A drain device and a vehicle
By designing plugs and seals in the drainage pipe device, the drainage pipe outlet is automatically sealed using buoyancy. Combined with bolt connections, this solves the sealing problem of automotive air conditioning drainage pipes under water conditions, preventing sewage backflow and improving connection sealing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AIR INT THERMAL SYST R&D (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing automotive air conditioning drain pipes are prone to backflow of sewage when driving through water, and the connection between the drain pipe and the vehicle body sheet metal is not well sealed, failing to effectively prevent external water from entering the vehicle.
A drainage pipe device was designed, including a drainage structure, a plug, a support ring, a connecting structure, and a seal. The density of the plug is less than that of water, and it automatically seals the outlet of the drainage pipe using buoyancy. The combination of bolted connection and seal improves the sealing performance, ensuring that water cannot flow back into the vehicle.
It effectively prevents external water from entering the vehicle and improves the sealing of the connection between the drain pipe and the body sheet metal, ensuring the vehicle's waterproof function is enhanced when wading through water.
Smart Images
Figure CN224392306U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive air conditioning drain pipe technology, and in particular to a drain pipe device and an automobile. Background Technology
[0002] The automotive air conditioning drain pipe is a key component ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioning system. Through technological innovation, its sealing performance has been improved and its functionality optimized. During use, the automotive air conditioning system drains the condensate produced during the cooling process through the drain pipe, which also connects the passenger compartment to the outside environment.
[0003] During the annual rainy season or typhoon season, widespread rainfall can lead to large-scale localized flooding, requiring vehicles to perform wading maneuvers. This wading capability is a key requirement for most vehicles. Therefore, in recent years, high-end and luxury models of both traditional and new energy vehicles have upgraded their features to include wading capabilities. Currently, most models are required to meet basic wading requirements. However, the drainage pipes of automotive air conditioning systems also involve sealing issues related to their assembly with the vehicle's sheet metal, placing new demands on their sealing design.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a drainage pipe device and a vehicle to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a drainage pipe device to prevent sewage from backflowing through the drainage pipe and to improve the sealing performance of the connection between the drainage pipe and the vehicle body.
[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A drain pipe device, connected to a vehicle body sheet metal, for draining condensate from an automotive air conditioning system, comprising:
[0008] A drainage structure is used to drain condensate. The drainage structure has a receiving cavity and includes a first drain pipe and a second drain pipe. The outlet of the first drain pipe and the inlet of the second drain pipe are connected through the receiving cavity.
[0009] The sealing element and the support ring are provided. The density of the sealing element is less than that of water. Both the sealing element and the support ring are located in the receiving cavity. The upper surface of the sealing element can abut against the pipe wall at the outlet of the first drain pipe. The support ring is coaxially arranged with the second drain pipe and connected to the pipe wall at the inlet of the second drain pipe. The support ring is used to support the sealing element away from the inlet of the second drain pipe. An opening is provided on the side wall of the support ring.
[0010] The connection structure includes a connector and a bolt. The connector is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the first drain pipe. The connector has a threaded hole, and the bolt passes through the threaded hole to connect with the body sheet metal thread.
[0011] A sealing element is fitted onto the outer wall of the first drain pipe. The sealing element is connected to the connector and is sandwiched between the connector and the body sheet metal.
[0012] Preferably, the drainage structure further includes a first connecting shell and a second connecting shell. The first connecting shell has a first cavity and a first channel inside, and the second connecting shell has a second cavity and a second channel inside. The first channel connects the first cavity to the outlet of the first drain pipe, and the second channel connects the second cavity to the inlet of the second drain pipe. The inner wall of the first cavity and the inner wall of the second cavity are connected to form a receiving cavity, and the support ring is connected to the inner wall of the second cavity.
[0013] Preferably, the outer wall of the first channel is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the first drain pipe;
[0014] And / or, the outer wall of the second channel is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the second drain pipe.
[0015] Preferably, the outer wall of the first cavity is provided with a slot, and the outer wall of the second cavity is provided with a buckle, and the buckle and the slot can be detachably engaged.
[0016] Alternatively, the outer wall of the first cavity is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second cavity.
[0017] Preferably, the sealing component is made of plastic.
[0018] Preferably, the sealing component includes a hemispherical structure and a guide post structure. One side of the hemispherical structure is an arc surface, and the other side is a plane. One end of the guide post is fixedly connected to the plane, and the other end of the guide post is movably inserted through the support ring.
[0019] Alternatively, the sealing component may be a spherical structure.
[0020] Preferably, the connector has a first positioning hole, and the seal is fixedly connected with a positioning post, which passes through the first positioning hole.
[0021] Preferably, the number of positioning pins and the number of first positioning holes are both at least two and correspond one-to-one, and the positioning pins are evenly distributed along the circumference of the seal.
[0022] Preferably, the connection structure also includes a fastener, which is an integrally formed element with the first drain pipe, and the fastener is sandwiched between the connector and the seal.
[0023] Another objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle that prevents sewage from flowing back into the vehicle through the drain pipe and to improve the sealing performance of the connection between the drain pipe and the vehicle body sheet metal.
[0024] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0025] An automobile includes a body sheet metal and the aforementioned drainage pipe device, wherein the connector is bolted to the body sheet metal.
[0026] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0027] This utility model provides a drain pipe device connected to the vehicle body sheet metal for draining condensate from an automotive air conditioning system. The drain pipe device includes a drain structure, a sealing component, a support ring, a connecting structure, and a sealing component. When the external water level is high enough to overflow the receiving cavity at the connection between the first and second drain pipes, the sealing component automatically floats due to the buoyancy of the water, allowing its outer surface to adhere to the pipe wall at the outlet of the first drain pipe, thus blocking the outlet and preventing water from entering the first drain pipe through the receiving cavity, achieving a seal and preventing external water from entering the vehicle. When the external water level drops, the sealing component automatically descends under gravity, landing on the support ring within the receiving cavity. Since the support ring has an opening, condensate generated when the air conditioning is on can also be smoothly drained out of the vehicle through the second drain pipe. The connecting component and the sealing component are fixed to the vehicle body sheet metal with bolts. The sealing component provides a waterproof seal, completely separating the interior and exterior of the vehicle, further improving the vehicle's waterproof function when wading through water.
[0028] This utility model also provides a car body, including a body sheet metal and a drainage pipe device. The connecting parts and sealing parts are fixed to the body sheet metal by bolts. The sealing parts play a role in sealing and waterproofing, completely separating the interior and exterior of the car, and further improving the waterproof function of the car. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the drainage pipe device provided in this embodiment;
[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the drainage pipe device provided in this embodiment;
[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;
[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the drainage pipe device provided in this embodiment;
[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction.
[0034] In the picture:
[0035] 1. Drainage structure; 11. First drain pipe; 12. Second drain pipe; 13. First connecting shell; 131. First channel; 132. First cavity; 14. Second connecting shell; 141. Second channel; 142. Second cavity; 2. Sealing component; 3. Support ring; 4. Connecting structure; 41. Connecting component; 411. Threaded hole; 412. First positioning hole; 413. Second positioning hole; 42. Fixing component; 5. Sealing component; 51. Positioning post. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.
[0037] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0040] This embodiment provides a drainage pipe device to prevent sewage from backflowing through the drainage pipe and to improve the sealing performance of the connection between the drainage pipe and the vehicle body.
[0041] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a drain pipe device is connected to the vehicle body sheet metal for draining condensate from the car's air conditioning system. The drain pipe device includes a drain structure 1, a sealing element 2, a support ring 3, a connecting structure 4, and a sealing element 5. The drain structure 1 drains the condensate and has a receiving cavity. The drain structure 1 includes a first drain pipe 11 and a second drain pipe 12, with the outlet of the first drain pipe 11 and the inlet of the second drain pipe 12 connected through the receiving cavity. The sealing element 2 has a density less than that of water. Both the sealing element 2 and the support ring 3 are located within the receiving cavity. The upper surface of the sealing element 2 can contact the pipe wall at the outlet of the first drain pipe 11. The support ring 3 is coaxially arranged with the second drain pipe 12 and connected to the pipe wall at the inlet of the second drain pipe 12. The support ring 3 is used to support the sealing member 2 away from the inlet of the second drain pipe 12. An opening is provided on the side wall of the support ring 3. The connecting structure 4 includes a connector 41 and a bolt. The connector 41 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the first drain pipe 11. The connector 41 is provided with a threaded hole 411. The bolt passes through the threaded hole 411 and is threadedly connected to the body sheet metal. The sealing member 5 is sleeved on the outer wall of the first drain pipe 11. The sealing member 5 is connected to the connector 41 and is sandwiched between the connector 41 and the body sheet metal.
[0042] When the water level is high enough to overflow the cavity at the connection between the first drain pipe 11 and the second drain pipe 12, the sealing element 2 automatically floats due to buoyancy, allowing its outer surface to adhere to the wall of the first drain pipe 11 outlet, thus blocking the outlet and preventing water from entering the first drain pipe 11 through the cavity. This achieves a seal and prevents external water from entering the vehicle. When the external water level drops, the sealing element 2 automatically descends under gravity, landing on the support ring 3 within the cavity. Since the support ring 3 has an opening, condensate generated when the air conditioner is on can also be smoothly discharged outside the vehicle through the second drain pipe 12. The connecting element 41 and the sealing element 5 are fixed to the vehicle body sheet metal with bolts. The sealing element 5 provides a waterproof seal, completely separating the interior and exterior of the vehicle and further improving its waterproof function when wading through water.
[0043] Furthermore, the number of threaded holes 411 and the number of bolts are both at least two and correspond one-to-one. The at least two threaded holes 411 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the connector 41, making the connection between the connector 41 and the body sheet metal more secure, thereby improving the connection stability of the entire drain pipe device on the body sheet metal. The sealing element 5 is sandwiched within, further improving the sealing performance of the drain pipe device at the body sheet metal connection. In this embodiment, the number of threaded holes 411 and the number of bolts are both two. In other embodiments, the number of threaded holes 411 and the number of bolts can be three, four, or five, etc.
[0044] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the drainage structure 1 also includes a first connecting shell 13 and a second connecting shell 14. The first connecting shell 13 has a first cavity 132 and a first channel 131 inside. The second connecting shell 14 has a second cavity 142 and a second channel 141 inside. The first channel 131 connects the first cavity 132 with the outlet of the first drain pipe 11. The second channel 141 connects the second cavity 142 with the inlet of the second drain pipe 12. The inner wall of the first cavity 132 and the inner wall of the second cavity 142 are connected to form a receiving cavity, thereby realizing the connection between the first drain pipe 11 and the second drain pipe 12. The support ring 3 is connected to the inner wall of the second cavity 142, thereby realizing the fixation of the support ring 3 in the receiving cavity.
[0045] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first channel 131 is press-fitted with the inner wall of the first drain pipe 11, improving the sealing performance of the connection between the first connecting housing 13 and the first drain pipe 11 and preventing external water from entering the vehicle through the connection between the first connecting housing 13 and the first drain pipe 11. The outer wall of the second channel 141 is press-fitted with the inner wall of the second drain pipe 12, improving the sealing performance of the connection between the second connecting housing 14 and the second drain pipe 12. In other embodiments, the outer wall of the first channel 131 may be press-fitted with the inner wall of the first drain pipe 11, or the outer wall of the second channel 141 may be press-fitted with the inner wall of the second drain pipe 12.
[0046] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first cavity 132 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second cavity 142 to achieve a sealed connection between the first connecting housing 13 and the second connecting housing 14. In this embodiment, the outer wall of the first cavity 132 and the outer wall of the second cavity 142 are connected by screws. In other embodiments, the first connecting housing 13 and the second connecting housing 14 are welded by ultrasonic welding, or the outer wall of the first cavity 132 is provided with a groove, and the outer wall of the second cavity 142 is provided with a buckle, which engages with the groove.
[0047] Furthermore, the sealing element 2 is made of plastic, ensuring that its density is less than that of water. When external water enters the second cavity 142, the sealing element 2 floats due to the buoyancy of the water, thus effectively sealing the outlet of the first drain pipe 11. In this embodiment, the material of the sealing element 2 is polypropylene (PP). In other embodiments, the material of the sealing element 2 can be polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polystyrene (PS), etc.
[0048] Furthermore, the sealing element 2 has a spherical structure. This spherical structure allows the sealing element 2 to precisely adhere to and abut against the inner wall of the first cavity 132 even when it rolls between the first cavity 132 and the second cavity 142, thereby sealing the outlet of the first drain pipe 11 and preventing water from flowing back into the first drain pipe 11. In other embodiments, the sealing element 2 includes a hemispherical structure and a guide post structure. One side of the hemispherical structure is an arc surface, and the other side is a plane. One end of the guide post is fixedly connected to the plane, and the other end of the guide post is movably inserted through the support ring 3. When subjected to buoyancy by the water, the sealing element 2 floats upward, causing the arc surface to adhere to and abut against the inner wall of the first cavity 132, thus sealing the outlet of the first drain pipe 11. To prevent the sealing of the outlet of the first drain pipe 11 from failing due to the rotation of the hemispherical structure, a guide post is fixedly connected to the plane side to guide the reciprocating movement of the hemispherical structure along the axial direction of the support ring 3. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the sealing element 2 is a solid spherical structure. In other embodiments, the sealing element 2 can be set to be hollow to further reduce the density of the sealing element 2, further ensure that the density of the sealing element 2 is less than the density of water, and realize that the sealing element 2 floats up under the buoyancy of water.
[0049] Optionally, the connector 41 is provided with a first positioning hole 412, and the sealing member 5 is fixedly connected with a positioning post 51. The positioning post 51 passes through the first positioning hole 412, so that the sealing member 5 is pre-installed on the connector 41 to avoid the sealing member 5 being missed during the movement process, thereby improving the connection efficiency between the connector 41 and the body sheet metal.
[0050] Furthermore, the number of positioning pins 51 and the number of first positioning holes 412 are both at least two and correspond one-to-one. The positioning pins 51 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the seal 5 to achieve the positioning of the seal 5 and improve the connection stability between the seal 5 and the connector 41, preventing the seal 41 from falling off and causing a decrease in the sealing performance between the connector 41 and the body sheet metal. In this embodiment, the number of positioning pins 51 and the number of first positioning holes 412 are three. In other embodiments, the number of positioning pins 51 and the number of first positioning holes 412 can be two, four, or five, etc.
[0051] Furthermore, the seal 5 and the positioning post 51 are integrally molded rubber products. This integral molding improves the stability of the connection between the positioning post 51 and the seal 5, thereby enhancing the connection stability between the seal 5 and the connector 41. The elasticity of the seal 5 further improves the sealing performance of the connection between the connector 41 and the vehicle body sheet metal. In this embodiment, the seal 5 and the positioning post 51 are made of rubber; in other embodiments, the seal 5 and the positioning post 51 can also be made of silicone.
[0052] Optionally, such as Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the connecting structure 4 also includes a fixing member 42. The fixing member 42 and the first drain pipe 11 are integrally formed. The fixing member 42 is sandwiched between the connecting member 41 and the sealing member 5, which realizes the fixing of the connecting member 41 on the outer wall of the first drain pipe 11, and further improves the connection stability of the drain pipe device on the body sheet metal.
[0053] Furthermore, the fixing member 42 is provided with a second positioning hole 413, and the positioning pin 51 passes through the second positioning hole 413 to realize the connection between the sealing member 5 and the fixing member 42, further improving the positioning of the sealing member 5 and preventing the sealing member 5 from shaking.
[0054] This embodiment also provides a vehicle that prevents sewage from flowing back into the vehicle through the drain pipe and improves the sealing performance of the connection between the drain pipe and the vehicle body sheet metal.
[0055] Specifically, an automobile includes a body sheet metal and the aforementioned drainage pipe device. The connector 41 is connected to the body sheet metal by bolts. The connector 41 and the seal 5 are fixed to the body sheet metal by bolts. The sealing function of the seal 5 is to seal and waterproof, completely separating the interior and exterior of the vehicle, and further improving the waterproof function of the automobile.
[0056] The working principle of the drainage pipe device and the automobile provided in this embodiment is as follows:
[0057] When a driver enters a flooded section of road and the water depth exceeds the drain pipe device, a sealing element 2 is installed in the sealed accommodating cavity of the first connecting housing 13 and the second connecting housing 14. When the water reaches this position, the sealing element 2 automatically floats up due to the buoyancy of the water. When it comes into contact with the outer wall of the first channel 131, it blocks the outlet of the first drain pipe 11, preventing water from continuing to enter the first drain pipe 11 through the first channel 131, thus achieving a sealing effect and preventing external water from entering the vehicle. Conversely, when the external water level drops, the sealing element 2 automatically descends under the action of gravity, falling into the second cavity 142. The first channel 131 opens, and the condensate produced when the air conditioner is turned on can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the second drain pipe 12.
[0058] Furthermore, the drainage pipe assembly and the body sheet metal area also need to be tightly sealed to completely separate the interior and exterior of the vehicle. A connector 41 is installed at this location, and a seal 5 is installed below the first drainage pipe 11. The seal 5 has three positioning posts 51, which serve a positioning function during assembly. When the connector 41 and the seal 5 are fixed to the body sheet metal with bolts, the sealing and waterproofing function is achieved, ensuring that this area can be waterproofed when the vehicle is wading through water.
[0059] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A drain device, characterized in that The drain pipe device is connected to the vehicle body sheet metal and is used to drain condensate from the vehicle's air conditioning system. The drain pipe device includes: A drainage structure (1) is provided for draining the condensate. The drainage structure (1) has a receiving cavity inside. The drainage structure (1) includes a first drain pipe (11) and a second drain pipe (12). The outlet of the first drain pipe (11) and the inlet of the second drain pipe (12) are connected through the receiving cavity. The sealing element (2) and the support ring (3) are provided. The density of the sealing element (2) is less than that of water. Both the sealing element (2) and the support ring (3) are located in the receiving cavity. The upper surface of the sealing element (2) can abut against the pipe wall at the outlet of the first drain pipe (11). The support ring (3) is coaxially arranged with the second drain pipe (12) and connected to the pipe wall at the inlet of the second drain pipe (12). The support ring (3) is used to support the sealing element (2) away from the inlet of the second drain pipe (12). An opening is provided on the side wall of the support ring (3). The connection structure (4) includes a connector (41) and a bolt. The connector (41) is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the first drain pipe (11). The connector (41) has a threaded hole (411). The bolt passes through the threaded hole (411) and is threadedly connected to the body sheet metal. A sealing element (5) is sleeved on the outer wall of the first drain pipe (11), the sealing element (5) is connected to the connector (41), and the sealing element (5) is sandwiched between the connector (41) and the body sheet metal.
2. The drain device of claim 1, wherein, The drainage structure (1) further includes a first connecting shell (13) and a second connecting shell (14). The first connecting shell (13) has a first cavity (132) and a first channel (131) inside. The second connecting shell (14) has a second cavity (142) and a second channel (141) inside. The first channel (131) connects the first cavity (132) to the outlet of the first drain pipe (11). The second channel (141) connects the second cavity (142) to the inlet of the second drain pipe (12). The inner wall of the first cavity (132) and the inner wall of the second cavity (142) are connected to form the receiving cavity. The support ring (3) is connected to the inner wall of the second cavity (142).
3. The drain arrangement of claim 2, wherein, The outer wall of the first channel (131) is press-fitted with the inner wall of the first drain pipe (11); And / or, the outer wall of the second channel (141) is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the second drain pipe (12).
4. The drain arrangement of claim 2, wherein, The outer wall of the first cavity (132) is provided with a slot, and the outer wall of the second cavity (142) is provided with a buckle, and the buckle is detachably engaged with the slot; Alternatively, the outer wall of the first cavity (132) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second cavity (142).
5. The drain device of claim 1, wherein, The sealing component (2) is a plastic product.
6. The drain arrangement of claim 5, wherein, The sealing component (2) includes a hemispherical structure and a guide post structure. One side of the hemispherical structure is an arc surface and the other side is a plane. One end of the guide post is fixedly connected to the plane, and the other end of the guide post is movably inserted through the support ring (3). Alternatively, the sealing element (2) may be a spherical structure.
7. The drain device of claim 1, wherein, The connector (41) has a first positioning hole (412), and the sealing member (5) is fixedly connected to a positioning post (51), which passes through the first positioning hole (412).
8. The drain arrangement of claim 7, wherein, The number of the positioning pins (51) and the number of the first positioning holes (412) are both at least two and correspond one-to-one. The positioning pins (51) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the sealing member (5).
9. The drain device according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that The connection structure (4) also includes a fixing member (42), which is an integrally formed element with the first drain pipe (11). The fixing member (42) is sandwiched between the connector (41) and the sealing member (5).
10. An automobile characterized by comprising: Includes a body panel and a drainage pipe device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the connector (41) is connected to the body panel by the bolts.