Ventilation system for installation in a motor vehicle

Abstract

Ventilation system (2) for arrangement in a motor vehicle (80) comprising a windshield (8a) and at least a first and second side window (8b) arranged laterally to the windshield (8a), comprising: - an air conditioning unit (4) for heating, ventilating and air conditioning an interior (10) of the motor vehicle (80), - a plurality of air outlets (6) for discharging air into the interior (10) of the motor vehicle (80), comprising at least a first and a second lateral air outlet (6a) arranged in a side area (12) of the motor vehicle (80), - at least two first airflow channels (14a, 14b) arranged between the air conditioning unit (4) and a side air outlet (6a) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side air outlet (6a), - at least two second airflow channels (16a, 16b) arranged between the air conditioning unit (4) and a side window (8b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b), characterized in that a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a lateral air outlet (6a) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b) each have a common one-piece formed base structure (18, 20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation system for arrangement in a motor vehicle, a method for manufacturing such a ventilation system and a motor vehicle comprising such a ventilation system.

[0002] Systems for ventilating a vehicle interior are known in the art. To ensure not only ventilation of the vehicle interior but also—for example, at low outside temperatures—the removal of condensation from fogged side windows or ice from icy side windows, it is known to route an airflow duct from an air conditioning unit to the side windows to direct warm air from the air conditioning unit onto the side windows. According to the prior art, the airflow ducts to the side windows are arranged separately from the airflow ducts leading to the side air vents.To minimize the installation space required for the airflow ducts within the vehicle, particularly in the direction of vehicle height (z-direction), the airflow ducts to the side air outlets and the airflow ducts to the side windows are arranged one above the other with a minimum distance between them. This minimum distance is necessary due to the position, installation tolerances, and relative movements of the components.

[0003] Unfortunately, the installation space required for ventilation systems with this type of airflow duct arrangement, particularly in the direction of vehicle height, remains quite high. This, combined with the placement of the air outlets at dashboard height, results in an unsightly appearance that does not align with modern vehicle design principles. Furthermore, the large installation space requirement reduces flexibility regarding the placement of other vehicle components. Finally, the manufacturing of these existing ventilation systems is also complex and expensive.

[0004] DE 197 80 320 B3 discloses a method for manufacturing a dashboard for motor vehicles with integrated air ducts, and a dashboard manufactured in this way. US 2009 / 0 049 853 A1 discloses an air conditioning unit for a vehicle, and US 9 649 907 B2 also discloses an air conditioning unit for a vehicle.

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a ventilation system for installation in a motor vehicle that can be manufactured in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, offers a high level of user comfort, and at the same time guarantees a visually appealing exterior appearance of the vehicle interior.

[0006] The foregoing problem is solved by a ventilation system with the features of claim 1, a vehicle with the features of claim 9, and a method with the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the ventilation system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle and the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0007] According to the invention, a ventilation system for installation in a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a windshield and at least one first and one second side window arranged laterally to the windshield. The ventilation system according to the invention includes an air conditioning unit for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning the interior of the motor vehicle, as well as a plurality of air outlets for discharging air into the interior of the motor vehicle, comprising at least one first and one second side air outlet arranged in a side region of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the ventilation system according to the invention includes at least two first airflow channels arranged between the air conditioning unit and a side air outlet for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side air outlet, and at least two airflow channels arranged between the air conditioning unit and a side window. second airflow channels for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window, wherein a first airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side air outlet and a second airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window each have a common one-piece formed base structure.

[0008] According to the invention, the ventilation system is designed to provide demand-based ventilation of a vehicle's interior while ensuring an aesthetically pleasing exterior appearance. In contrast to known ventilation systems, its manufacture is also simpler and more cost-effective. The functionality of the ventilation system according to the invention, and in particular the interaction of its individual components, is explained in more detail below.

[0009] The combination provided according to the invention of at least two first airflow channels arranged between the air conditioning unit and a side air outlet for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side air outlet, and at least two second airflow channels arranged between the air conditioning unit and a side window for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window, enables both demand-based ventilation of the interior of a motor vehicle and the quick and reliable removal of water and ice from fogged and icy side windows.

[0010] An arrangement according to the invention, in which a first airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a lateral air outlet and a second airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window each have a common, one-piece formed base structure, also enables in particular a particularly compact and space-saving arrangement, which in turn allows great flexibility with regard to the arrangement of further vehicle components in one dashboard height and leads to an attractive external appearance.

[0011] In the context of the invention, a control panel can be understood to be, in particular, the display or instrument panel or dashboard of a motor vehicle, which may preferably be arranged opposite the driver's seat and / or passenger's seat. According to the invention, the air conditioning unit can be designed not only for ventilation but also for heating and air conditioning. With a view to the particularly effective removal of water and ice from the side windows of a motor vehicle, warm air can be directed onto the side windows. In addition to the two side air outlets, one or more centrally arranged air outlets can also be provided among the multiple air outlets provided according to the invention.Within the scope of the invention, a common, one-piece basic structure can in particular be understood to be a monolithic structure comprising at least parts of a first airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a lateral air outlet and parts of a second airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window.

[0012] According to the invention, for simple, fast, and cost-effective manufacturing, it is advantageously provided that the first airflow channels for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a lateral air outlet and the second airflow channels for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window are designed as extruded components, preferably as extruded plastic components. For particularly simple, fast, and cost-effective manufacturing, it is also possible to produce the airflow channels as continuous extrusion profiles, which can then be cut to length as required.

[0013] According to the invention, within the framework of a particularly small dimension in the z-direction, it can advantageously be provided that a first airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a lateral air outlet and a second airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window are each formed as a single piece, wherein preferably a connecting web is arranged between the first and second airflow channels, at least along a first region, for connecting each of the first and second airflow channels. The arrangement is preferably designed such that the first airflow channels for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a lateral air outlet and the second airflow channels for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window are separated from each other.The combination of each first and. The second airflow channel is preferably designed in the shape of a figure eight. The connecting web can be made thick enough to reliably hold both airflow channels connected via the connecting web together.

[0014] To ensure a particularly compact arrangement within a central area and at the same time to provide an end-mounted connection to a side window and an air outlet located further away from it, it can advantageously be provided that a first airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side air outlet and a A second airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window runs parallel to each other within a first area, separated only by a connecting web, and runs in opposite directions within a second area and / or at a distance greater than the width of the connecting web. For a structurally simple, fast, and cost-effective manufacturing process for such an arrangement of first and second airflow channels, it is advantageous to provide that a connecting web is separated in the middle over a defined length by a breaking, punching, or cutting process before the first and / or second channel is then preferably shaped under the influence of heat.

[0015] As part of a reliable, simple, and cost-effective connection between the airflow ducts and the air conditioning unit, the present arrangement may further provide for a first flange for connecting a first airflow duct and a second airflow duct to the air conditioning unit, and a second flange for connecting a first airflow duct and a second airflow duct, wherein the first and second flanges are preferably bonded to the air conditioning unit and / or the airflow ducts as an additional component, or the airflow ducts are fused to the first and second flanges. During the fusion process, the airflow ducts can preferably be softened under the influence of heat and formed into a corresponding flange shape using a progressive die.

[0016] Within the framework of a particularly small extension in the z-direction, it can advantageously also be provided according to the invention that a first airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a lateral air outlet and a second airflow channel for transferring air from the air conditioning unit to a side window are each formed partially in one piece, wherein preferably a first airflow channel and a second airflow channel each have a common one-piece formed “H”-shaped base structure, wherein in particular a connecting web for connecting a first airflow channel and a second airflow channel is arranged between the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel at least along a first region.

[0017] Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the first and second airflow channels each have openable and closable covers arranged on the one-piece base structure, wherein the base structure can preferably be closed by means of the closable covers via a clip closure using clips and corresponding recesses. The closable covers can preferably be designed in a hinge form and have a tapered section to ensure a hinge function. A connecting web can also be arranged in this embodiment, but this is purely optional.

[0018] As an alternative to an arrangement with openable and closable covers, a simple and cost-effective design may also provide for the first and second airflow channels to have fixed covers attached to the one-piece base structure. The base structure is preferably closed by means of these fixed covers, and a seal is arranged between the fixed covers and the base structure. The seal may preferably be in the form of a sealant, such as Teflon or a putty, applied to a sealing joint. A permanent connection between the fixed covers and the base structure may preferably be formed by adhesive welding or screw connections.

[0019] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one ventilation system as described above. The motor vehicle according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the ventilation system according to the invention.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a ventilation system for installation in a motor vehicle with a windshield and at least one first and second side window arranged laterally to the windshield, preferably for manufacturing a ventilation system according to the invention. This method comprises the step of manufacturing a first and second one-piece base structure from at least a part of a first airflow channel and at least a part of a second airflow channel, preferably by means of an extrusion process, in which, for example, continuous extrusion profiles are produced that can subsequently be cut to length as required. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of processing the respective one-piece base structures to form a complex consisting of a first airflow channel and a second airflow channel, for example.about the attachment of openable and closable or fixed covers as well as the connection of the complexes of first airflow channel and second airflow channel with an air conditioning unit and each with a side air outlet as well as an environment of a first and second side window arranged laterally from the front window to produce the ventilation system.

[0021] It is understood that individual, several, or all mandatory and / or optional steps of the method according to the invention can be carried out in the proposed sequence, but also in a different sequence. In particular, individual, several, or all mandatory and / or optional steps of the method according to the invention can be carried out repeatedly, e.g., cyclically.

[0022] It is further understood that individual, several or all of the obligatory and optional steps of the method according to the invention can also be carried out at least partially automatically or automatically, in particular by a computer.

[0023] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0024] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a ventilation system according to the invention for arrangement in a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment in a first sectional view, Fig. 2 a ventilation system according to the invention for arrangement in a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment in a second sectional view, Fig. 3 a ventilation system according to the invention for arrangement in a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment in a second sectional view, Fig. 4 a one-piece formed base structure consisting of at least one part of a first and second airflow channel of a ventilation system according to the invention in a further sectional view according to the second embodiment, Fig. 5 a one-piece formed basic structure consisting of at least one part of a first and second airflow channel of a ventilation system according to the invention in a sectional view according to a further embodiment in a closed state (left) and an open state (right), Fig. 6 a one-piece formed base structure consisting of at least one part of a first and second airflow channel of a ventilation system according to the invention in a sectional view according to a further embodiment, Fig. 7 the individual steps of a method according to the invention for the manufacture of a ventilation system.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a ventilation system 2 according to the invention for arrangement in a motor vehicle 80 with an instrument panel 20', a windshield 8a and at least a first and second side window 8b arranged laterally from the windshield 8a according to a first embodiment in a first sectional view.

[0026] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the ventilation system 2 according to the invention comprises an air conditioning unit 4 for heating, ventilating and air conditioning an interior 10 of the motor vehicle 80 and a plurality of air outlets 6 for supplying air to the interior 10 of the motor vehicle 80, comprising at least a first and a second lateral air outlet 6a arranged in a side area 12 of the motor vehicle 80 and a centrally arranged air outlet 6b.Furthermore, the ventilation system 2 comprises at least two first airflow channels 14a, 14b arranged between the air conditioning unit 4 and a side air outlet 6a for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side air outlet 6a and at least two second airflow channels 16a, 16b arranged between the air conditioning unit 4 and a side window 8b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side window 8b, wherein each first airflow channel 14a, 14b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side air outlet 6a and each second airflow channel 16a, 16b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side window 8b have a common one-piece formed basic structure 18, 20.

[0027] The airflow channels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 can preferably be designed in the form of extruded components, preferably in the form of plastic extruded components.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows a ventilation system 2 according to the invention for arrangement in a motor vehicle 80 according to a first embodiment in a second sectional view.

[0029] As shown in the further sectional view in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, there is a first airflow channel 14a, 14b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a lateral air outlet 6a and a The second airflow channel 16a, 16b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side window 8b is formed in one piece, wherein a connecting web 22 is arranged between the first airflow channel 14a, 14b and the second airflow channel 16a, 16b along a first area E1 for connecting each of a first airflow channel 14a, 14b and a second airflow channel 16a, 16b.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows a ventilation system 2 according to the invention for arrangement in a motor vehicle 80 according to a second embodiment in a second sectional view.

[0031] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, a first airflow channel 14a, 14b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side air outlet 6a and a second airflow channel 16a, 16b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side window 8b do not run completely parallel to each other according to the second embodiment, but are parallel to each other within a first area E1 and only separated from each other by a connecting bridge 22 and opposite to each other within a second area E2.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, a first flange 34a is provided for connecting a first airflow duct 14a and a second airflow duct 16a to the air conditioning unit 4, and a second flange 34b is provided for connecting a first airflow duct 14b and a second airflow duct 16b to the air conditioning unit 4, wherein the first and second flanges 34a, 34b are bonded or fused to the air conditioning unit 4 and the airflow ducts 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows a one-piece formed basic structure 18 consisting of at least one part of a first and second airflow channel 14a, 16a of a ventilation system 2 according to the invention in a further sectional view according to the second embodiment.

[0034] As shown in the sectional view in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the arrangement provided according to the invention of only a small connecting bridge 22 between the airflow channels 14a and 16a makes it possible to minimize the expansion in the z-direction.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows a one-piece formed basic structure 18 consisting of at least a part of a first and second airflow channel 14a, 16a of a ventilation system 2 according to the invention in a sectional view according to a further embodiment in a closed state (left) and an open state (right).

[0036] As shown in the sectional view in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, according to the present embodiment, a first airflow channel 14a, 14b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a lateral air outlet 6a and a second airflow channel 16a, 16b for transferring air from the air conditioning unit 4 to a side window 8b are only partially formed in one piece, wherein a first airflow channel 14a, 14b and a second airflow channel 16a, 16b each have a common, one-piece formed base structure 18, wherein a connecting web 22 for connecting a first airflow channel 14a, 14b and a second airflow channel 16a, 16b is arranged between the first airflow channel 14a, 14b and the second airflow channel 16a, 16b at least along a first region E1.

[0037] The first airflow channel 14a, 14b and The second airflow channel 16a, 16b has openable and closable covers 24a, 24b, which are arranged on the one-piece formed base structure 18, wherein the base structure 18 can be closed by means of the closable covers 24a, 24b via a clip closure using clips 28 and corresponding recesses 30.

[0038] Fig. Figure 6 shows a one-piece formed “H”-shaped base structure 18 consisting of at least a part of a first and second airflow channel 14a, 16a of a ventilation system 2 according to the invention in a sectional view according to a further embodiment.

[0039] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the first airflow channel 14a, 14b and the second airflow channel 16a, 16b each have fixed covers 24a, 24b which are arranged on the one-piece formed “H”-shaped base structure 18, 20, wherein the “H”-shaped base structure 18, 20 is closed by means of the fixed covers 24a, 24b, wherein a seal 32 is arranged between the fixed covers 24a, 24b and the “H”-shaped base structure 18, 20.

[0040] Fig. Figure 7 shows individual steps of the inventive method for producing a ventilation system 2.

[0041] As per Fig.As can be seen from Figure 7, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of manufacturing 100 of a first and second one-piece base structure from at least a part of a first airflow channel 14a, 14b and at least a part of a second airflow channel 16a, 16b, preferably by means of an extrusion process in which, for example, continuous extrusion profiles are produced, which can then be cut to length as required. Furthermore, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of processing 200 of the one-piece base structures to form a complex consisting of a first airflow channel 14a, 14b and a second airflow channel 16a, 16b, for example.about the attachment of openable and closable or fixedly fixable covers 24a and a connection 300 of the complexes of first airflow channel 14a, 14b and second airflow channel 16a, 16b with an air conditioning unit 4 and each a lateral air outlet 6a as well as an environment of a first and second side window 8b arranged laterally from the front window 8a to produce the ventilation system 2.

[0042] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Ventilation system (2) for arrangement in a motor vehicle (80) comprising a windshield (8a) and at least a first and second side window (8b) arranged laterally to the windshield (8a), comprising: - an air conditioning unit (4) for heating, ventilating and air conditioning an interior (10) of the motor vehicle (80), - a plurality of air outlets (6) for discharging air into the interior (10) of the motor vehicle (80), comprising at least a first and a second lateral air outlet (6a) arranged in a side area (12) of the motor vehicle (80), - at least two first airflow channels (14a, 14b) arranged between the air conditioning unit (4) and a side air outlet (6a) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side air outlet (6a), - at least two secondary airflow channels (16a, 16b) arranged between the air conditioning unit (4) and a side window (8b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b), characterized by , that each a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side air outlet (6a) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b) have a common one-piece formed basic structure (18, 20). [2] Ventilation system (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first airflow channels (14a, 14b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side air outlet (6a) and the second airflow channels (16a, 16b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b) are designed in the form of extruded components, preferably in the form of plastic extruded components. [3] Ventilation system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a lateral air outlet (6a) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b) are formed completely in one piece, wherein preferably a connecting web (22) for connecting a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) is arranged at least along a first area (E1) between the first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and the second airflow channel (16a, 16b). [4] Ventilation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side air outlet (6a) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b) run parallel to each other within a first area (E1) and are separated from each other only by a connecting bridge (22) and run opposite to each other and / or at a distance from each other that is greater than the width of the connecting bridge (22) within a second area (E2). [5] Ventilation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a first flange (34a) is provided for connecting a first airflow duct (14a) and a second airflow duct (16a) to the air conditioning unit (4) and a second flange (34b) is provided for connecting a first airflow duct (14b) and a second airflow duct (16b), wherein the first and second flanges (34a, 34b) are preferably bonded as an additional component to the air conditioning unit (4) and / or the airflow ducts (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b) or the airflow ducts (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b) are fused to the first and second flanges (34a, 34b). [6] Ventilation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a lateral air outlet (6a) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) for transferring air from the air conditioning unit (4) to a side window (8b) are each formed partially in one piece, wherein preferably a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) each have a common one-piece formed “H”-shaped base structure (18, 20), wherein in particular a connecting web (22) for connecting each of a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b) is arranged between the first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and the second airflow channel (16a, 16b) at least along a first region (E1). [7] Ventilation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and second airflow channel (16a, 16b) each have openable and closable covers (24a, 24b) which are arranged on the one-piece formed base structure (18, 20), wherein the base structure (18, 20) is preferably closable by means of the closable covers (24a, 24b) via a clip closure using clips (28) and corresponding recesses (30). [8] Ventilation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and second airflow channel (16a, 16b) each have fixed covers (24a, 24b) which are arranged on the one-piece formed base structure (18, 20), wherein the base structure (18, 20) is preferably closed by means of the fixed covers (24a, 24b), wherein a seal (32) is arranged between the fixed covers (24a, 24b) and the base structure (18, 20). [9] Motor vehicle (80) comprising at least one ventilation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. [10] Method for manufacturing a ventilation system (2) for arrangement in a motor vehicle (80) with a windshield (8a) and at least one first and second side window (8b) arranged laterally to the windshield (8a), preferably for manufacturing a ventilation system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps: - Manufacturing (100) a first and second one-piece formed base structure (18, 20) from at least a part of a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and at least a part of a second airflow channel (16a, 16b), preferably by means of an extrusion process, - Processing (200) the basic structures (18, 20) formed in one piece each to form a complex consisting of a first airflow channel (14a, 14b) and a second airflow channel (16a, 16b), - Connect (300) the complexes from the first airflow duct (14a, 14b) and second airflow duct (16a, 16b) with an air conditioning unit (4) and each a lateral air outlet (6a) and an environment of a first and second side window (8b) arranged laterally from the front window (8a) to produce the ventilation system (2).

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