Blow-molded air pipe assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a blow-molded air pipe assembly which comprises an air pipe, and an installation groove and an installation support are formed on the side face of the periphery of the air pipe. And in an assembly state, the mounting bracket is folded towards the mounting groove, so that the middle part of the mounting bracket is clamped in the mounting groove, and the free end of the mounting bracket moves from one side of the mounting groove to the other side of the mounting groove. The mounting groove and the mounting support are formed in the blow molding process of the air pipe, when the air pipe assembly is mounted, the mounting support can be folded into the mounting groove, the mounting groove clamps and fixes the mounting support, the defect that blow molding cannot be achieved due to position limitation of the mounting support in the prior art is overcome, and the problem that production efficiency is low in the prior art is solved. In addition, due to the fact that the installation support and the air pipe are formed together through blow molding, when the air pipe assembly is installed, the installation support is folded into the installation groove, and then the installation support can be clamped and fixed, development cost is saved, and assembling is convenient and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive interior accessories technology, and in particular to a blow-molded air duct assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Existing automobiles generally have multiple air inlet and outlet duct systems. For example, air ducts are needed between the engine's turbocharger and intercooler, and air ducts are needed between the car's air conditioning system and the various air outlets inside the passenger compartment. However, the air ducts are usually fixed by welding mounting brackets to the outer side of the air ducts. The air ducts are then fixed to other components by the mounting brackets, thus achieving the fixation of the air ducts.

[0003] Existing technology includes an integrated duct system comprising a ventilation duct, an intake duct, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket includes a first connector and a first fixing part connected to the first connector. The first connector of this integrated duct bracket is welded to the ventilation duct or intake duct, and the first fixing part has a first fixing hole, such as a bolt hole. The first bracket can be fixed to the engine by a fixing part that mates with the first fixing hole, thereby fixing the intake duct or ventilation duct to the engine. This integrated duct bracket is connected and fixed to the duct by welding. This method of fixing requires a long time in actual construction, has high welding requirements, and is prone to problems such as duct perforation during welding, resulting in inconvenient processing.

[0004] For blow-molded air ducts, existing technologies typically integrate the mounting bracket and the air duct into a single blow molding process. However, this method of molding both the air duct and the mounting bracket has several drawbacks. The mounting bracket is generally L-shaped. Since the mounting bracket's position is variable, it may need to be placed on the left or right side of the air duct depending on requirements. When the mounting bracket cannot be directly formed using the blow molding mold due to the mold's ejection direction (e.g., the ejection direction prevents the mounting bracket located on the left side of the air duct), the air duct and the mounting bracket must be injection molded separately. The mounting bracket is then welded to the air duct. This approach requires two sets of injection molds and an additional welding process, leading to increased development costs and lower processing efficiency for blow-molded air ducts. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a blow-molded duct assembly. By improving the structure of the duct assembly and the duct, the duct assembly can be fixed to one side of the duct, thus solving the problems of high development cost and low processing efficiency in the past.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model discloses a blow-molded duct assembly, including a duct, an installation groove and an installation bracket provided on the outer peripheral side of the duct, the installation groove and the installation bracket being arranged at intervals along the circumference of the duct, the connecting end of the installation bracket being connected to the outer peripheral side of the duct, the installation groove being recessed into the outer peripheral surface of the duct, the duct, the installation groove and the installation bracket being integrally blow-molded, the connection between the installation bracket and the duct being a deformable weakened part, and the connection between the installation bracket and the duct being directly opposite the installation groove;

[0007] In the assembled state, the mounting bracket is folded towards the mounting groove so that it is held in the mounting groove, and the free end of the mounting bracket moves from one side of the mounting groove to the other side of the mounting groove.

[0008] The mounting bracket is connected to the air duct via a connector, and a weakening groove is provided at the connection between the connector and the mounting bracket.

[0009] The mounting bracket, the connector, and the air duct are integrally blow-molded.

[0010] The upper ends of the two groove walls of the mounting groove extend into hook portions toward the middle of the mounting groove. When the mounting bracket is engaged in the mounting groove, the hook portions are engaged on the top of the mounting bracket.

[0011] The width of the mounting groove gradually increases from top to bottom.

[0012] The mounting groove has a groove on its bottom surface, and the mounting bracket has a protrusion on its bottom surface. In the assembled state, the protrusion is placed into the groove.

[0013] The mounting bracket has a first mounting portion extending outward from its free end, and the first mounting portion has at least one first mounting hole. The mounting bracket also has a second mounting portion extending outward from its middle portion, and the second mounting portion has at least one second mounting hole.

[0014] The mounting groove has an arched section that rises upward in the middle of its bottom surface. When the mounting bracket is engaged in the mounting groove, the arched section abuts against the bottom surface of the mounting bracket, so that the top surface of the mounting bracket abuts against the hook section.

[0015] The mounting groove has an arched portion raised upwards in the middle of its bottom surface. One end of the arched portion extends into the groove. In the assembled state, one end of the convex portion is inserted into the groove, and the arched portion is offset from the convex portion.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have the following beneficial effects:

[0017] (1) During the blow molding process, the air duct forms an installation groove and an installation bracket. When installing the air duct assembly, the installation bracket can be folded into the installation groove. The installation groove holds and fixes the installation bracket so that the free end of the installation bracket can move from one side of the installation groove to the other side of the installation groove. This solves the problem that blow molding was not possible due to the position restriction of the installation bracket in the past, simplifies the air duct production process, improves production efficiency, and solves the problem of low production efficiency in the past.

[0018] (2) The mounting bracket and the duct can be blow molded together, replacing the previous structure of using two independent injection molds to form and then weld them. This saves development costs, shortens the production time of the duct components, has good economic benefits, and is easy and efficient to assemble. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the duct and mounting bracket in the blow molding state from a frontal oblique upward view in the embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the duct and mounting bracket in the assembled state in the embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the duct and mounting bracket in the blow molding state from the rear view in the embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the duct structure from other perspectives in the blow molding state of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and 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.

[0025] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, mechanism, product, or server that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or servers.

[0026] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0027] This utility model discloses a specific embodiment of a blow-molded duct assembly. Please see [link to embodiment]. Figure 1 The blow-molded duct assembly includes a duct 1. The outer peripheral side of the duct 1 has an installation groove 2 and a connector 3. The installation groove 2 and the connector 3 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the duct 1. The connector 3 can be located on the left or right side of the installation groove 2. Specifically, it can be selectively set according to the demolding direction of the blow molding mold, as long as the connector 3 does not affect the normal demolding of the duct 1.

[0028] Figure 1 The air duct 1 in this embodiment is in the state after blow molding. In this embodiment, one side of the connector 3 is fixedly connected to the outer peripheral side of the air duct 1, that is, the connector 3 and the air duct 1 are integrally formed by blow molding. The other side of the connector 3 is provided with a mounting bracket 4, and the bottom end of the mounting bracket 4 is fixedly connected to the connector 3. It can be understood that the air duct 1, the connector 3 and the mounting bracket 4 are integrally formed by blow molding.

[0029] Figure 2 The air duct 1 system is in the assembled state, please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mounting bracket 4 uses its bottom end and the connection point of the connector 3 as a hinge point, and folds towards the inside of the mounting groove 2 so that the middle part of the mounting bracket 4 is held in the mounting groove 2, and the free end of the mounting bracket 4 moves from one side of the mounting groove 2 to the corresponding other side of the mounting groove 2. It should be noted that the free end of the mounting bracket 4 is a working end that can be detachably connected to external parts (such as the vehicle frame, dashboard, engine housing, center console, etc.). In this embodiment, due to the limitation of the demolding direction, see [reference needed]. Figure 1With the mounting bracket 4 only formed on the right side of the duct 1, its working end can be moved to the left side of the duct 1 by folding it over. The mounting bracket 4 is then secured in place by the mounting groove 2, eliminating the previous welding method and simplifying the duct manufacturing process. Furthermore, the length of the middle section of the mounting bracket 4 can be greater than or equal to the length of the mounting groove 2, depending on actual needs. The middle section of the mounting bracket 4 can be partially inserted into the mounting groove 2, as long as it ensures a secure fit within the groove.

[0030] To make the folding of the mounting bracket 4 smoother and less strenuous, and to prevent damage to the mounting bracket 4, in this embodiment, please see... Figure 3 A weakening groove 31 is provided at the connection between the connector 3 and the mounting bracket 4. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the weakening groove 31 is semi-circular. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the weakening groove 31 can also be one of the following: triangular, rectangular, polygonal, or other irregular shapes. The weakening groove 31 mainly reduces the thickness of the connection between the connector 3 and the mounting bracket 4, making the connection area easier to deform. It can be understood that the connector 3 and the mounting bracket 4 are fixed together by a thin-walled structure (sheet-like body). The depth of the weakening groove 31 can be selectively set according to actual needs. It can be designed so that the mounting bracket 4 separates from the connector 3 after folding, or it can be designed so that the mounting bracket 4 remains connected to the connector 3 after folding. The weakening groove 31 mainly serves to save effort and guide, making the folding more precise and smooth.

[0031] In this utility model, please see Figures 1 to 4 The mounting groove 2 has a hook portion 21 extending from its inner side. In this embodiment, hook portions 21 are formed on both the left and right sides of the mounting groove 2. In other embodiments, the hook portion 21 may be provided on only one side of the groove wall, that is, a hook portion 21 is provided on one side of the mounting groove 2. The hook portion 21 mainly serves to securely hold the mounting bracket 4 in the mounting groove 2. The shape of the hook portion 21 can be set according to requirements. In this embodiment, please see... Figure 4 Two hooks 21 are provided, which are respectively formed on the left and right sides of the mounting groove 2, so that the entire mounting groove 2 is set in a dovetail shape. When the mounting bracket 4 is inserted into the dovetail-shaped mounting groove 2, the mounting groove 2 can restrict the vertical freedom of the mounting bracket 4, prevent the mounting bracket 4 from falling out of the mounting groove 2, thereby improving the fixing effect of the mounting bracket 4 and making the mounting bracket 4 firmly held in the mounting groove 2.

[0032] In addition, the vertical distance between the lowest point of the hook portion 21 and the bottom of the mounting groove 2 can be equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the mounting bracket 4, which can further improve the holding effect of the mounting groove 2 on the mounting bracket 4. The width of the mounting bracket 4 can be equal to or slightly less than the width of the mounting groove 2, which can effectively restrict the movement of the mounting bracket 4 in the lateral direction and further improve the holding effect.

[0033] In other embodiments, the hook portion 21 can be designed in different shapes, such as an inverted right triangle. The hook portion 21 is formed on the wall of the mounting groove 2, so that the width of the mounting groove 2 gradually increases from top to bottom. Similarly, the mounting bracket 4 can be held in the mounting groove 2 by the interference fit. The smaller opening of the mounting groove 2 can prevent the mounting bracket 4 from falling out.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 To further limit the positioning of the mounting bracket 4, a groove 22 is formed at one end of the bottom of the mounting groove 2, located at the end of the bottom of the mounting groove 2 away from the mounting bracket 4. In some embodiments, the groove 22 may be located at the end of the bottom of the mounting groove 2 closer to the mounting bracket 4. Correspondingly, a protruding bulge 43 protruding towards the mounting groove 2 is formed in the middle of the mounting bracket 4. In the assembled state, see... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the end of the protrusion 43 near the mounting groove 2 is inserted into the groove 22. The engagement of one end of the protrusion 43 with the groove 22 restricts the displacement of the mounting bracket 4 along the length of the duct 1, i.e., its movement in the left and right directions. Furthermore, the engagement of one end of the protrusion 43 with the groove 22, combined with the connection and fixation between the connector 3 and the mounting bracket 4, restricts the displacement of the mounting bracket 4 along the direction perpendicular to the length of the duct 1, i.e., its movement in the front and back directions. This further limits the movement of the mounting bracket 4, ensuring that the mounting groove 2 has sufficient strength to hold the mounting bracket 4. In addition, the protrusion 43 also acts as a reinforcing rib, improving the structural strength of the mounting bracket 4 itself.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The free end of the mounting bracket 4 extends outward to form a first mounting part 41, which has two first mounting holes. The middle part of the mounting bracket 4 extends outward to form a second mounting part 42, which has one second mounting hole. The number of first mounting holes and the number of second mounting holes can be selectively designed according to requirements. The structural shapes of the first mounting part 41 and the second mounting part 42 can be selectively set according to requirements. The first mounting part 41 and the second mounting part 42 are mainly used for detachable connection with external components, such as the vehicle frame, dashboard, engine housing, and center console.

[0036] As a preferred solution, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 The bottom of the mounting groove 2 extends upward into an arched portion 23, with one end of the arched portion 23 away from the mounting bracket 4 extending into the groove 22. In the assembled state, one end of the protruding portion 43 is inserted into the groove 22, and the arched portion 23 is offset from the protruding portion 43, that is, the arched portion 23 and the protruding portion 43 will not contact each other.

[0037] The middle part of the arched portion 23 bulges upward, while the left and right sides of the arched portion 23 are lower than the middle part in the height direction. When the mounting bracket 4 is placed into the mounting groove 2, the upward-bulging middle part of the arched portion 23 will press against the bottom surface of the mounting bracket 4, applying an upward force to the bottom surface of the mounting bracket 4. Since the left and right sides of the mounting bracket 4 are respectively engaged with the bottom of the corresponding hook portion 21, the left and right sides of the mounting bracket 4 will undergo a small range of deformation downward, thereby changing the bottom surface of the mounting bracket 4 from a flat plane to an arc surface with a certain concave curvature. This allows the left and right sides of the mounting bracket 4 to be engaged with the hook portions 21 on the left and right sides inside the mounting groove 2, further limiting the vertical movement of the mounting bracket 4 and ensuring the reliability and stability of the connection between the mounting bracket 4 and the duct 1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the duct assembly forms an mounting groove 2 and a mounting bracket 4 during the blow molding process. When installing the duct, the mounting bracket 4 can be folded into the mounting groove 2, which holds and fixes it in place. This allows the free end of the mounting bracket 4 to move from one side of the mounting groove 2 to the other, solving the previous problem of blow molding being impossible due to the limited position of the mounting bracket 4. This simplifies the duct manufacturing process, improves production efficiency, and addresses the previous issue of low production efficiency. The mounting bracket 4 and the duct can be blow molded together, replacing the previous structure of using two separate injection molds for molding and welding, saving development costs, shortening duct production time, and resulting in significant economic benefits.

[0039] This utility model discloses an installation method for a blow-molded duct assembly. The duct 1 and mounting bracket 4 are integrally blow-molded, with the connecting end of the mounting bracket 4 connected to the outer peripheral side of the duct 1. An mounting groove 2 is also formed on the outer peripheral side of the duct 1. This integral blow-molding of the duct 1 and mounting bracket 4 replaces the previous structure of using two separate injection molds for molding and then welding, saving development costs, shortening the production time of the duct assembly, and resulting in good economic benefits.

[0040] During duct assembly, the free end of the mounting bracket 4 is folded towards the mounting groove 2, thus securing the mounting bracket 4 within the mounting groove 2. This allows the free end of the mounting bracket 4 to move from one side of the mounting groove 2 to the other. This installation method is simple, convenient, efficient, and quick.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the blow-molded duct assembly disclosed in this utility model embodiment is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, not to limit it. Although this utility model 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. Such 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 various embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A blow-molded duct assembly, characterized in that, The device includes an air duct, the outer peripheral side of which is provided with a mounting groove and a mounting bracket. The mounting groove and the mounting bracket are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the air duct. The connecting end of the mounting bracket is connected to the outer peripheral side of the air duct. The mounting groove is recessed into the outer peripheral surface of the air duct. The air duct, the mounting groove, and the mounting bracket are integrally blow-molded. The connection between the mounting bracket and the air duct is a deformable weakened part. The connection between the mounting bracket and the air duct is directly opposite the mounting groove. In the assembled state, the mounting bracket is folded towards the mounting groove so that it is held in the mounting groove, and the free end of the mounting bracket moves from one side of the mounting groove to the other side of the mounting groove.

2. The blow-molded duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting end of the mounting bracket is connected to the air duct through a connector, and a weakening groove is provided at the connection between the connector and the mounting bracket.

3. The blow-molded duct assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket, the connector, and the air duct are integrally blow-molded.

4. A blow-molded duct assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The upper ends of the two groove walls of the mounting groove extend into hook portions toward the middle of the mounting groove. When the mounting bracket is engaged in the mounting groove, the hook portions are engaged on the top of the mounting bracket.

5. A blow-molded duct assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The width of the mounting groove gradually increases from top to bottom.

6. A blow-molded duct assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the mounting groove has a groove, and the bottom surface of the mounting bracket has a protrusion. In the assembled state, the protrusion is placed into the groove.

7. A blow-molded duct assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The groove is located at the end or beginning of the bottom surface of the mounting groove.

8. A blow-molded duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free end of the mounting bracket extends outward to form a first mounting portion, which has at least one first mounting hole. The middle part of the mounting bracket extends outward to form a second mounting portion, which has at least one second mounting hole.

9. A blow-molded duct assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting groove has an arched section that rises upward from the center of the bottom surface. When the mounting bracket is engaged in the mounting groove, the arched section abuts against the bottom surface of the mounting bracket, so that the top surface of the mounting bracket abuts against the hook section.

10. A blow-molded duct assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting groove has an arched portion raised upwards in the middle of the bottom surface. One end of the arched portion extends into the groove. In the assembled state, one end of the convex portion is inserted into the groove, and the arched portion is offset from the convex portion.

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