Drainage system for removing condensate from a motor vehicle

Abstract

A drainage system (10) for discharging condensate from a motor vehicle to the environment (13) is provided, comprising a condensate line (14) for discharging the condensate (12) condensed within the motor vehicle and an outer panel (28) for forming an outer shell (30) of the motor vehicle. The condensate line (14) has an outlet nozzle (16) extending through an outer opening (34) of the outer panel (28), and an outlet opening (18) of the outlet nozzle (16) is covered by an insect screen (20) outside the outlet nozzle (16). The insect screen (20) positioned outside the condensate line (14) of the drainage system (10) makes it possible to cost-effectively prevent the condensate line (14) from becoming clogged.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drainage system for a motor vehicle, by means of which condensate water can be drained from the interior of the motor vehicle to the environment.

[0002] From DE 10 2013 223 007 A1 a drain line for removing condensate from an air conditioning system is known, wherein a rotating impeller is provided within an outlet nozzle of the drain line, which prevents the penetration of dirt and insects, but allows the condensate to flow out, wherein the rotating impeller is intended to provide a self-cleaning effect in contrast to a sieve provided within the outlet nozzle.

[0003] There is a constant need to avoid clogging of a condensate line for discharging condensate from a motor vehicle as cost-effectively as possible.

[0004] It is the object of the invention to show measures which cost-effectively prevent a condensate line for discharging condensate from a motor vehicle from becoming clogged.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a discharge system having the features of claim 1, an air conditioning system having the features of claim 9 and a motor vehicle having the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description, which can each individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention, the scope of protection being determined by the claims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a drainage system for discharging condensate water from a motor vehicle to the environment, comprising a condensate line for discharging the condensate water condensed within the motor vehicle and an outer panel for forming an outer shell of the motor vehicle, wherein the condensate line has an outlet nozzle guided through an outer opening of the outer panel, wherein an outlet opening of the outlet nozzle is covered by an insect screen outside the outlet nozzle.

[0007] The insect screen provides cost-effective protection for the condensate line. It not only retains dispersed dirt particles but also reliably blocks insects from entering the condensate line, preventing the condensate line from becoming clogged by a growing insect nest. This prevents condensate from accumulating in the condensate line due to a completely or partially blocked axial section of the condensate line. The misconception that an insect screen would not provide sufficient protection against clogging of the condensate line has been overcome by the fact that the insect screen is not installed inside the condensate line, but outside it.Because the insect screen is not positioned axially inwardly relative to the outlet opening plane of the condensate line's outlet nozzle, an axial section between the outlet opening and the insect screen within the condensate line can be avoided. This also makes it possible to avoid a wind-protected, circumferentially extending angular section that would otherwise form between the insect screen and an inner side of the condensate line, which may have an opening angle of 90° or less. It has been recognized that this angular section can form a starting point for accumulating contamination or a growing insect nest, but this can be completely avoided by installing the insect screen outside the condensate line, in particular outside the condensate line's outlet nozzle, and by ensuring that there is no interaction between the insect screen and the inner side of the condensate line.In fact, the flat and / or convex design of the insect screen can provide so few contact surfaces for adhering volumes of dirt or insect nests that dirt and insects can automatically fall off the insect screen, particularly aided by vibrations during operation of the vehicle, without clogging the condensate line. Contrary to the misconception that an insect screen on a condensate line would not provide sufficient protection against clogging of the condensate line, a self-cleaning effect can even be achieved. By positioning the insect screen outside the condensate line of the drainage system, clogging of the condensate line can be prevented cost-effectively.

[0008] The drainage system can be installed inside the motor vehicle to drain unused fluids, particularly condensate and / or condensate, into the environment. In particular, condensate formed in an evaporator from the humidity of the ambient air can be drained into the environment via the drainage system as condensate.

[0009] The condensate line can be fluidically connected to an inlet side of a motor vehicle assembly, in particular an air conditioning system, in order to collect condensate water that has formed in the motor vehicle assembly. The collected condensate water or other liquids can be conveyed, in particular by gravity, from the inlet side of the condensate line to the outlet side of the condensate line formed by the outlet opening of the outlet nozzle and released into the environment. For example, the condensate line runs through a tunnel formed in an interior of the motor vehicle, from which tunnel the condensate line can penetrate the outer shell of the motor vehicle provided in the foot area of ​​the motor vehicle, in particular laterally. Particularly preferably, the condensate line has a shape between the inlet side and the outlet side that is dimensioned, in particular angular, to avoid audible structure-borne noise.The condensate line can thus form an acoustic labyrinth that can dampen and / or eliminate noises generated inside the vehicle along the condensate line.

[0010] The outlet nozzle can be designed as a separate component of the condensate line, which can be connected to a tubular part of the condensate line and preferably forms a common subassembly. The outlet nozzle can penetrate the outer shell of the motor vehicle from the inside to the outside. For this purpose, the outlet nozzle is passed through the outer opening of the outer panel. The outlet nozzle can be flush with the outer panel so that the outlet opening of the outlet nozzle coincides with the outside of the surrounding outer panel or is provided within the material thickness of the surrounding outer panel. Preferably, the outlet nozzle projects from the outer panel into the surrounding area so that, in particular, the outlet opening plane of the outlet opening of the outlet nozzle is positioned offset into the surrounding area relative to the outer shell of the motor vehicle formed by the outer panel.Particularly preferably, the outlet nozzle is connected to the outer sheet via an elastic element, for example a damping element and / or a sealing element, whereby unnecessary radiation of structure-borne sound can be avoided.

[0011] The outlet opening of the outlet nozzle defines the outlet side of the condensate line. After passing through the outlet opening plane, the condensate can drip onto a surrounding surface.

[0012] The outer panel can form part of the outer shell of the motor vehicle. In this case, the outer panel can be provided in particular in a lower region of the motor vehicle body, which is usually assigned to the "chassis" assembly of the motor vehicle. The outer panel can, for example, be part of a floor paneling of the motor vehicle, so that in particular the condensate from the condensate line can drip directly onto a surrounding surface without contacting another component of the motor vehicle. The outer opening is formed within the outer panel, into or through which a part of the outlet nozzle of the condensate line can be inserted or protrude.

[0013] The insect screen can be formed by a mechanical filter element that can allow water droplets to pass through but can retain insects and dirt particles. In particular, the insect screen is formed by interwoven wires made of metal or plastic. In particular, it is possible for the insect screen to consist of just one layer of interwoven wires or to have two or more layers of interwoven wires on top of each other. The two-dimensional extension of the insect screen is in particular larger than the area of ​​the outlet opening of the output nozzle. The entire area of ​​the outlet opening of the output nozzle can be covered by the insect screen when viewed along the surface normal of the outlet opening, wherein the insect screen can protrude in particular perpendicular to the surface normal of the outlet opening.

[0014] In particular, it is provided that the insect screen contacts the outlet nozzle on an axial side of the outlet nozzle and / or on a radially outward-facing surface or runs at a distance from the outlet nozzle. If the insect screen contacts the outlet nozzle on its radial and / or axial outer side, it is possible to minimize the material used for the insect screen. Preferably, the insect screen is attached to the outlet nozzle at the contact points, for example by gluing and / or welding. However, it is also possible for contact between the insect screen and the outlet nozzle to be completely avoided and for the insect screen to run at a distance from the outlet nozzle. For example, the insect screen is attached to the outer sheet without direct contact with the outlet nozzle.The condensate line and the outlet nozzle can therefore be installed independently of the insect screen, which can simplify installation.

[0015] Preferably, the insect screen is attached to the outer panel, with the insect screen being attached exclusively to the outer panel. Regardless of whether the insect screen contacts the outlet nozzle or not, a connection technique for the insect screen to the outer panel can be provided, thus making it possible to avoid a connection technique to the outlet nozzle. The condensate line and the outlet nozzle can thus be designed in a simpler and more cost-effective manner.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the insect screen is pressed onto the outer sheet metal by a cover ring. The cover ring can be part of a connection technology for connecting to the outlet nozzle and / or to the outer sheet metal. This makes it possible to clamp the insect screen between the outlet nozzle and / or the outer sheet metal on the one hand and the cover ring on the other hand and / or to hold it in place so that it cannot move. The cover ring can have a ring area with the aid of which the fastening and / or force transmission can take place, while an opening area is kept free radially within the ring area, which opening preferably corresponds at least to the area of ​​the outlet opening of the outlet nozzle. This makes it possible for only the insect screen and no other component to be in the path of the condensate water, viewed in the direction of the surface normal to the outlet opening plane of the outlet opening.The connection technology for the insect screen provided by the cover ring will not compromise the opening cross-section of the condensate line's outlet nozzle. In particular, the cover ring is glued, welded, riveted, clipped, and / or screwed to the outer sheet and / or the outlet nozzle.

[0017] In particular, the outlet nozzle has a mounting flange for attachment to the outer panel and / or to the cover ring. The mounting flange can, in particular, protrude radially outward from a pipe section of the outlet nozzle. The mounting flange can be attached directly or indirectly to an inner side facing away from the environment or to an outer side facing the environment of the outer panel. The mounting flange can be used to specify the relative position of the outlet nozzle relative to the outer panel and / or to secure the outlet nozzle.

[0018] Preferably, the outer panel is clamped between the outlet nozzle on the one hand and the insect screen and / or the cover ring on the other. By clamping the outlet panel, a surface contact of the outer panel with the outlet nozzle, in particular with the fastening flange of the outlet nozzle, can be achieved, which contributes to the frictional connection of the applied connection technology and / or can provide a seal between the outlet nozzle and the outer panel. In particular, it is provided that the connection technology is passed through the outer opening of the outer panel, so that an inner and / or outer side of the outer panel does not need to be functionalized for a form-fitting or material-fit connection technology.In addition, it is possible to save additional connection openings in the outer sheet for the connection technology of the outlet nozzle with the insect screen and / or the cover ring in addition to the outer opening of the outer sheet.

[0019] It is particularly preferred that the insect screen is designed as a flat disc or has a substantially U-shaped cross-section for encompassing part of the outlet nozzle. In the design as a flat disc, the insect screen can have a simple shape and be manufactured cost-effectively. However, it is also possible to form an initially flat insect screen without cutting, for example by deep drawing. In the design of the insect screen with a U-shaped cross-section, the insect screen can encompass a protruding part of the outlet nozzle, in particular without contacting the outlet nozzle, so that, for example, the insect screen can be connected to the outer sheet radially outside of the outlet nozzle.

[0020] In particular, a surface normal of the outlet opening is oriented at least partially, in particular essentially exclusively, horizontally. This prevents dirt particles stirred up while the vehicle is moving from reaching the insect screen or clogging the outlet opening. At the same time, it is possible for condensate to escape the outlet nozzle and thus the condensate line at the lower edge of the outlet opening (in the direction of gravity).

[0021] A further aspect of the invention relates to an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle, comprising an air conditioning system for air-conditioning the interior of the motor vehicle and a drainage system, in particular connected to an evaporator of the air conditioning system, which can be designed and developed as described above, for discharging condensate from the motor vehicle to the environment through the outer panel. The insect screen positioned outside the condensate line of the air conditioning system can cost-effectively prevent clogging of the condensate line.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an interior, an air conditioning system, which can be designed and developed as described above, for air conditioning the interior, and preferably an outer shell formed by a body and facing the environment, wherein, in particular, a portion of the outer shell is formed by the outer panel of the air conditioning system's discharge system. The insect screen positioned outside the condensate line of the motor vehicle allows clogging of the condensate line to be cost-effectively prevented.

[0023] The invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments. The features presented below may represent an aspect of the invention, both individually and in combination, with the scope of protection being determined by the claims. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a drainage system, Fig. 2: a schematic sectional view of the drainage system from Fig. 1 when installed and Fig. 3: a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the drainage system in the installed state.

[0024] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 partially shown, the drainage system 10 can be used to drain condensate 12 from an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle to an environment 13. For this purpose, the drainage system 10 has a condensate line 14 which can be connected to an evaporator of the air conditioning system and which has an outlet nozzle 16 on its outlet side with an outlet opening 18 lying in an outlet opening plane and pointing essentially horizontally. The outlet opening 18 can be covered by an insect screen 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the insect screen 20 is designed as a flat disc which can bear in contact with an axial side of the part of the outlet nozzle 16 delimiting the outlet opening 18. The insect screen 20 can be pressed on with the aid of a cover ring 22.For this purpose, the cover ring 22 is connected to a fastening flange 24 of the outlet nozzle 16 via a suitable connection technology, wherein the fastening flange 24 of the outlet nozzle 16 is in turn pressed in a liquid-tight manner against an inner side 26 of an outer panel 28 facing away from the environment 13. The outer panel 28 can form part of the outer shell 30 of the motor vehicle. The cover ring 22 has an opening area 32 that is larger than the outlet opening 18 of the outlet nozzle 16 of the condensate line 14 but smaller than the extension of the insect screen 20.In addition, at least the connection technology of the cover ring 22 is provided radially within an outer opening 34 of the outer sheet 28, so that the cover ring 22 can be connected to the fastening flange 24 of the outlet nozzle 16 without the need for further connection openings in the outer sheet 28, and the outer sheet 28 can be clamped between the fastening flange 24 and the cover ring 22. A part of the outlet nozzle 16 is passed through the outer opening 34 of the outer sheet 28 and protrudes towards the environment 13, so that the outlet opening plane of the outlet opening 18 is positioned offset from the outer sheet 28 towards the environment 13.

[0025] At the Fig. The embodiment of the drainage system 10 shown in Figure 3 is compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig.In the embodiment of the discharge system 10 shown in Figure 2, the insect screen 20 is not formed as a flat disc, but rather has a U-shaped cross-section produced by deep drawing. Furthermore, the insect screen 20 is connected to the fastening flange 24 of the outlet nozzle 16 through the outer opening 34 of the outer sheet 28 via an adhesive layer 36. The insect screen 20 can completely cover the outlet opening 18 in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction without direct contact with the part of the fastening flange 24 protruding from the plane of the outer sheet 28. Additionally or alternatively, the insect screen 20 can make axial and / or radial contact with the part of the fastening flange 24 protruding from the plane of the outer sheet 28 on the outside. 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 223 007 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Drainage system (10) for discharging condensate from a motor vehicle to the environment (13), with a condensate line (14) for removing the condensate water (12) condensed inside the motor vehicle and an outer sheet (28) for forming an outer shell (30) of the motor vehicle, wherein the condensate line (14) has an outlet nozzle (16) passing through an outer opening (34) of the outer sheet (28), characterized by , that an outlet opening (18) of the outlet nozzle (16) outside the outlet nozzle (16) is covered by an insect screen (20). [2] Discharge system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the insect screen (20) contacts the outlet nozzle (16) on an axial side of the outlet nozzle (16) and / or on a radially outwardly facing lateral surface or extends at a distance from the outlet nozzle (16). [3] Discharge system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insect screen (20) is fastened to the outer sheet (28), wherein in particular the insect screen (20) is fastened exclusively to the outer sheet (20). [4] Drainage system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insect screen (20) is pressed onto the outer sheet (28) by a cover ring (22). [5] Discharge system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet nozzle (16) has a fastening flange (24) for fastening to the outer sheet (28) and / or to the cover ring (22). [6] Discharge system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer sheet (28) is clamped between the outlet nozzle (16) on the one hand and the insect screen (20) and / or the cover ring (22) on the other hand. [7] Discharge system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insect screen (20) is designed as a flat disc or has a substantially U-shaped cross-section for encompassing a part of the outlet nozzle (16). [8] Discharge system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a surface normal of the outlet opening (18) is oriented at least partially, in particular substantially exclusively, in the horizontal direction. [9] Air conditioning system for a motor vehicle, comprising an air conditioning system for air conditioning an interior of the motor vehicle and a discharge system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 connected to an evaporator of the air conditioning system for discharging condensate water (12) from the motor vehicle to the environment (13) through the outer panel (28). [10] Motor vehicle with an interior, an air conditioning system according to claim 9 for air conditioning the interior and an outer shell (30) formed by a body and facing the environment (13), wherein a part of the outer shell (30) is formed by the outer sheet (28) of the discharge system (10) of the air conditioning system.

Images