Duct arrangement for a vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and connecting duct with swivel bend

Abstract

Duct arrangement (10) for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising the following: a connector (12); a stationary channel (14); and a connecting channel (16) extending between a first end (18) that engages in the stationary channel (14) and a second end (20) that is a distance (D) from the first end (18) and engages in the connecting piece (12); wherein the connecting channel (16) comprises a semi-circular surface (24) at the second end (20), the semi-circular surface (24) extending around a radius which has the same length as the distance (D) between the first (18) and the second end (20) and wherein the connecting piece (12) comprises a fitting surface (26) which abuts the semi-circular surface (24) and extends over the radius.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a ductwork arrangement to direct conditioned air to various locations. For example, a vehicle's HVAC system includes a ductwork arrangement to direct conditioned air to different locations within the vehicle's interior. The ductwork arrangement may include ducts extending from the engine compartment through an instrument panel, the floor, etc., of the vehicle into the passenger compartment, and / or ducts extending from a rear auxiliary HVAC module. Stationary ducts, such as headliner ducts, may also extend through the vehicle's headliner to direct conditioned air to vents in the headliner. Connecting ducts may link ducts in lower areas of the vehicle, such as the instrument panel, rear auxiliary HVAC module, etc., to the headliner ducts to direct conditioned air to the headliner vents.The connecting channels can be, for example, column channels, i.e., channels running within the columns of the vehicle, such as the A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar and D-pillar.

[0002] The prior art is known from US 2010 / 0314071A1. This describes a seat climate control system for motor vehicles with a stationary duct, a connector, and a connecting duct.

[0003] US 2013 / 0175796A1 describes a connection structure for fluid tubes in the medical field, in which two surfaces of the connection structure are sealed together.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 20 2013 104 003 U1 describes a heating, ventilation and air conditioning duct arrangement for a vehicle, wherein two channels are connected to each other using a receiving device and a connecting piece.

[0005] A channel arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a connecting channel having the features of claim 11 are provided.

[0006] The connecting channels are installed at a later stage of the assembly process, after the interior components that house the channels in the lower areas have been installed in the vehicle and after the headliner has been installed. Because the interior components and headliner are already installed in the vehicle, they impose installation constraints that limit the direction in which the connecting channels can move within the vehicle during the assembly process.

[0007] In particular, installation constraints can prevent the connecting channels from being joined to the headliner in a direct vertical or lateral direction. Therefore, it may be necessary to move the connecting channels in various directions during installation. This increases the complexity of the installation process, as precise manipulation of the components is required to make the connection, and increases the likelihood of damage to the stationary channel and / or the connecting channel. Furthermore, foam may be used to seal the area around the connecting channel, and moving the connecting channel in different directions during installation can inadvertently damage the foam by creasing or tearing it, or detach the adhesive holding the foam in place.

[0008] Accordingly, there is an opportunity to design a connecting channel that is easy to assemble without damaging the stationary channel or the connecting channel, while providing the necessary flexibility to make the channel connection in a way that does not require fine manipulation of parts to fit them together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connecting channel, a stationary channel and a connector before the connecting channel is connected to the stationary channel and the connector; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second end of the connecting channel, which engages with the connector; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second end of the connecting channel, which engages with the connector; Fig. 4A is a cross-section of the connector showing the connecting channel engaged with the connector; Fig. 4B is a cross-section of the connector showing an inclined surface of the second end of the connecting channel which engages with a ramp surface of the connector to introduce the second end of the connecting channel into the connector; Fig. 4C is a cross-section of the connector, with the second end engaging with the connector; and Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second end of the connecting channel, which engages with the connector, with a seal mounted on the connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Referring to the figures, in which identical numbers in the different views denote identical parts, a duct arrangement 10 for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is generally shown. The HVAC system can be the HVAC system of a vehicle (not shown). Alternatively, the HVAC system can be the HVAC system of a stationary structure, such as a building.

[0010] The channel arrangement 10 comprises a connecting piece 12 and a stationary channel 14. With reference to the Fig. A connecting channel 16 extends between a first end 18 and a second end 20, located at a distance D from the first end 18. For example, in the figure, the stationary channel 14 and the connecting channel 16 are intended for a vehicle. Specifically, the stationary channel 14, designated by reference number 14, is shown as a headliner channel, while the connecting channel 16, designated by reference number 16, is shown as a pillar channel. The connecting channel 16 defines an opening 22 extending between the first end 18 and the second end 20. The connecting channel 16 includes a semicircular surface 24 at the second end 20, extending around a radius equal to the distance D between the first end 18 and the second end 20.

[0011] Since the radius of the semi-circular surface 24 has the same length as the distance D between the first end 18 and the second end 20, the first end 18 can be inserted into the stationary channel 14, and the connecting channel 16 can be rotated around the first end 18 to engage the second end 20 with the connector 12, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows this. In other words, the second end 20 can be pivoted to engage with the connector 12. The radius of the semi-circular surface 24 creates a gap between the semi-circular surface 24 and the connector 12 when the second end 20 is pivoted into engagement with the connector 12, and allows for gradual engagement between the second end 20 and the connector 12 as the second end 20 is pivoted into the connector 12, as explained below.

[0012] With reference to the Fig. 2 The connecting piece 12 includes a mating surface 26. The mating surface 26 receives the connecting piece 12 as in the progressive movement according to Fig. 4A - C is shown, and borders the semi-circular surface 24 when the second end 20 engages with the connecting piece 12, as in Fig. 4C is shown.

[0013] The mating surface 26 defines an opening 28, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the opening 28 of the mating surface 26 coincides with the opening 22 of the connecting duct 16 when the second end 20 of the connecting duct 16 engages with the connector 12. Conditioned air from the HVAC system can be forced through the opening 28 of the mating surface 26 and the opening 22 of the connecting duct 16. In particular, the conditioned air can be forced from the connector 12 through the connecting duct 16 and into the stationary duct 14.

[0014] The channel arrangement 10 can include a seal 30 located at the second end 20 of the connecting channel 16, and / or a seal 30 at the mating surface 26 of the connector 12. For example, the seal 30 is located in the Fig. 1-4C at the second end 20 shown. In a Fig. In Figure 5, the seal 30 is shown on the mating surface 26 of the connector 12. The seal 30 can be of any suitable type. For example, the seal 30 can be a foam seal, an elastomer seal, etc., attached to the second end 20 and / or the mating surface 26. In another configuration, the seal 30 can be formed from a material that is softer than the material of the second end 20 and / or the mating surface 26 and can be formed as an integral part of the second end 20 and / or the mating surface 26, e.g., by a two-stage injection molding process.

[0015] With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4C seals the gasket 30 between the semi-circular surface 24 and the mating surface 26 when the second end 20 engages with the connector 12. The gasket 30 is elastically compressible, and the semi-circular surface 24 and the mating surface 26 compress the gasket 30 between them when the second end 20 engages with the connector 12.

[0016] The seal 30 can define an opening 32 that is aligned with the opening 28 of the mating surface 26 and the opening 22 of the connecting channel 16. In such a configuration, the seal 30 extends around an edge of the opening 28 of the mating surface 26 and the opening 22 of the connecting channel 16 to seal the edge region.

[0017] The mating surface 26 can extend around the radius. In other words, a curvature of the mating surface 26 can coincide with a curvature of the second end 20 of the connector 12. Therefore, the probability of damage to the seal 30 is reduced when the second end 20 engages with the connector 12. In the Fig. In the configuration shown in Figures 1-4, with the seal 30 at the second end 20, for example, the seal 30 at the second end 20 gradually approaches the mating surface 26 when the second end 20 is inserted into the connector 12 during assembly, in order to gradually compress the seal 30 between the second end 20 and the mating surface 26. This gradual compression reduces the likelihood of damage to the seal 30, e.g., by creasing of the seal 30, detachment of the adhesive between the seal 30 and the second end 20, etc., while the second end 20 and the connector 12 are engaged.

[0018] With reference to the Fig. The connecting channel 16 comprises a pipe 34, which represents the first end 18, and a connecting head 36, which represents the second end 20. The connecting head 36 engages in the connecting piece 12. For example, the connecting head 36 engages detachably in the connecting piece 12, as explained below.

[0019] With reference to the Fig. 2 defines the connecting piece 12 as a track 38 that receives the second end 20 of the connecting channel 16, e.g., the connecting head 36. For example, the connecting head 36 of the connecting channel 16 includes a flange 40 extending from the semi-circular surface 24 to the first end 18, and the track 38 receives the flange 40, as shown in the Fig. Figure 3-4C shows that the track 38 comprises a wall 42 and a projection 44 extending transversely across the wall 42. In cross-section, the projection 44 can extend parallel to the mating surface 26 to enclose the flange 40 of the connecting channel 16 between the projection 44 and the mating surface 26, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4C is shown. As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the connecting channel 16 can include two flanges 40 that are separate from each other, and the track 38 can include two walls 42 / projections 44 to accommodate the flanges 40 each.

[0020] The track 38 can extend from an open end 46 to a closed end 48, as for example from the Fig. 2 is evident. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2-4C, the track 38 receives the second end 20 of the connecting channel 16 in the open end 46, and the second end 20 is moved towards the closed end 48 to engage the second end 20 with the connecting piece 12.

[0021] The flanges 40 of the second end 20 of the connecting channel 16 narrow from the open end 46 to the closed end 48. In other words, the semi-circular surface 24 extends from a front end 50 to a rear end 52, and the flanges 40 widen in one direction along the semi-circular surface 24 from the front end 50 to the rear end 52.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, the track 38 narrows from the open end 46 to the closed end 48. The shape of at least one part of the track 38 can correspond to the shape of at least one part of the flanges 40.

[0023] Either the track 38 or the flange 40 defines a slot 54, while the other element of the track 38 or the flange 40 is a tab 56 that engages in the slot 54 when the second end 20 engages with the connector 12. For example, as shown in the figures, the projection 44 of the track 38 defines the slot 54. The tab 56 may be located near the rear end 52 of the flange 40, and the slot 54 may be located near the open end 46 of the track 38. Since the second end 20 is seated in the connector 12, the tab 56 therefore engages in the slot 54 to lock the second end 20 to the connector 12.

[0024] As in the Fig. As shown in 4A-B, the tab 56 is dimensioned such that it slides along the projection 44 when the connecting head 36 is inserted into the connector 12, and, as shown in Fig. 4C is shown, dimensioned so that it protrudes through the slot 54 when the second end 20 is seated in the connector 12.

[0025] The wall 42 and / or the projection 44 of the track 38 can be elastically flexible, allowing the wall 42 and / or the projection 44 to be selectively bent away from the tab 56 to release the slot 54 from the tab 56, thus enabling the second end 20 to be detached from the connector 12. The wall 42 and / or the projection 44 of the track 38 can, for example, be made of plastic. The second end 20 and the connector 12 comprise two tabs 56 and corresponding slots 54, as shown in the figures. Alternatively, the second end 20 and the connector 12 can comprise any suitable number of tabs 56 and slots 54.

[0026] The track 38 defines a ramp surface 58 at the closed end 48 to guide the second end 20 into the track 38, while minimizing the probability of damage to the seal 30, e.g., by creasing of the seal 30, detachment of the adhesive of the seal 30, etc. The connecting channel 16 defines an inclined surface 60 extending from the semi-circular surface 24.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the inclined surface 60 is spaced away from the seal 30 because the front end 50 of the connecting head 36 is initially inserted into the open end 46 of the track 38 of the connector 12. As shown in the Fig. 4B and Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, the inclined surface 60 rests against the ramp surface 58 when the second end 20 is further inserted into the connector 12. The second end 20 and the mating surface 26 can be designed such that the mating surface 26 is positioned spaced away from the seal 30 until the inclined surface 60 rests against the ramp surface 58, in order to reduce the likelihood of damage to the seal 30 while the second end 20 is inserted into the connector 12.

[0028] As in the Fig. 4B and Fig. As shown in 4C, the ramp surface 58 forces the second end 20 to rotate, e.g. clockwise into the Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C, to press the second end 20 against the seal 30 and the mating surface 26 when the inclined surface 60 is in contact with the ramp surface 58. In other words, the inclined surface 60 remains spaced from the seal 30 for most of the insertion of the second end 20 into the track 38, and when the inclined surface 60 contacts the seal 30, the ramp surface 58 guides the inclined surface 60 to clamp the seal 30 between the second end 20 and the mating surface 26 with minimal lateral movement of the inclined surface 60 relative to the seal 30. This clamping motion with minimal lateral movement reduces the likelihood of damage to the seal 30 during the insertion of the second end 20 into the connector 12.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, the inclined surface 60 borders the ramp surface 58 of the track 38 when the second end 20 of the connecting channel 16 engages with the connecting piece 12. Due to the engagement of the inclined surface 60 with the ramp surface 58 when the second end 20 is in the track 38, as shown in Figure 4C, the inclined surface 60 is adjacent to the ramp surface 58 when the second end 20 is in the track 38. Fig. As shown in 4C, the seal 30 is squeezed between the second end 20 and the mating surface 26.

[0030] How best to in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4A-C, the inclined surface 60 of the second end 20 extends from the front end 50 in a direction away from the front end 50. The inclined surface 60 extends transversely from the semicircular surface 24 in a direction away from the front end 50. In particular, the inclined surface 60 extends at an obtuse angle relative to the rear end 52.

[0031] To release the second end 20 from the connector 12, the connecting channel 16 can be pushed onto the connector 12 to compress the seal 30 and release the tab 56 from the slot 54. Once the tab 56 is released from the slot 54, the second end 20 can be pivoted out of the connector 12. Alternatively, or in addition, the wall 42 and / or the projection 44 of the track 38 can be elastically flexible, as described above, so that the wall 42 and / or the projection 44 can be selectively bent away from the tab 56 to release the slot 54 from the tab 56, thus allowing the second end 20 to be released from the connector 12.

[0032] The HVAC system can, for example, include a rear auxiliary HVAC module located at the rear of the vehicle. In such a configuration, the connector 12 and the stationary duct 14 can be extended to abut the D-pillar at the rear of the vehicle, and the connecting duct 16 can extend from the connector 12 to the stationary duct along the D-pillar. The connector 12 can, for example, be an extension of the rear auxiliary HVAC module. Alternatively, the connector 12, the rear stationary duct 14, and the connecting duct 16 can be located at any pillar of the vehicle.

[0033] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention can be implemented differently than specifically described here.

Claims

[1] Duct arrangement (10) for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising the following: a connector (12); a stationary channel (14); and a connecting channel (16) extending between a first end (18) that engages in the stationary channel (14) and a second end (20) that is a distance (D) from the first end (18) and engages in the connecting piece (12); wherein the connecting channel (16) comprises a semi-circular surface (24) at the second end (20), the semi-circular surface (24) extending around a radius which has the same length as the distance (D) between the first (18) and the second end (20) and wherein the connecting piece (12) comprises a fitting surface (26) which abuts the semi-circular surface (24) and extends over the radius. [2] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 1, further comprising foam arranged on the mating surface (26). [3] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting channel (16) comprises a flange (40) extending from the semi-circular surface (24) towards the first end (18). [4] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting piece (12) defines a track (38) which accommodates the flange (40). [5] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein either the track (38) or the flange (40) defines a slot (54), while the other element of the track (38) or the flange (40) is a tab (56) that engages in the slot (54). [6] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the track (38) extends from an open end (46) to a closed end (48), and wherein the track (38) and the flange (40) narrow from the open end (46) to the closed end (48). [7] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the track (38) comprises an open end (46) and a closed end (48) and defines a run-up surface (58) at the closed end (48). [8] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the connecting channel (16) defines an inclined surface (60) extending from the semi-circular surface (24) towards a front end (50) of the second end (20) and bearing against the ramp surface (58) of the track (38). [9] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting channel (16) comprises a pipe (34) representing the first end (18) and a connecting head (36) representing the second end (20). [10] Channel arrangement (10) according to claim 9 wherein the connecting head (36) comprises a flange (40) extending from the semi-circular surface (24) towards the first end (18), and the connecting piece (12) defines a track (38) that accommodates the flange (40) of the connecting head (36), and wherein the track (38) extends from an open end (46) to a closed end (48) and the track (38) defines a ramp surface (58) at the closed end (48), and wherein the connecting head (36) defines an inclined surface (60) extending from the semi-circular surface (24) towards a front end (50) of the second end (50) and adjoins the ramp surface (58) of the track. [11] Connecting duct (16) for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising the following: a first end (18) and a second end (20) arranged at a distance (D) from the first end (18) and having an opening (22) extending between the first end (18) and the second end (20); and a semi-circular surface (24) at the second end (20); wherein the semi-circular area (24) extends around a radius which has the same length as the distance (D) between the first (18) and the second end (20). [12] Connecting channel (16) according to claim 11 further comprising a tube (34) representing the first end (18) and a connecting head (36) representing the second end (20). [13] Connecting channel (16) according to claim 12 wherein the connecting head (36) comprises a flange (40) extending from the semi-circular surface (24) towards the first end (18). [14] Connecting channel (16) according to claim 13 wherein the semi-circular surface (24) extends from a front end (50) at the second end (20) to a rear end (52) at the second end (20) opposite the front end (50) and the flange (40) widens in a direction towards the first end (18) along the semi-circular surface (24) from the front end (50) to the rear end (52). [15] Connecting channel (16) according to claim 14 further comprising an inclined surface (60) extending from the front end (50) in the direction of the semi-circular surface (24) in a direction leading away from the front end (50). [16] Connecting channel (16) according to claim 15 wherein the inclined surface (60) extends at an obtuse angle relative to the rear end (52). [17] Connecting channel (16) according to claim 13 wherein the semi-circular surface (24) extends from a front end (50) to a rear end (52), wherein the connecting channel (16) further comprises an inclined surface (60) extending from the semi-circular surface (24) in a direction away from the front end (50). [18] Connecting channel (16) according to claim 17 further comprising a flange (40) extending from the semi-circular surface (24) to the first end (18), wherein the flange (40) widens in one direction along the semi-circular surface (24) from the front end (50) to the rear end (52).

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