples: Base Sample: Original standard evaporator without a flow divider (ideal state); Comparative Example 2: With a flow divider and using an extended piping scheme (pipeline length increased by 150mm); Example: With a flow divider and using the side-sealing technology of this invention (pipeline length unchanged). See Table 2.

[0033] Table 2 Test results of heat transfer performance and flow resistance

[0034] 3. Comparative Experiment on Evaporator Assembly Air Resistance (Air-Side Pressure Drop) Experimental objective: To verify the problem that the extended pipeline in the second background technical solution (built-in extended pipeline) increases the evaporator's windward area or airflow disturbance, thereby increasing the air resistance of the air conditioning unit; and at the same time, to verify the superiority of the embodiment of the present invention (side-mounted sealed avoidance structure) in maintaining the original airflow channel.

[0035] Experimental equipment and conditions: Experimental equipment: multi-nozzle airflow test bench, high-precision micro differential pressure gauge; Test environment: dry working conditions, standard atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature 20℃; Test wind speed range: face wind speed 1.0 m / s to 4.0 m / s (simulating the common working conditions of air conditioning unit); Comparison sample description: (1) Reference sample (ideal state): standard evaporator core assembly without a flow divider (no pipe extension); (2) Comparative example 2 (existing technical solution 2): with a flow divider, and adopts an extended pipe built-in solution (the pipe is extended by 150mm, and the extended section is located in the airflow channel on the side of the evaporator core); (3) Example (technical solution of the present invention): with a flow divider, and adopts a side-mounted sealing cover and avoidance protrusion structure (original pipe length, no additional obstruction of the airflow channel). See Table 3.

[0036] Table 3 Experimental Data Recording Table

[0037] Experimental Results Analysis and Conclusions: (1) Analysis of the reasons for the deterioration of wind resistance in Comparative Example 2 (Extended Pipeline Scheme): In the extended pipeline scheme, the 150mm pipeline extended to avoid the diverter plate is located in the airflow bypass area between the evaporator core and the inner wall of the air conditioning unit. Experimental data show that as the wind speed increases, the wind resistance of this scheme increases by 17.5% to 19.5% compared with the reference sample. The main reason is: reduced flow cross-sectional area: the extended pipeline occupies part of the internal space of the unit, which forces the local wind speed to increase, increasing the friction loss. (2) Advantages of the technical solution of the present invention: In all test wind speeds, the wind resistance increment of the present invention is controlled within 0.5%, which can be regarded as zero wind resistance increase within the measurement error range. This is due to the following design: avoidance of the diverter plate protrusion: the shell structure provides an independent space for the diverter plate, without the need to avoid it by bypassing the pipe; original pipe length is maintained: the evaporator inlet and outlet pipes do not invade the main airflow channel, maintaining the design gap between the evaporator core and the shell, and the airflow organization is smooth; (3) Inference of the indirect impact on system energy efficiency: combined with the previous heat exchange performance data, an 18% increase in wind resistance means that at the same motor speed, the actual circulating air volume of the air conditioning unit will decrease by about 8% to 10% (based on the PQ relationship of the fan performance curve). The decrease in air volume will directly lead to the evaporator heat exchange capacity not being fully utilized, thereby affecting the cooling speed of the whole vehicle air conditioning system. The present invention indirectly ensures the actual cooling capacity of the air conditioning system by reducing the ineffective wind resistance.

[0038] 4. Comparison of component costs (per unit) Experimental objective: To verify the material cost advantages brought about by structural simplification.

[0039] Comparative samples: Comparative Example 1 (Traditional Scheme 1: Adapter-type); Comparative Example 2 (Traditional Scheme 2: Extended evaporator inlet and outlet pipes); Example (Technical solution of the present invention). See Table 4.

[0040] Table 4. Comparison of Component Costs (per Unit)

[0041] Experimental conclusion: This invention reduces the use of adapter blocks and related sealing caps, simplifies the bill of materials, supports independent helium testing of the evaporator assembly, and lowers process costs.

[0042] 5. Comparative experiment on reducing working hours (including built-in extended pipeline solution) Experimental objective: To verify the significant advantages of the modular pre-assembly and lateral fitting structure of the present invention in terms of assembly efficiency compared with traditional upper and lower shell clamping schemes, transition pressure block schemes, and built-in extended pipeline schemes.

[0043] Comparative samples: Comparative Example 1 (traditional upper and lower shell clamping); Comparative Example 2 (built-in extended pipeline type); Comparative Example 3 (adapter pressure block type); Example (technical solution of the present invention). See Table 5.

[0044] Table 5 Comparison of Working Hours for the Three Schemes

[0045] Analysis of the technical reasons for the high working time of Comparative Example 2: Although the built-in extended pipeline solution avoids the increase of materials in the transfer pressure block, its assembly time has not been substantially optimized. The main reasons are as follows: (1) The extension of the pipeline leads to an increase in the resistance of the assembly: The friction stroke of the insulation sponge tube on the 150mm extension section increases, and the operator needs to push it more carefully to avoid tearing the sponge; (2) The avoidance action inside the box still exists: The extended pipe section still needs to bypass or avoid the diversion plate area inside the box, and the operator needs to complete the alignment and insertion of the end of the pipeline in a narrow field of vision; (3) The mold closing process of the upper and lower shells has not been cancelled: The sealing of this solution still relies on the clamping structure of the upper and lower shells, and the time spent on the mold closing and alignment step is comparable to that of Comparative Example 1.

[0046] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the technical essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing device for the port of a side-mounted manifold of an automotive air conditioning evaporator, comprising: Upper shell (1), base groove (101), cover plate groove (102), upper shell groove (103), lower shell (2), lower shell groove (201), sponge sleeve (3), evaporator assembly (4), outlet pipe (401), flow divider (402), evaporator core (403), inlet pipe (404), sealing cover plate (5), cover plate boss (501), inlet pipe sealing cover plate (502), outlet pipe sealing cover plate (503), cover plate groove (504). 04), Evaporator bottom cover (6), bottom cover boss (601), pipe base (7), base boss (701), buckle (702), inlet pipe sealing pressure piece (703), outlet pipe sealing pressure piece (704), bolt mounting hole (8), characterized in that: the device has an outlet pipe (401) and inlet pipe (404) mounting notch on the upper shell (1), and a base groove (101) and bolt mounting hole (8) on one side of the notch on the upper shell (1), and another A cover plate groove (102) and an upper shell groove (103) are provided on one side of the upper shell (1), and a lower shell groove (201) is provided at the bottom of the lower shell (2). An evaporator assembly (4) is installed on the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2). The outlet pipe (401) and the inlet pipe (404) of the evaporator assembly (4) are fitted with a sponge sleeve (3). A sealing cover plate (5) and a pipe base (7) are respectively installed on the outside of the sponge sleeve (3). The sealing cover plate (5) is open to the air. The pipe base (7) is connected to the upper shell (1) by bolts through the bolt mounting hole (8). The base plate (7) is sealed and embedded with the base groove (101) through the base boss (701). The evaporator bottom cover (6) is provided with a bottom cover boss (601) around its periphery. The bottom cover boss (601) is sealed and embedded with the upper shell groove (103), the lower shell groove (201) and the cover plate groove (504) respectively. The evaporator bottom cover (6) is fastened to the bottom of the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2) by bolts.

2. The sealing device for the side-mounted manifold of the automotive air conditioning evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing cover plate (5) in the device has a cover plate boss (501) on its upper part and one side periphery, and a cover plate groove (504) on the other side periphery. The sealing cover plate (5) is provided with an inlet pipe sealing cover plate (502) and an outlet pipe sealing cover plate (503). Bolt mounting holes (8) are opened next to the inlet pipe sealing cover plate (502) and the outlet pipe sealing cover plate (503). The cover plate boss (501) and the cover plate groove (102) are sealed and fitted together. The sealing cover plate (5) is fixed to the upper housing (1) with bolts through the bolt mounting holes (8).

3. The sealing device for the side-mounted manifold of the automotive air conditioning evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe base (7) in the device has a base boss (701) around its perimeter. The pipe base (7) has two arc-shaped openings. An inlet pipe sealing pressure member (703) and an outlet pipe sealing pressure member (704) are installed in the two arc-shaped openings respectively. The ends of the inlet pipe sealing pressure member (703) and the outlet pipe sealing pressure member (704) are respectively fixed with buckles (702). The base boss (701) is sealed and embedded with the base groove (101). The buckles (702) respectively clamp and fix the outlet pipe (401) and the inlet pipe (404).

4. The sealing device for the side-mounted manifold of the automotive air conditioning evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporator assembly (4) in the device has an outlet pipe (401) and an inlet pipe (404) fixedly installed at the end of the flow divider (402). The outlet pipe (401) and the inlet pipe (404) are respectively fitted with a sponge sleeve (3). A sealing cover plate (5) is installed on the upper part of the sponge sleeve (3), and a pipeline base (7) is installed on the lower part of the sponge sleeve (3). The flow divider (402) is welded to the evaporator core (403).

5. The installation method of the sealing device for the side-mounted manifold of the automotive air conditioning evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The installation method includes the following steps: S1: Installation of the pipe base (7): The sponge sleeve (3) is respectively fitted onto the outlet pipe (401) and the inlet pipe (404). The outlet pipe (401) and the inlet pipe (404) are pre-assembled with the pipe base (7). The outlet pipe (401) and the inlet pipe (404) are fixed by the buckles (702) on the inlet pipe sealing pressure piece (703) and the outlet pipe sealing pressure piece (704). At this time, the inlet pipe sealing pressure piece (703) and the outlet pipe sealing pressure piece (704) compress the sponge sleeve (3) to form a seal. After the assembly is completed, the evaporator assembly (4) and the pipe base (7) form an integral part. S2: Assembly of evaporator assembly (4): Push the evaporator assembly (4) assembled in S1 along with the pipe base (7) into the air conditioning unit. During the assembly process, ensure that the base boss (701) on the pipe base (7) is accurately inserted into the base groove (101) to achieve initial positioning and sealing installation. In this step, the diverter plate (402) on the evaporator assembly (4) will be inserted into the clearance structure in the upper housing (1). S3: Installation of sealing cover (5): When assembling the sealing cover (5), align the cover plate boss (501) on the sealing cover (5) with the cover plate groove (102) and install it in place. The outlet pipe sealing cover (503) and the inlet pipe sealing cover (502) press down on the two sponge sleeves (3) respectively. The cover plate groove (504) is aligned with the bottom cover boss (601). At the same time, the bolt mounting hole (8) on the sealing cover (5) is aligned with the bolt mounting hole (8) on the upper shell (1). Then, use bolts to tighten them to complete the assembly of the overall sealing structure. S4: Installation of evaporator bottom cover (6): When installing the evaporator bottom cover (6), align the bottom cover boss (601) on the evaporator bottom cover (6) with the lower shell groove (201), the upper shell groove (103) and the cover plate groove (504) respectively and install them in place and seal them. Then tighten them with bolts.

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