Plug-in application for a ventilation system, in particular for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug-in application (1) for an air handling (AHU) system, in particular for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle, with - a cover plate (5), wherein a surface of the cover plate (5) is suitable for covering an outlet of an air handling / air conditioning system, wherein the cover plate (5) has a section-by-section circumferential seal (2), - a receiving space (3) on one side of the cover plate (5) facing the air handling unit / air conditioning system for receiving at least one humidifying agent (11), and - a fastening device (4) for attaching the plug application (1) to the outlet of the air conditioning system.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a plug-in application for an air handling unit (AHU). In particular, the invention relates to a plug-in application for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Air conditioning systems are indispensable in modern work and living environments, especially during the summer months. However, they can have negative health effects due to the cold and dry indoor air, particularly affecting the respiratory system, mucous membranes, and muscles in the shoulder and neck area. The cold air produced by air conditioners can cool the body, leading to colds, runny noses, and muscle tension, even when outdoor temperatures are high. These negative health effects are more pronounced when there are drafts, especially cold or cooled drafts. A draft is a bothersome gust of air that causes localized cooling, particularly on exposed skin, and even on clothed areas if exposed for extended periods. Drafts can be caused by natural ventilation as well as by mechanical ventilation systems.

[0003] Besides the temperature issue, air conditioning often causes low humidity (< 30% relative humidity), which can dry out mucous membranes and weaken the immune system. This promotes the occurrence of flu-like infections and increases susceptibility to respiratory illnesses. This issue of dry indoor air also applies to ventilation systems operating in heating mode.

[0004] Although certain behavioral measures can help reduce the risks, such as avoiding direct airflow from the air conditioner onto the body by adjusting the air vent louvers or consciously positioning oneself away from air conditioners, technical challenges remain. For example, even with the fan speed set to medium and the air vent louvers positioned "away from the body," a draft of air at a speed of approximately 1.4 m / s still flows towards the occupants of a vehicle, which cannot be completely avoided, even when varying the orientation of the air vent louvers.

[0005] These problems highlight the need for improved solutions that effectively minimize the harmful health effects of air conditioning systems while improving indoor air quality without sacrificing their comfort features.

[0006] Plug-in applications for HVAC systems, particularly air conditioning systems, for deodorization or air freshening are known in the prior art. For example, US patent 2007 0075159 A1 discloses an air freshener that contains a solid aroma compound in a housing. An airflow from an air conditioner is directed through a housing inlet around the aroma compound to the housing outlet, so that the airflow enriched with the aroma compounds runs approximately parallel to the original airflow of the air conditioner.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a plug-in application that addresses the harmful health effects of ventilation systems, particularly air conditioning systems. The invention is based on the understanding that even when the air nozzle louvers of an air conditioner are directed away from the user, a considerable flow of dry air from the air conditioner flows towards the user due to drafts. This is particularly noticeable when a vehicle interior heated by sunlight is cooled as quickly as possible to a comfortable temperature by the automatic operation of the air conditioning system. In this situation, the cold draft, traveling at high velocity, strikes exposed skin moistened by perspiration, resulting in a particularly high susceptibility to germs and muscle tension.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a plug-in application with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the plug-in application are described in dependent claims 2 to 9.

[0009] The plug-in application according to the invention has a cover plate, wherein a surface of the cover plate is suitable for covering an outlet of a ventilation system, in particular an air conditioning system, preferably an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The cover plate has a circumferential seal in sections, which may in particular also be a brush seal, serving, for example, to compensate for curves. The plug-in application has a receiving space on one side of the cover plate facing the ventilation system, in particular the air conditioning system. The receiving space is suitable for receiving at least one humidifying agent. Furthermore, the plug-in application has a fastening means for attaching the plug-in application to the outlet of the ventilation system, in particular the air conditioning system.The airflow direction is defined by covering the air conditioner outlet and the sectioned circumferential seal. The humidifiers increase the humidity of the air leaving the plug-in application. This reduces the risk of a weakened immune system and damage to mucous membranes caused by drying out.

[0010] Such a plug-in application offers the particular advantage that no structural changes or adjustments are necessary for its use, as the plug-in application can be used immediately and directly after being attached and can be removed at any time to restore the original condition of the interior.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the plug-in application, the circumferential seal is arranged in sections so that the air from the air handling unit / air conditioner can only escape upwards (in a controlled manner). By directing the cool, humidified air from the air conditioner upwards, an almost laminar airflow from top to bottom is achieved, directed towards the occupants of the air conditioner. This results in homogeneous, draft-free cooling of the interior space.

[0012] In principle, the cover plate can assume any geometric shape. In a preferred embodiment of the plug-in application, the cover plate is rectangular, and the seal is positioned on three sides of the cover plate such that air can only escape towards the fourth side. A rectangular cover plate provides a high degree of coverage with most common outlets of ventilation systems, especially air conditioning systems, such as those installed in motor vehicles. For example, the fourth side can be the upward-facing edge of the cover plate, thus achieving the previously discussed advantages of the nearly laminar airflow. In a preferred further development of this plug-in application, the cover plate consists of two interlocking plate halves to increase and / or decrease the surface area.This plug-in application is suitable for use with a particularly large number of outlets of air handling systems, especially air conditioning systems, as the plug-in application can be precisely adapted to the width of the respective outlet of the air handling / ventilation system.

[0013] According to a preferred alternative design, the cover plate is round or oval. This allows for optimal coverage of oval or round air conditioning outlets, as found in many motor vehicles. The examples of rectangular or round / oval cover plates discussed are not intended to be an exhaustive list. All geometric shapes are conceivable for the cover plate; however, these discussed shapes are characterized by a particularly wide range of applications.

[0014] With a well-designed plug-in application, the receiving chamber can also accommodate a deodorizing agent. Alternatively or additionally, a liquid or solid aroma can be used to create a user-preferred environment.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the plug-in application, the cover plate has a means for attaching a smartphone on the side facing away from the air conditioning / ventilation system outlet. For example, the plug-in application is inserted into the louvers of an air conditioning system outlet in a vehicle. The placement of a means for attaching a smartphone on the side facing away from the air conditioning system and thus towards the vehicle interior allows the user, for example, to run a navigation app on the smartphone to receive directions for the current route. Thanks to the defined airflow direction, which, due to the seal and the cover plate, is oriented approximately perpendicular to the original airflow direction of the air conditioning system, the smartphone is also protected from the cold air from the air conditioning system.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the plug-in application, the surface of the cover plate completely covers an outlet of an air handling unit / air conditioner, with the seal circumferencing the cover plate section by section allowing an airflow from the air handling unit / air conditioner to escape in a direction approximately perpendicular to the outlet flow direction of the air handling unit / air conditioner. In this embodiment, the humidifying agent is preferably formed by a cotton filter wick soaked in a one percent saline solution. This humidifying agent configuration is also possible in any of the previous embodiments of the plug-in applications. The one percent saline solution provides a simple means of disinfection, and the cotton filter wicks are characterized by good water absorption and storage capacity.The cotton filter wicks can be easily removed from the insertion chamber of the plug-in applicator and replaced with fresh ones. For example, a deodorizing agent and / or a flavoring agent may be added to the saline solution. This allows users to soak the cotton filter wicks in the desired solution or purchase fresh cotton filter wicks after the disinfectant / deodorizing / flavoring solution has been used up or evaporated, without having to buy a new plug-in applicator.

[0017] In a further development of the plug-in application, the fastening element features a 360° rotatable clip for engaging with the fins of an air handling / air conditioning unit's outlet. This design allows the plug-in application to be used particularly easily with multiple outlets of air handling / air conditioning units.

[0018] In a further advantageous development of the plug-in application, the discharge area of ​​the plug-in application corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the outlet of the air handling unit / air conditioning system. In other words, with the plug-in application attached, the discharge cross-section of an air nozzle of the air handling unit / air conditioning system remains unchanged. Therefore, the air exit velocity is not increased by any cross-sectional constriction. Likewise, the resistance of the exiting air is not increased by any cross-sectional constriction, thus preventing any increase in fan power that would negatively impact energy consumption and the lifespan of the fan motor.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential seal is a brush seal with a flexible brush body, wherein the brush seal is replaceable and wherein the replaceable brush seal has different brush fiber heights for optimal sealing of different air nozzle shapes without damaging the surface of the air nozzle.

[0020] Further advantages, special features and expedient further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following presentation of preferred embodiments with reference to the illustrations.

[0021] The illustrations show: Fig. 1 a rear view of a first embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; Fig. 2 a driver's side view of the first embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; Fig. 3 a top view of the first embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; Fig. 4 an isometric view of the first embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; Fig. 5 a side view of the first embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; Fig. 6 a rear view of a second embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; Fig. 7 a driver's side view of the second embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; Fig. 8 a top view of the second embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention; and Fig. 9 an isometric view of the second embodiment of the plug-in application according to the invention.

[0022] Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of a plug-in application 1 according to the invention from different views. Fig. Figure 1 shows a rear view, i.e., a view from an outlet of an air handling / air conditioning system, of a rectangular cover plate 5 of a plug-in application 1 for an air handling (AHU) system, in particular for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle, with a circumferential seal 2 on three sides of the cover plate 5. Air from the air handling / air conditioning system can only exit in the direction of one of the fourth sides (upwards). Fig. 1) escape. The surface of the cover plate 5 is suitable for covering an outlet of the air handling / air conditioning system. A receiving space 3, defined by compartments, is suitable for receiving at least one humidifying agent 11. The humidifying agents 11 are formed by cotton filter wicks soaked in a one percent saline solution, the cotton filter wicks being held in place by a crossbar. An outlet airflow would escape into Fig. 1 “into the plane” oriented towards the humidifier 11 and the plug-in application 1 then, due to the section-by-section circumferential seal 2, mostly upwards ( Fig. 3) exit. The plug-in application 1 further comprises a fastening element 4 for attaching the plug-in application 1 to the outlet of the air conditioning system. The fastening element 4 has a clip that can be rotated 360° for engaging with the fins of an outlet of an air handling / air conditioning system.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the side of the cover plate 5 facing the driver. A means 6 for attaching a smartphone is located on this side. The tips of the humidifiers 11 are visible on the top of the plug-in application 1. An outlet area ( Fig. 3) The plug-in application 1 corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the outlet of the air handling / air conditioning system.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the plug-in application 1. The circumferential seal 2 is a brush seal with a flexible brush body. The brush seal is replaceable and has different brush bristle heights for optimal sealing of different air nozzle shapes without damaging the surface of the air nozzle. These different brush bristle heights are not shown in this drawing due to requirements.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of the plug-in application 1, from which exemplary arrangements of the elements relative to each other can be derived.

[0026] In Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the plug-in application 1, in which the cover plate 5 is round, for example, to cover a round outlet of an air handling / air conditioning unit. The cover plate 5 has a circumferential seal 2 in sections. The seal 2 is designed as a brush seal, which runs in a ring segment shape and, for example, has a circular cutout of 70° on the top side to redirect the airflow upwards ( Fig. 8) The plug-in application 1 has a receiving space 3 on one side of the cover plate 5 facing the air handling unit / air conditioning system for receiving at least one humidifying agent 11. In this embodiment of the plug-in application 1 as well, the humidifying agents are formed by impregnated cotton filter wicks. For example, the cotton filter wicks are additionally impregnated with a deodorizing agent. The plug-in application 1 further has a fastening means 4 for attaching the plug-in application 1 to the outlet of the air handling unit.

[0027] As from Fig. As can be seen in section 7, the round plug-in application 1 can also have a means 6 for attaching a smartphone.

[0028] As can be seen from the isometric view of plug-in application 1 in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the humidifying agents 11 are positioned by means of a crossbar that limits the receiving space 3.

[0029] For example, in the previously described configurations, the surfaces of the cover plates 5 completely cover an outlet of an air handling unit / air conditioner. The seal 2, which circumferentially surrounds the cover plate 5 in sections, allows an airflow from the air handling unit / air conditioner to escape in a direction approximately perpendicular to the outlet flow direction of the air handling unit / air conditioner. The presented configurations of the plug-in application 1 allow the air from the air handling unit / air conditioner to escape upwards, subsequently achieving an almost laminar airflow with a uniform lowering of the air.

[0030] The embodiments shown here are merely examples of the present invention and should therefore not be interpreted as limiting. Alternative embodiments considered by a person skilled in the art are likewise covered by the scope of protection of the present invention. Reference symbol list: 1 plug-in application 2 Seal 3 Recording room 4. Fastening 5 Cover plate 6 Smartphone attachment 11 Humidifiers QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 2007 0075159 A1

[0006]

Claims

Plug-in application (1) for an air handling unit (AHU), in particular for an air conditioning unit in a motor vehicle, comprising a cover plate (5), wherein a surface of the cover plate (5) is suitable for covering an outlet of an AHU / air conditioning unit, wherein the cover plate (5) has a section-by-section circumferential seal (2), a receiving space (3) on a side of the cover plate (5) facing the AHU / air conditioning unit for receiving at least one humidifying agent (11), and a fastening means (4) for fastening the plug-in application (1) to the outlet of the air conditioning unit. Plug-in application (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sectionally circumferential seal (2) is arranged such that air from the air handling / air conditioning system escapes upwards. Plug-in application (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover plate (5) is rectangular and the sectionally circumferential seal (2) is attached to three sides of the cover plate (5) in such a way that the air from the air handling / air conditioning system can escape exclusively in the direction of one of the fourth sides. Plug-in application (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the cover plate (5) consists of two interlocking plate halves for increasing and / or reducing the area. Plug-in application (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover plate (5) is round or oval. Plug-in application (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (3) can further receive a deodorizing agent. Plug-in application (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover plate (5) has a means (6) for attaching a smartphone on a side facing away from the outlet of the air handling unit / air conditioning system. Plug-in application (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the cover plate (5) completely covers an outlet of an air handling / air conditioning system, wherein the seal (2) circumferentially surrounds the cover plate (5) in sections allows an airflow of the air handling / air conditioning system to escape in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to an outlet flow direction of the air handling / air conditioning system and / or wherein the humidifying agent (11) is formed by means of a cotton filter wick soaked in a one percent saline solution. Plug-in application (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (4) has a clip rotatable by 360° for engaging in louvers of an outlet of an air handling / air conditioning system. Plug-in application (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outlet area of ​​the plug-in application (1) corresponds approximately to an area of ​​the outlet of the air handling / air conditioning system. Plug-in application (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circumferential seal (2) is a brush seal with a flexible brush body, wherein the brush seal is replaceable and wherein the replaceable brush seal has different brush fiber heights for optimal sealing of different air nozzle shapes without damaging the surface of the air nozzle.

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