Easy-to-assemble connection arrangement for creating a fluidic connection and assembly methods

The connection arrangement with a sliding element and energy storage mechanism addresses seal damage during assembly, ensuring effective sealing and reducing assembly complexity and weight, while maintaining efficient air flow.

DE102023115408A1Pending Publication Date: 2024-12-19DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023115408
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-13
Publication Date
2024-12-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the assembly of an air conditioning unit in a motor vehicle, the relative movement of interior components can damage the seal, leading to leaks and increased energy consumption due to conditioned air not reaching the vehicle interior.

Method used

A connection arrangement with a sliding element and a prestressed energy storage arrangement that allows for a sealing unit to be positioned between an air duct and an interior component, using holding elements to secure the sliding element in a first position and allowing it to move to a second position for sealing, without requiring additional fastening elements.

Benefits of technology

Prevents damage to the sealing unit during assembly, reduces assembly steps, and accounts for manufacturing and positioning tolerances, ensuring effective sealing without additional weight or complexity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

1. Connection arrangement (1) for establishing a fluidic connection between an air duct (2) and an interior component (3) of a motor vehicle (22), comprising at least the following components: - an outlet element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') for the removal of air; - a receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17''') for conveying the air, especially into the vehicle interior; - a sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') which is arranged to be slidable between the output element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') and the receiving element (10, 10', 10'', 10'''); - at least one prestressed energy storage arrangement (9, 9', 9'', 9''') for moving the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') from a first position to a second position and - a sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15'') arranged between the output element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') and the receiving element (17, 17', 17''', 17'''), characterized by the fact that at least one retaining element (14, 14', 14'', 14''') is provided for holding the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') in the first position and when the retaining element (14, 14', 14'', 14''') is released, the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') is moved into a second position such that the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') rests against the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') and against the receiving element (17, 17', 17'') or against the output element (4''') to seal the connection arrangement (1).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement, in particular for an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle, with the aid of which a fluidic connection is established between an air duct and an interior component of the motor vehicle, as well as to an assembly method for such a connecting arrangement.

[0002] When installing an air conditioning unit in a motor vehicle, the air conditioning unit itself is usually installed first, before any interior component, such as interior trim or a control panel, is installed. Due to the relative movement of the interior component during installation, a seal provided on the interior component relative to an outlet element of the air conditioning unit can be damaged by the outlet element. This causes leakage, and some of the conditioned air does not reach the vehicle interior. Therefore, greater energy consumption is required to achieve the desired climate in the vehicle interior.

[0003] From DE 10 2013 107 601 A1, a sealing arrangement with tolerance compensation for a motor vehicle air conditioning system for sealing a passage opening on a bulkhead between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment is known.

[0004] It is the object of the invention to show measures that enable a connection arrangement with simple assembly and improved tightness.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a connecting arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 9.

[0006] The features of the invention are set forth in the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. The features of the claims may be combined in any technically reasonable manner, whereby the explanations in the following description and features from the figures, which comprise supplementary embodiments of the invention, may also be considered.

[0007] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for establishing a fluidic connection between an air duct and an interior component of a motor vehicle, comprising at least - an outlet element for air removal; - a receiving element for transmitting the air, in particular into the vehicle interior; - a sliding element which is arranged to be displaceable between the output element and the receiving element; - a prestressed energy storage arrangement for displacing the sliding element from a first position to a second position and - a sealing unit arranged between the output element and the receiving element.

[0008] The connecting arrangement is characterized in particular in that at least one holding element is provided for holding the sliding element in the first position and, when the holding element is released, the sliding element is displaced into a second position such that the sealing unit rests against the sliding element and against the receiving element or against the output element for sealing the connecting arrangement.

[0009] Preferably, the air duct and interior component are mounted spaced apart in a first position. According to the invention, the energy storage assembly is arranged between the output element and the sliding element or between the receiving element and the sliding element. The energy storage assembly is preferably guided by a first guide surface. The sealing unit is positioned on the sliding element and, in the second position, also bears against the receiving element. Alternatively, the sealing unit is positioned on the sliding element and, in the second position, also bears against the output element.

[0010] The advantage of this fastening method is that no additional connecting elements are required to attach the energy storage arrangement to the output element or the receiving element. This avoids additional weight and additional assembly steps. The interior component is mounted in such a way that it is spaced apart from the air duct. This prevents damage to the sealing unit during assembly. The distance between the air duct and the interior component is selected in particular to prevent the interior component from striking the receiving element. Manufacturing tolerances, assembly tolerances, and possible positioning errors during assembly of the interior component are also taken into account.

[0011] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the sliding element is arranged displaceably inside or outside the output element and the receiving element. An internal arrangement of the sliding element has the advantage that the energy storage arrangement or projections do not protrude outwards and are not damaged during assembly. With an external arrangement of the sliding element, no flow-inhibiting components are arranged in the connecting arrangement. Preferably, the flow cross-section of the output element, the sliding element, and / or the receiving element is rounded, in particular oval or circular, so that the sealing unit can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, a first connection is provided between the sliding element and the sealing unit for securely arranging the sealing unit on a first sealing support area of ​​the sliding element. The first connection can be formed prior to assembly in the vehicle, thus enabling simple installation. The connection can be optimally formed depending on the boundary conditions of the connection type, for example, the influence of temperature and / or the application of pressure. Easier handling for establishing the connection is possible outside the vehicle, for example for additional assembly aids.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, a second connection is provided between the sealing unit and the receiving element for securely arranging the sealing unit on a second sealing support area of ​​the receiving element. The second connection is formed after assembly in the vehicle. The sealing unit is pressed against the receiving element by the energy storage arrangement. The second connection serves to improve the connection between the sealing unit and the receiving element and is preferably established without the intervention of a technician.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the first connection and / or the second connection is designed as an adhesive connection. The connection is preferably produced before assembly in the motor vehicle in order to enable simple assembly and a free choice of connection option. Depending on the type of connection selected, the second connection can be prepared before assembly in the motor vehicle, for example by cleaning surfaces or applying an adhesive layer in order to ensure optimal durability of the second connection. Furthermore, the first and second connection, particularly when designed as an adhesive connection, improves the sealing effect. The adhesive serves both as a holding agent and as a sealing agent.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the sealing unit is designed as a foam seal. One advantage of foam seals is that their properties can be adjusted depending on the application. Foam seals are generally elastic, allowing a larger tolerance range when designing the energy storage arrangement. Furthermore, the foam seal can absorb shock-like excitations during driving without losing its sealing effect.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, the sealing unit is designed as a labyrinth seal. Labyrinth seals generally have flat outer surfaces to which a connection or an adhesive layer can advantageously be applied. The recesses are preferably designed according to the seal size.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the energy storage arrangement is designed as a helical spring or wave spring. The energy storage arrangement is permanently under tension, so that preferably no additional connecting elements are required for the secure arrangement of the energy storage arrangement between the sliding element and the output element or the receiving element to fulfill the sealing function. The springs can be adapted according to the flow cross-section, with a round shape being advantageous.

[0018] If the spring is positioned inside or outside the output element or receiving element and rests against the output element or receiving element, the spring is easily centered. Movement of the spring in the radial direction is prevented. The contact section of the coil springs or wave springs is designed to transmit the force evenly. The required spring force and the spring travel for displacement can be adjusted to suit the application.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the output element or the receiving element has a second projection for guiding the sliding element. The second projection can improve the guidance of the sliding element, as the sliding element is at least partially guided on both sides and the possibility of lateral slippage in the second position is minimized.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the energy storage arrangement is arranged between the output element and the sliding element. The air conditioning unit and its attachments can be pre-assembled prior to installation in the vehicle. The energy storage arrangement can be inserted into the output element of the air duct and then pre-tensioned using the sliding element. The sliding element is inserted such that the axis of the first retaining element opening and the axis of the second retaining element opening coincide, so that the retaining element can be inserted. For easy installation, an assembly aid for adjusting the desired insertion depth is preferably used.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the energy storage arrangement is arranged between the receiving element and the sliding element. The interior component and its attachments can be pre-assembled prior to installation in the vehicle. The energy storage arrangement can be inserted into the receiving element of the interior component and then pre-tensioned using the sliding element. The sliding element is inserted such that the axis of the first retaining element opening and the axis of the second retaining element opening coincide, so that the retaining element can be inserted. For easy installation, an assembly aid for adjusting the desired insertion depth is preferably used.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for establishing a fluidic connection between an air duct and an interior component of a motor vehicle comprising at least the following components: - an outlet element for air removal; - a receiving element for transmitting the air, in particular into the vehicle interior; - a sliding element which is arranged to be displaceable between the output element and the receiving element; - at least one prestressed energy storage arrangement for displacing the sliding element from a first position to a second position and - a sealing unit arranged between the output element and the receiving element, comprising at least the following steps: - a component with at least one air duct is mounted in a motor vehicle, - the interior component is mounted in such a way that the air duct and the interior component are arranged at a distance from each other and - the holding element is released in such a way that the sliding element is displaced by the energy storage arrangement until the sealing unit in the second position lies sealingly between the sliding element and the output element or the receiving element.

[0023] The advantage of this fastening method is that no additional connecting elements are required to attach the energy storage arrangement to the output element or the receiving element. This avoids additional weight and additional assembly steps. The interior component is mounted in such a way that it is spaced apart from the air duct. This prevents damage to the sealing unit during assembly. The distance between the air duct and the interior component is selected in particular to prevent the interior component from striking the receiving element. Manufacturing tolerances, assembly tolerances, and possible positioning errors during assembly of the interior component are also taken into account.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, before the component with at least one air duct is mounted in a motor vehicle, - an adhesive layer is applied to the side of the sealing unit facing the receiving element - and by the displacement of the sliding element a second connection, in particular an adhesive connection, is formed with the receiving element.

[0025] This results in an improved connection between the sealing unit and the receiving element, providing an improved sealing effect. The second connection is preferably achieved without the intervention of a technician. The second connection is preferably designed as a clip connection or adhesive connection. Depending on the connection type selected, the second connection can be prepared prior to assembly in the vehicle, for example, by cleaning the surfaces or applying the adhesive connection, to ensure optimal durability of the second connection. In particular, the adhesive connection has a positive influence on the sealing effect.

[0026] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, whereby it should be noted that the drawings are not to scale and are not suitable for defining proportions. It is shown in Fig. 1: a sectional view of a connecting arrangement in a first position; Fig. 2: a sectional view of the connection arrangement from Fig. 1 in a second position; Fig. 3: a sectional view of a second connecting arrangement in a first position; Fig. 4: a sectional view of a third connecting arrangement in a second position; Fig. 5: a sectional view of a fourth connecting arrangement in a second position and Fig. 6: a motor vehicle with a connecting arrangement in schematic plan view.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a connection arrangement 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment in a first position. In this exemplary embodiment, the connection arrangement 1 has an output element 4, wherein the output element 4 is designed as part of an air duct 2. The air duct 2 is preferably the output element 4 of an air conditioning unit and serves to provide conditioned air and is preferably arranged centrally in the cockpit below the control panel. The air conditioning unit preferably has output elements 4 oriented upwards in the z-direction 30. The output element 4 is designed as a tubular hollow body and has an internal projection 5 with a first recess 6 for the defined positioning of an energy storage arrangement 9 on the projection 5. The energy storage arrangement 9 serves to displace a sliding element 10 from a first position into a second position.

[0028] The sliding element 10 is positioned within the output element 4. A sealing unit 15 is arranged on the sliding element 10 such that in the second position the sealing unit 15 on the sliding element 10 and a second sealing support area 19 of a receiving element 17 according to Fig. 2. The energy storage arrangement 9 is positioned between the output element 4 and the sliding element 10. The flow cross-section of the output element 4 is preferably rounded, in particular oval or circular. The output element 4 is preferably made of a plastic. Furthermore, the output element 4 has a first holding element opening 7 (cf. Fig. 2). The sliding element 10 is arranged at least partially within the outlet element 4, which preferably has the same flow cross-section as the outlet element 4. The sliding element 10 is preferably made of a plastic.

[0029] The sliding element 10 preferably has a second holding element opening 13. The holding element 14 is arranged in the first position in the first holding element opening 7 of the output element 4 and the second holding element opening 13 of the sliding element 10, and the holding element 14 serves to hold the sliding element 10. The holding element openings 7, 13 preferably have a thread in one embodiment. The holding element 14 is preferably designed as a bolt or pin, wherein the bolt or pin preferably has a thread corresponding to the design of the holding element openings 7, 13. In a preferred embodiment, the second holding element opening 13 is designed to be non-penetrating.

[0030] Preferably, an element for remotely releasing the retaining element 14 is provided on the retaining element 14. The retaining element 14 is designed to be easily removable or captive after release. In a further embodiment, the captive element is formed by an additional component, for example, a retaining cable. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element 14 is designed such that the retaining element 14 cannot be fully extended from the first retaining element opening 7 of the output element 4.

[0031] In this exemplary embodiment, the energy storage arrangement 9 is designed as a metallic coil spring located inside the output element 4 and positioned in the first recess 6 of the output element 4 and adjacent to the sliding element 10. The energy storage arrangement 9 is preferably designed as a rubber element. The energy storage arrangement 9 is preloaded and held in the first position by the holding element 14.

[0032] The sliding element 10 protrudes beyond the output element 4 and has a first seal support area 12. The first seal support area 12 has a third recess 32 for the defined positioning of the seal unit 15. The seal unit 15 is clamped in the third recess 32. The first connection 16 is preferably designed as a clip connection or an adhesive connection. The seal unit 15 is designed such that it does not protrude laterally beyond the first seal support area 12 and is designed as a foam seal.

[0033] In a first step, a component with a starting element 4 is mounted in a motor vehicle 22. In a next step, the first connection 16 is prepared. An adhesive layer is applied to the side of the sealing unit 15 facing the receiving element 17. In a further step, an interior component 3 is mounted such that the air duct 2 and the interior component 3 are positioned at a distance 21 from each other.

[0034] Opposite is positioned the interior component 3 with the receiving element 17. The interior component 3 is preferably a control panel of a motor vehicle, which has at least one receiving element 17 for conducting air, in particular into the vehicle interior. The receiving element 17 preferably has the same basic shape of the flow cross-section as the outlet element 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the receiving element 17 is designed as a receiving opening 18 with the second sealing support area 19 arranged on the edge.

[0035] To guide the sliding element, a second projection 33 (according to Fig. 4). The receiving element 17 is preferably made of plastic.

[0036] The air duct 2 with the outlet element 4 and the interior component 3 with the receiving element 17 are fixedly positioned in the motor vehicle 22. A distance of 21 exists between the outlet element 4 and the receiving element 17. The distance 21 is designed to be bridgeable by moving the sliding element 10 with the sealing unit 15 positioned thereon. The distance 21 is selected such that the energy storage arrangement 9 can bridge the distance 21 and a sealing effect can be created.

[0037] A second connection 20 is arranged on the side of the sealing unit 15 facing the receiving element 17. The second connection 20 is designed as an adhesive connection, preferably as a clip connection. The second connection 20 is preferably designed to be produced without the intervention of a mechanic, through the displacement generated by the energy storage arrangement 9.

[0038] In Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the connecting arrangement 1 of Fig. 1 in a second position. The retaining element 14 was pulled out of the two retaining element openings 7, 13 by the release movement 25. The retaining element openings 7, 13 are arranged such that they are covered by the sliding element 10 or the output element 4 in the second position.

[0039] The energy storage arrangement 9 has a lower tension in the second position than in the first position, which is selected such that the sealing unit 15 bears sealingly against the sliding element 10 and the receiving element 17. The sliding element 10 is pressed by the energy storage arrangement 9 in the direction of the receiving element 17. The sealing unit 15, which is arranged on the sliding element 10, is pressed against a second sealing support area 19 of the receiving element 17. The displacement movement 26 and the flow direction 27 have the same direction in this exemplary embodiment. The sealing unit 15 is designed to form a seal between the output element 4 and the receiving element 17.

[0040] An inner surface of the output element 4 is designed as a first guide surface 8. An outer surface of the sliding element 10 is designed as a second guide surface 11. The first guide surface 8 and the second guide surface 11 are coordinated with one another such that the output element 4 serves as a guide and the sliding element 10 is designed to be movable in the flow direction 27. Preferably, the two guide surfaces 8, 11 are designed to be at least partially in contact.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a connecting arrangement 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment in a first position. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting arrangement 1 has an output element 4', wherein the output element 4' is formed as part of an air duct 2 of an air conditioning unit. An interior component 3 with a receiving element 17' is positioned opposite. The output element 4' is designed as a tubular hollow body and has an outer projection 5' with a first recess 6'. The flow cross-section of the receiving element 17' is preferably rounded, in particular oval or circular.

[0042] Furthermore, the output element 4' has a first retaining element opening 7'. A sliding element 10', which is also designed as a tubular hollow body, is arranged outside the output element 4'. The sliding element 10' has a second retaining element opening 13'. A retaining element 14' in the form of a bolt is inserted into the first retaining element opening 7' of the output element 4' and the second retaining element opening 13' of the sliding element 10'.

[0043] An energy storage assembly 9' is arranged between the output element 4' and the sliding element 10'. The energy storage assembly 9' is designed as a helical spring and also overlaps the output element 4'. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy storage assembly 9' is designed as a helical spring arranged in the output element 4'. The contact surfaces of the energy storage assembly 9' are at least partially positioned in the first recess 6' of the output element 4' and a second recess 31 of the sliding element 10'.

[0044] The energy storage arrangement 9' is preloaded and held in the first position by the holding element 14'. The sliding element 10' projects beyond the output element 4' and has an inwardly directed first seal support area 12'. The first seal support area 12' has a third recess 32' for receiving the seal unit 15'. The seal unit 15' is designed such that it does not project laterally beyond the first seal support area 12'. The seal unit 15' is designed as a foam seal and is arranged on the first seal support area 12' with a first connection 16'.

[0045] In this exemplary embodiment, the receiving element 17' is designed as a receiving opening 18' with a second sealing support area 19' arranged at the edge. The air duct 2 with the output element 4' and the interior component 3 with the receiving element 17' are stationary in the motor vehicle 22. The distance 21' is between the output element 4' and the receiving element 17'. The distance 21' can be bridged by displacing the sliding element 10' with the sealing unit 15' positioned thereon. The distance 21' is selected such that the energy storage arrangement 9' can bridge the distance 21' and a sealing effect can be created. An adhesive layer is arranged on the side of the sealing unit 15' facing the receiving element 17'.

[0046] An outer surface of the output element 4' is designed as a first guide surface 8'. An inner surface of the sliding element 10' is designed as a second guide surface 11'. The first guide surface 8' and the second guide surface 11' are coordinated with one another such that the output element 4' serves as a guide and the sliding element 10' is designed to be movable in the flow direction 27. Preferably, the two guide surfaces 8', 11' are designed to be at least partially in contact.

[0047] The design of the first sealing support area 12', the second recess 31 and / or the third recess 32' of the sliding element 10' can also be provided analogously in the embodiments of the sliding element 10, 10'', 10'''.

[0048] In Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a connecting arrangement 1 according to a third exemplary embodiment in a second position. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting arrangement 1 has an output element 4'', wherein the output element 4'' is designed as part of an air duct 2 of an air conditioning unit. An interior component 3 with a receiving element 17'' is positioned opposite. The output element 4'' is designed as a tubular hollow body and has an outer projection 5'' with a first recess 6''. The flow cross-section of the receiving element 17'' is preferably rounded, in particular oval or circular.

[0049] Furthermore, the output element 4'' has a first holding element opening 7''. Arranged within the output element 4'' is a sliding element 10'', which is also designed as a tubular hollow body. The sliding element 10'' has a second holding element opening 13''. The holding element 14'' is in the form of a bolt, which is shown in a released state. An energy storage arrangement 9'' is arranged between the output element 4'' and the sliding element 10''. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy storage arrangement 9'' is designed as a helical spring arranged in the output element 4''. The bearing surfaces of the energy storage arrangement 9'' are at least partially positioned in the first recess 6'' of the output element 4''.

[0050] In this exemplary embodiment, the receiving element 17'' has a second projection 33 for guiding the sliding element 10''. The sliding element 10'' and the sealing unit 15'' are arranged within the second projection 33 of the receiving element 17''. An inner surface of the output element 4'' is designed as a first guide surface 8''. An outer surface of the sliding element 10'' is designed as a second guide surface 11''. The first guide surface 8'' and the second guide surface 11'' are coordinated with one another in such a way that the output element 4'' serves as a guide and the sliding element 10'' is designed to be movable in the flow direction 27. The two guide surfaces 8'', 11'' are preferably designed to be at least partially in contact.

[0051] The sliding element 10" extends beyond the output element 4" and has a first sealing support area 12". The sealing unit 15" is designed such that it does not extend laterally beyond the first sealing support area 12". The sealing unit 15" is designed as a foam seal and is arranged on the first sealing support area 12" with a first connection 16".

[0052] The design of the first sealing support area 12" of the sliding element 10" can also be provided analogously in the embodiments of the sliding element 10, 10'. The design of the second projection 33 of the receiving element 17" can also be provided analogously in the embodiments of the receiving element 17, 17' or output element 4'''.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a connecting arrangement 1 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment in a second position. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting arrangement 1 has an output element 4''', wherein the output element 4''' is designed as part of an air duct 2 of an air conditioning unit. The output element 4''' has a second sealing support region 19''' arranged on the edge. An interior component 3 with a receiving element 17''' is positioned opposite. The output element 4''' is designed as a tubular hollow body. The flow cross-section of the receiving element 17''' is preferably rounded, in particular oval or circular.

[0054] In this embodiment, the receiving element 17''' is designed as a receiving opening 18''' with a tubular channel element 34 arranged on the edge.

[0055] Furthermore, the receiving element 17''' has a first holding element opening 7'''. A sliding element 10''' is arranged at least partially within the receiving element 17''', which preferably has the same flow cross-section as the output element 4'''. The sliding element 10''' has a second holding element opening 13'''. The holding element 14''' has been pulled out of the two holding element openings 7''', 13'''. The holding element openings 7''', 13''' are arranged such that they are covered by the sliding element 10''' or the receiving element 17''' in the second position.

[0056] An energy storage arrangement 9''' is arranged between the sliding element 10''' and the receiving element 17'''. The energy storage arrangement 9''' and the sliding element 10''' are arranged within the receiving element 17'''. A second guide surface 11''' serves to center the sliding element 10'''. The sliding movement 26''' is opposite to the flow direction 27'''.

[0057] For secure positioning, a first connection 16''' is formed between the sliding element 10''' and the sealing unit 15''', and a second connection 20''' is formed between the sealing unit 15''' and the output element 4'''. The two connections 16''', 20''' are designed as adhesive connections.

[0058] The sliding element 10''' projects beyond the tubular channel element 34 of the receiving element 17''' and has a first sealing support area 12'''. The sealing unit 15''' is designed as a foam seal and is arranged with a first connection 16''' on the first sealing support area 12'''.

[0059] An inner surface of the receiving element 17''' is designed as a first guide surface 8'''. An outer surface of the sliding element 10''' is designed as a second guide surface 11'''. The first guide surface 8''' and the second guide surface 11''' are coordinated with one another such that the receiving element 17''' serves as a guide and the sliding element 10''' is designed to be movable. Preferably, the two guide surfaces 8''', 11''' are designed to be at least partially in contact.

[0060] In Fig.6 shows a schematic plan view of a motor vehicle 22 with a connection arrangement 1. The motor vehicle 22 has an interior component 3 approximately in the center. Two vehicle seats 24 and a center console 23 are indicated here (purely by way of example) in the motor vehicle 22. In this exemplary embodiment, an air conditioning unit with an air duct 2 is arranged in the z-direction 30 below the interior component 3. List of reference symbols 1 connection arrangement 2 air ducts 3 Interior component 4, 4', 4'', 4''' output element 5, 5', 5'', 5''' First lead 6, 6', 6'', 6''' First recess 7, 7', 7'', 7''' First retaining element opening 8, 8', 8'', 8''' First guide surface 9, 9', 9'', 9''' Energy storage arrangement 10, 10', 10'', 10''' sliding element 11, 11', 11'', 11''' Second guide surface 12, 12', 12'', 12''' First seal support area 13, 13', 13'', 13''' Second retaining element opening 14, 14', 14'', 14''' holding element 15, 15', 15'', 15''' sealing unit 16, 16', 16'', 16''' First connection 17, 17', 17'', 17''' mounting element 18, 18', 18'', 18''' mounting opening 19, 19', 19'', 19''' Second seal support area 20, 20', 20'', 20''' Second connection 21.21'' distance 22 Motor vehicle 23 Center console 24 vehicle seat 25 Release movement 26 Shifting movement 27 Flow direction 28 x-direction 29 y-direction 30 z-direction 31 Second deepening 32 Third Deepening 33 Second lead 34 Tubular channel element QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2013 107 601 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Connection arrangement (1) for establishing a fluidic connection between an air duct (2) and an interior component (3) of a motor vehicle (22), comprising at least the following components: - an outlet element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') for discharging air; - a receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17''') for conducting the air, in particular into the vehicle interior; - a sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') which is arranged to be displaceable between the output element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') and the receiving element (10, 10', 10'', 10'''); - at least one prestressed energy storage arrangement (9, 9', 9'', 9''') for displacing the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') from a first position into a second position and - a sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') arranged between the output element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') and the receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17'''), characterized bythat at least one holding element (14, 14', 14'', 14''') is provided for holding the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') in the first position and when the holding element (14, 14', 14'', 14''') is released, the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') is moved into a second position such that the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') bears against the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') and against the receiving element (17, 17', 17'') or against the output element (4''') for sealing the connection arrangement (1). [2] Connecting arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') is arranged to be displaceable inside or outside the output element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') and the receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17'''). [3] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat between the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') and the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') a first connection (16, 16', 16'', 16''') is provided for the secure arrangement of the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') on a first sealing support area (12, 12', 12'', 12''') of the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10'''). [4] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that between the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') and the receiving element (17, 17', 17'') or output element (4''') a second connection (20, 20', 20'', 20''') is provided for the secure arrangement of the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') on a second sealing support area (19, 19', 19'', 19''') of the receiving element (17, 17', 17'') or output element (4'''). [5] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first connection (16, 16', 16'', 16''') and / or the second connection (20, 20', 20'', 20''') is designed as an adhesive connection. [6] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') is designed as a foam seal. [7] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') is designed as a labyrinth seal. [8] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the output element (4''') or the receiving element (17,17',17'') has a second projection 33 for guiding the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10'''). [9] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the energy storage arrangement (9, 9', 9'', 9''') is designed as a helical spring or wave spring. [10] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the energy storage arrangement (9, 9', 9'', 9''') is arranged between the output element (4,4',4'') and the sliding element (10, 10', 10''). [11] Connecting arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the energy storage arrangement (9, 9', 9'', 9''') is arranged between the receiving element (17''') and the sliding element (10'''). [12] Method for establishing a fluidic connection between an air duct (2) and an interior component (3) of a motor vehicle (22) comprising at least the following components: - an outlet element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') for discharging air; - a receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17''') for conducting the air, in particular into the vehicle interior; - a sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') which is arranged to be displaceable between the output element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') and the receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17'''); - at least one prestressed energy storage arrangement (9, 9', 9'', 9''') for displacing the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') from a first position into a second position and - a sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') arranged between the output element (4, 4', 4'', 4''') and the receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17'''), comprising at least the following steps: - a component with at least one air duct (2) is mounted in a motor vehicle (22); - the interior component (3) is mounted in such a way that the air duct (2) and the interior component (3) are arranged at a distance (21, 21') from each other and - the holding element (14, 14', 14'', 14''') is released in such a way that the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') is displaced by the energy storage arrangement (9, 9', 9'', 9''') until the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') in the second position lies sealingly between the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') and the receiving element (17, 17', 17'') or the output element (4'''). [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by , that - an adhesive layer is applied to the side of the sealing unit (15, 15', 15'', 15''') which faces the receiving element (17, 17', 17'', 17'''), (15, 15', 15'', 15'''), and then the component with at least one air duct (2) is mounted in a motor vehicle (22) and - by the displacement of the sliding element (10, 10', 10'', 10''') a second connection (20, 20', 20'', 20'''), in particular an adhesive connection, is formed with the receiving element (17, 17', 17'') or output element (4''').

Citation Information

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