Motor-vehicle comprising a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for air treatment, including distribution ducts adhering to a firewall

Abstract

Motor-vehicle comprising a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (1) for treating air to be sent to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, said system (1) being entirely mounted within a vehicle front bay (2), provided for installing a traction engine, wherein said front bay (2) is separated from the passenger compartment by a firewall (18), and said system (1) comprising a plurality of distribution ducts having a conformation substantially adhering to the firewall (18), at least partially fitted along corresponding recesses obtained on the firewall (18), so as to minimize intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Description

[0001] MOTOR-VEHICLE COMPRISING A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR AIR TREATMENT, INCLUDING DISTRIBUTION DUCTS ADHERING TO A FIREWAL

[0002] ****

[0003] 5 TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a motor-vehicle, comprising a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for treating air to be sent to

[0006] 10 a passenger compartment of a motor-vehicle.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] Systems of the type indicated above, also commonly referred to as HVAC systems, have been known and used in the sector for a long time.

[0009] 15 Typically, HVAC systems are modules mounted inside a structural body forming the dashboard of the vehicle; however, such solutions suffer from some drawbacks of any sorts. In particular, the installation of the HVAC system inside the dashboard necessarily determines the production of a dashboard body of sufficient size to contain the HVAC system, thus

[0010] 20 producing an overall particularly bulky dashboard body. This problem becomes particularly significant for new-generation vehicles with electric propulsion, also in relation to modem style demands and new concepts of internal habitability for passengers, which require an improvement in the perceived space in the passenger compartment and a rethinking of the

[0011] 25 arrangement of the vehicle components. From this perspective, there is therefore a need to develop an improved solution.

[0012] Object of the invention

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to produce a motor-vehicle

[0014] 30 provided with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for air treatment, which can meet said needs.

[0015] In particular, an object of the present invention is to produce a motorvehicle provided with said system, providing a dashboard in the passenger compartment with limited bulk and substantially minimal configuration.

[0016] 35 A further object of the invention is to produce a motor-vehicle according to the features indicated above, which guarantees a spatial perception of the passenger compartment, and the possibility of expanding the configurability of the front seats, for example by providing for a rotation of the seats around their vertical axis.

[0017] A further object of the invention is to provide a system as indicated above, including particularly advantageous features for effectively distributing the airflow inside the passenger compartment, by means of distribution ducts with reduced bulk in the passenger compartment.

[0018] Summary of the invention

[0019] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purposes, the invention has as its object a motor-vehicle having the features indicated in the attached claim 1.

[0020] Brief description of the figures

[0021] Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the attached drawings, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0022] - figures 1A-1 C are respectively a side view, a front view and an elevation view of a front portion of a motor-vehicle body, including a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for air treatment, according to one embodiment,

[0023] - figures 2A, 2B illustrate further features of the system, in relation to the treatment of an airflow with the system operating set to take in external air,

[0024] - figures 3A, 3B illustrate further features of the system, in relation to the treatment of an airflow with the system operating set to take in external air together with the bypass function,

[0025] - figures 4A, 4B illustrate further features of the system, in relation to the treatment of an airflow with the system operating set to recirculate the air together with the bypass function,

[0026] - figures 5A, 5B illustrate further features of the system, in relation to the treatment of an airflow with the system operating set to recirculate the air,

[0027] - figures 6, 7 are a perspective view and a schematic front view, respectively, illustrating further features of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for air treatment, in relation to the distribution of the airflow inside the passenger compartment,

[0028] - figures 8A - 8B are perspective views of a firewall of the vehicle and related air distribution ducts, according to different embodiments, and

[0029] - figures 9A-10B illustrate further features relating to the distribution ducts, according to different embodiments.

[0030] Detailed description of the invention

[0031] In the following description, various specific details are illustrated aimed at a thorough understanding of examples of one or more embodiments. The embodiments may be achieved without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc.

[0032] In other instances, known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the embodiments. Reference to “an / one embodiment” in this specification means that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.

[0033] Thus, phrases such as “in an / one embodiment,” which may appear in several places in this specification, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0034] Furthermore, particular configurations, structures, or features may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments and / or associated with embodiments other than as illustrated herein, such that, for example, a feature exemplified herein in connection with one figure may be applied to one or more embodiments exemplified in a different figure.

[0035] References herein are for convenience only and do not limit the scope or extent of the embodiments.

[0036] With reference to the attached drawings, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle is generally indicated with the reference 1. System 1 (also commonly referred to as an HVAC “Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning” system) is a system that can be configured according to a plurality of operating modes set by the passenger, for example cooling or heating, to obtain certain environmental conditions of the air in the passenger compartment. More specifically, system 1 is used for treating air to be sent to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, in particular to heat, cool or dehumidify such air. The air to be treated may come from the external environment, and / or may be recirculated air, i.e. taken from the passenger compartment for treatment and then sent back into the passenger compartment.

[0037] In figures 1 A-1 C, a part of a motor-vehicle is illustrated purely by way of example, in particular a front part of the body, provided with a system 1 incorporating the peculiar features of the present invention. With reference to these figures, the motor-vehicle comprises a front area in which a front bay 2 is provided, covered by a front hood 2’ (schematically illustrated in figure 1 A) provided in the final assembled configuration of the vehicle.

[0038] Both in the case of vehicles with a combustion engine and in the case of electric traction vehicles (“Battery Electric Vehicle” “BEV”), this front bay 2 is typically prepared for installing a relative traction motor. As illustrated in figures 1 A,1 C, the front bay 2 is separated from the passenger compartment by a firewall 18. The term “firewall” refers to a part of the vehicle body that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment, in order to protect passengers from the heat and noise generated by the engine, and possibly from wind and any water infiltration from the road. Substantially, in the final assembled configuration of the vehicle, the firewall 18 is vertically spaced below the front windshield glass.

[0039] In the case of BEV vehicles, the bay 2 may be used to house an electric traction motor, generally smaller than a combustion engine, or the bay 2 may be without an engine, as the vehicle features an electric motor mounted in a rear area of the vehicle, or electric traction motors directly integrated in the wheels (In-Wheel Motor).

[0040] According to a peculiar feature of the present invention, illustrated in figures 1A-1 C, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 1 for air treatment is positioned entirely within the front bay 2, under the front hood 2’ of the vehicle. Preferred embodiments provide that the vehicle having the system 1 as indicated above, is an electric vehicle BEV, provided with an electric traction motor mounted within the bay 2, or provided with an electric motor mounted in a rear area of the vehicle, or even with electric traction motors directly integrated in the wheels.

[0041] According to a further feature, illustrated in figures 1 A-1 C, the system 1 is made as a single module with particularly small overall dimensions along a vertical direction of the vehicle, so as to allow the positioning of the module above any mechanical parts extending inside the front bay 2.

[0042] In relation to a preferred embodiment, the system 1 extends inside the front bay 2, above, with reference to a vertical direction of the vehicle, a pair of struts 4 joined frontally by a front cross-member 5. Furthermore, always in a preferred embodiment, the system 1 is positioned centrally inside the engine bay 2, with reference to a transversal horizontal axis of the vehicle (as illustrated in figure 1 C). Of course, other positions of system 1 can be provided inside bay 2, for example under the struts 4.

[0043] According to a further feature, system 1 comprises an air intake module 3, arranged to channel external air along system 1 , towards the passenger compartment. Module 3 is positioned in correspondence with a front area of system 1 , facing towards a front part of the vehicle, in particular towards the front surface of the vehicle on which a front bumper structure is mounted.

[0044] With particular reference to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1A- 1 C, the air intake module 3 comprises:

[0045] - a front inlet 30, possibly provided with a grille 30’ to retain solid bodies, provided for receiving a front inlet airflow directed substantially along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle,

[0046] - a preliminary chamber 31 , receiving the incoming airflow,

[0047] - an air collector 32, in fluid communication with the preliminary chamber 31 , provided for conveying airflow according to a direction determined by the overall shape of the air collector 32, and

[0048] - an air intake channel 6, provided for receiving the airflow conveyed by the collector 32 and directing it along the components of the system 1 downstream of said channel 6.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, downstream of the channel 6, the system 1 comprises:

[0050] - a ventilation device 7, comprising an impeller 7’, preferably a centrifugal fan, and a motorized door device 7”, configured for enabling flowing of at least one airflow to be treated, according to an operating mode of the system 1 set in the passenger compartment,

[0051] - a mixing chamber 8 downstream of the ventilation device 7, in which a first heat exchanger 9 and a second heat exchanger 10 are provided (liquid-air and / or refrigerant-air exchangers) configured to allow a heat exchange between a heat exchange fluid and air to be sent to the passenger compartment; the exchangers 9, 10 are arranged in the chamber 8 so that they can be hit by the same upstream airflow (this arrangement is discussed in more detail later in the description),

[0052] - an auxiliary duct 12, provided for taking an airflow from inside the passenger compartment, according to an air recirculation mode, and directing it towards the ventilation device 7 for the entry into the mixing chamber 8, and

[0053] - a bypass duct 13, provided for taking part of the air treated by the exchangers 9, 10, and sending it again towards the ventilation device 7 and upstream of the mixing chamber 8.

[0054] Advantageously, the HVAC system 1 also comprises a duct system arranged downstream of the mixing chamber 8 along the direction of the airflow being treated to be sent to the passenger compartment, arranged to optimize the distribution of air at a plurality of positions in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The features relating to the distribution in the passenger compartment of the airflow exiting the mixing chamber 8 are described below.

[0055] Figures 2A, 2B are different schematic perspective views of the system 1 , which show the operation of the system 1 when an external airflow F1 is taken from the outside, by the ventilation device 7, and sent along a flow direction inside the mixing chamber 8 (flow direction F1 from left to right in Figures 2A, 2B). The impeller 7’ sucks in external air in the front area of the vehicle or along the front bonnet. As previously indicated, the ventilation device 7 comprises a motorized door device 7” associated with the impeller 7’. In the operating mode illustrated in figures 2A, 2B, the door device 7” is in a position suitable for enabling outside air to flow through the air intake duct 6, for treatment in the chamber 8 before entering the passenger compartment, at the same time closing the passage of a return airflow along the auxiliary duct 12 and the bypass duct 13.

[0056] Figures 3A, 3B are different schematic perspective views of system 1 , showing the operation of system 1 with the entry of an external airflow F1 , together with the activation of a bypass function (activated to dehumidify the passenger compartment) which activates the circulation of a bypass airflow F2.

[0057] In accordance with this operating mode, the bypass duct 13 is used, which allows a portion of the dry air exiting the mixing chamber 8 to flow after treatment by the exchangers 9, 10, directing it again to the ventilation device 7 and to the inlet of the mixing chamber 8 upstream of the exchangers 9, 10.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, as illustrated in figures 3A, 3B, the bypass duct 13 extends along an upper area of system 1 adjacent to the chamber 8, but it can also be provided along a lower or lateral area.

[0059] According to a further peculiar feature, which will be explored in more detail below, the bypass is managed by regulation mechanisms that open or close the passage of the bypass airflow F2 along the duct 13, directly integrated in the door device 7”. In this perspective, the door device 7” includes a passage area, which can be opened or closed, to allow the bypass flow F2 to flow from a terminal part of the bypass duct 13 (according to the airflow direction indicated in figure 3B) to the inlet of the mixing chamber 8. Again in figures 3A, 3B, the reference 13’ indicates an access opening - in the always open position - to allow the airflow F2 to enter the by-pass duct 13. The flow will eventually be blocked or allowed to flow again towards the chamber 8, by means of the device 7”. The door device 7” is also configured and positioned to simultaneously close, according to the operating mode of figures 2A, 2B, the passage of an airflow through the auxiliary duct 12.

[0060] Figures 4A, 4B are different schematic perspective views of system 1 , showing the operation of system 1 with air recirculation mode (commonly called Air Circulation), together with the activation of the bypass function. The bypass function is similar to that indicated previously for figures 3A, 3B. According to the air recirculation mode, the auxiliary duct 12 is used to take air from the passenger compartment - internal airflow F3 - and direct it towards the ventilation device 7. The internal airflow F3 is then radially centrifuged by the impeller 7’ and pushed towards the mixing chamber 8, in which the exchangers 9, 10 are provided. As discussed in detail below, the door device 7” is configured and positioned to allow the passage of air from the passenger compartment to the device 7, together with the bypass function, while at the same time closing the inlet of the external airflow F1 through the air intake channel 6.

[0061] Figures 5A, 5B are different schematic perspective views of system 1 , which show the operation of system 1 set to perform air recirculation only. As discussed in detail below, the door device 7” is configured and positioned to allow the passage of the internal airflow F3 from the passenger compartment to the device 7, while at the same time closing the inlet of the external airflow F1 through the air intake channel 6, and the inlet of the bypass flow F2.

[0062] As previously indicated, the mixing chamber 8 is downstream of the ventilation device 7, in which a first heat exchanger 9 and a second heat exchanger 10 are provided (liquid-air and / or refrigerant-air exchangers) configured to allow a heat exchange between a heat exchange fluid and air to be sent to the passenger compartment. In one or more embodiments, inside the mixing chamber 8, upstream of the exchangers 9, 10 according to the direction of treatment of the airflow, at least one filter 14 is provided, for example a particulate filter, capable of filtering the air flowing through it and capturing the particles suspended therein and having a diameter, for example, less than 10, 5 or 2 micrometers. According to the invention, it is also possible for the system 1 to comprise further filters, for example capable of filtering components other than the air being treated, and arranged, for example, downstream of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. Other embodiments provide for the filter 14 to be positioned downstream of the exchangers 9, 10, or upstream of the ventilation device 7. In one or more embodiments, the first heat exchanger 9 and the second heat exchanger 10 are made in a functionally equivalent way and are arranged inside the chamber 8 so that they can be hit by the same upstream airflow. In particular, both the first heat exchanger 9 and the second heat exchanger 10 are designed to allow heat exchange between a heat exchange fluid and air to be sent to the passenger compartment. Depending on whether the heat exchange fluid is compressible or incompressible, and depending on the temperature and pressure conditions of the heat exchange fluid, in this way, both the first heat exchanger 9 and the second heat exchanger 10 can function as a condenser or evaporator, or as an air cooler or heater core, that is, they can cool or heat the air conveyed to them. As can be seen in particular in figures 2B, 3B, 4B, the first heat exchanger 9 and the second heat exchanger 10 are vertically placed side by side inside the chamber 8. The expression vertically refers to an assembled condition of the system 1 on the vehicle. Furthermore, the two exchangers placed side by side can be extended substantially along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical. The two exchangers 9, 10 can be placed side by side along a vertical or inclined direction according to different angles, with respect to a vertical direction of the chamber 8. In one or more embodiments, according to the features illustrated in figure 2B, 3B, 4B, a condensate collection and drainage system is also provided inside the chamber 8, to collect any condensate formed following the treatment of the airflow, and convey it outside the chamber 8. Preferably, this system comprises a condensate collection platform 15 in communication with the bottom of the chamber 8 via a drainage duct 16.

[0063] Figures 6-10B illustrate further features of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for air treatment, in relation to the distribution in the passenger compartment of the airflow exiting the mixing chamber 8.

[0064] In this perspective, observing in particular figure 6, it should be noted that the system 1 comprises an ordered arrangement of openings 17 comprising a plurality of outlet openings 19 directly facing the mixing chamber 8, downstream of the exchangers 9,10, and obtained in correspondence with a portion of the vehicle firewall 18. As previously indicated, the firewall 18 separates the front bay 2 from the passenger compartment.

[0065] In accordance with the purely exemplary representation of figures 8A, 8B, the outlet openings 19 are in communication with a plurality of distribution ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 to convey the air to the passenger compartment, extending downstream of the firewall 18. In the final assembled configuration of the vehicle, the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 are at least partially included inside a front dashboard (not illustrated). Each duct 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 therefore ends, at least, with a respective outlet provided on the dashboard of the vehicle or in correspondence with other positions inside the passenger compartment, such as for example a footrest area for the front seat occupants. The respective outlets of the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 can be provided with regulating means to regulate and direct the flow rate of the airflow.

[0066] It will therefore be appreciated that, in one or more embodiments, the distribution ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 are configured to convey an airflow, in accordance with the climate regulations made by a user in the passenger compartment.

[0067] Still with reference to figure 6, the outlet openings 19 create an ordered arrangement of openings, preferably of equal size, placed side by side along a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The terms vertical and horizontal refer to the final configuration assembled on the vehicle of the system 1. Preferred embodiments provide for an ordered arrangement of outlet openings 19, preferably of equal size, comprising two vertical rows of openings 19, horizontally placed side by side, where each vertical row is formed by four outlet openings 19.

[0068] As illustrated in the schematic view of figure 7, the ordered arrangement of openings 17 may comprise an upper opening 19’ so-called defroster, to appropriately convey an airflow towards the vehicle windshield. Preferably, the overall size of said upper opening 19’ is substantially corresponding to the overall size of two outlet openings 19 horizontally placed side by side, and is arranged above the two vertical rows of openings 19.

[0069] As previously indicated, the system 1 may operate according to an air recirculation mode (commonly called air recirculation). In this air recirculation mode, an auxiliary duct 12 is used, which takes air from the passenger compartment and directs it towards the fan device 7. The airflow is radially centrifuged by the impeller 7’ and pushed towards the mixing chamber 8 in which the exchangers 9, 10 are provided.

[0070] In this perspective, according to a further feature illustrated in figures 6, 7, the ordered arrangement of openings 17 includes a further opening 22, adjacent to said outlet openings 19, in which said further opening 22 channels incoming air into the auxiliary duct 12 to perform said recirculation function. This additional opening 22 is therefore designed to receive an incoming airflow from the passenger compartment and direct the airflow along the relative duct to perform a new treatment in the mixing chamber 8.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, as illustrated in figures 6, 7, said additional opening 22 - which channels air into the auxiliary duct to perform the recirculation function - is positioned laterally to the outlet openings 19, with reference to a horizontal direction of the vehicle. According to a further feature, the overall size of said additional opening 22 substantially corresponds to the overall size of a vertical row of openings 19 formed by four outlet openings 19.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, said additional opening 22 can be advantageously protected by a front grille 26, to intercept any solid bodies.

[0073] Advantageous embodiments of the ordered arrangement of openings 17 may comprise four pairs of openings 19 arranged vertically in a row, each pair being formed by two horizontally adjacent openings (as illustrated in figures 6,7) to convey air towards:

[0074] - a front or lateral area with respect to the torso of the driver and the front seat passenger,

[0075] - an area proximal to the rear seats, for example in correspondence with right and left central pillars of the vehicle, or in correspondence with a portion of a central tunnel.

[0076] - a feet area towards the occupants of the rear seat,

[0077] - a feet area towards the front seat occupants.

[0078] Of course, the outlet openings 19 can have different configurations, based on the model of the vehicle and also on the need for thermal comfort in the passenger compartment.

[0079] According to a further embodiment, the ordered arrangement of openings can include a minimal configuration of outlet openings 19, in which two vertical rows of openings 19 are provided, horizontally side by side, where each vertical row is formed by two outlet openings 19. The two openings 19 of each vertical row can be provided for the air outlet in correspondence with:

[0080] - a foot area of the front seat occupants;

[0081] - a front or lateral area with respect to the torso of the driver and the passenger on the front seat.

[0082] Figures 8A-10B illustrate further features of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for air treatment, in relation to the distribution ducts.

[0083] As previously indicated, the outlet openings 19 are in communication with a plurality of distribution ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 to convey the air to the passenger compartment, extending downstream of the firewall 18.

[0084] According to an essential feature of the present invention, the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 have a conformation substantially adhering to the firewall 18, at least partially fitted within corresponding recesses on the firewall 18 itself. In other words, the overall shape of the firewall 18 is exploited to create an overall configuration of ducts capable of minimizing intrusion into the passenger compartment (see for example figure 10A).

[0085] In order to further minimize the space occupied in the passenger compartment, the ducts may have space-saving dimensions, with a rectangular section enlarged and flattened against the firewall 18.

[0086] It will therefore be appreciated that the firewall 18 comprises a plurality of recesses, and the ducts adapt to be positioned at least partially inside said recesses, minimizing the space occupied towards the passenger compartment.

[0087] Thanks to these features, the dashboard of the vehicle (which at least partially houses the ducts) can be made with a small footprint and substantially minimal configuration, thus increasing the space available in the passenger compartment.

[0088] Note that all ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 may include some stretches that have a section with a different size than that of other stretches, in order to exploit the available spaces and the shape of the firewall 18.

[0089] According to a further preferred feature, the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 are at least partially fixed to the firewall 18 by means of mechanical fastening members of any known type.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 are made of plastic material, to provide the desired weight and rigidity properties.

[0091] Figure 8A illustrates a firewall 18 and a possible configuration of distribution ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25, according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the outlet openings 19 are obtained along a lower central portion of the firewall 18. The ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 have a symmetrical arrangement with respect to a central symmetry axis of the firewall 18.

[0092] The ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 may comprise:

[0093] - a pair of front ducts 20 provided for conveying air towards a front and / or lateral area with respect to the torso of the driver and front passenger, - a pair of rear ducts 21 provided for conveying air towards an area proximal to the rear seats, for example in correspondence with right and left central pillars of the vehicle, or in correspondence with a portion of the tunnel central,

[0094] - a pair of auxiliary rear ducts 23 designed to convey air to a feet area of the rear seat occupants,

[0095] - a pair of auxiliary front ducts 24 designed to convey air to a feet area of the front seat occupants,

[0096] - a defroster duct 25 to convey air to the vehicle windscreen.

[0097] All ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 have a connection portion interfaced with the respective outlet opening 19 obtained on the firewall. In particular, considering a vertical direction from bottom to top with respect to the vehicle floor, each pair of openings formed by two horizontally adjacent openings is interfaced with (in the following order from bottom to top):

[0098] - the two front ducts 20,

[0099] - the two rear ducts 21 ,

[0100] - the two auxiliary rear ducts 23,

[0101] - the two auxiliary front ducts 24.

[0102] Above the two openings for the auxiliary front ducts, an upper opening 19’ may be provided for the defroster duct 25.

[0103] Further embodiments, similar to what is illustrated in figure 8A, may provide for a minimal configuration of ducts in which the rear ducts 21 and the auxiliary rear ducts 23 are not provided.

[0104] With reference to figure 8A, note that the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 are configured to be included, at least partially, within a dashboard unit (not illustrated). The rear ducts 21 , and auxiliary rear ducts 23 are only partially illustrated in figure 8A, as they continue along the floor of the vehicle (not illustrated), to reach the respective rear passenger compartment area.

[0105] According to a further feature illustrated in figure 8A, each front duct 21 comprises a connection portion interfaced with the respective outlet opening 19 obtained on the firewall 18, a first vertical portion 27 directed vertically along the firewall 18, substantially extended along a major part of the height of the firewall 18, and a second horizontal portion 28 that extends horizontally along an upper portion of the firewall 18. Said second portion 28 may comprise a respective lateral outlet 28’ and / or central outlet 28” for conveying air towards a lateral and / or front area with respect to the torso of the driver or front passenger.

[0106] According to one or more embodiments, as illustrated in figure 8A, one of the two front ducts 20, in particular its first portion 27 directed vertically along the firewall 18, may be superimposed on said additional opening 22 for the recirculation function. In this regard, said first portion 27 is spaced from the firewall 18 by a minimum distance sufficient to prevent the obstruction of said additional opening 22.

[0107] According to one or more embodiments, as illustrated in figure 8A, between the two front ducts 20, in particular between said first portions 27, the auxiliary front ducts 24, the defroster duct 25, as well as a first section of the rear ducts 23 and auxiliary rear ducts 24 (if present) extend at least partially. More specifically, the defroster duct 25 extends from the array of openings 17 to an upper end portion of the firewall 18, the rear ducts 23 and auxiliary rear ducts 24 extend from the array of openings 17 to a lower end portion of the firewall 18.

[0108] Figure 8B illustrates a firewall 18 and a configuration of ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25, according to a further embodiment of the invention, in which the outlet openings 19 are obtained along a lower central portion of the firewall 18.

[0109] The ducts 20 have a symmetrical arrangement with respect to a central symmetry axis of the firewall.

[0110] The ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 may comprise the same types of ducts as indicated previously for figure 8A.

[0111] Further embodiments, similar to those illustrated in figure 8B, may provide for a minimal configuration of ducts in which the rear ducts 23 and the auxiliary rear ducts 24 are not provided.

[0112] Also in figure 8B, the rear ducts 23, and auxiliary rear ducts 24 are only partially illustrated, as they continue along the floor of the vehicle (not illustrated), to reach the respective rear passenger compartment area.

[0113] According to a further feature illustrated in figure 8B, the front ducts 20 extend on the firewall 18 according to a configuration that leaves free a predominant central part of the firewall 18.

[0114] More specifically, each front duct 20 comprises a connection portion interfaced with the respective outlet opening 19 obtained on the firewall 18, a first horizontal portion 29 that extends horizontally along a lower part of the firewall 18, and a second portion including a first curved section 34 and a second vertical section 35 that ends with a respective lateral outlet 28’. Advantageously, each front duct 20 may comprise a further section 36 that extends from the first curved section 34 or from the second vertical section 35, along an upper area of the firewall 18, up to a respective central outlet 28”.

[0115] According to one or more embodiments, as illustrated in figure 8B, the front auxiliary ducts 24, the defroster duct 25, as well as a first section of the rear ducts 23 and rear auxiliary ducts 24 (if present), extend along a central part of the firewall. More specifically, the defroster duct 25 extends from the array of openings 17 to an upper end portion of the firewall 18, the rear ducts 23 and auxiliary rear ducts 24 extend from the array of openings 17 to a lower end portion of the firewall 18.

[0116] As previously indicated, said additional opening 22 - which channels air into the auxiliary duct 12 to perform the recirculation function - can be advantageously protected by a front grille 26. Figures 9A - 9B illustrate possible embodiments, in which a possible arrangement of the grille 26 and the front ducts 20 is highlighted, with respect to the firewall 18.

[0117] In figure 9A, the grille 26 appears to protrude into the passenger compartment with respect to the general plane defined by the firewall 18, with a portion of one of the front ducts 20 extending frontally to the grille 26. More specifically, the duct 20 can comprise a first section spaced from the plane of the firewall 18 to leave the space necessary for the grille 26 to protrude from the firewall 18, and a second section adjacent to the firewall 18.

[0118] In figure 9B, the grille 26 is fitted within a recess in the firewall 18, so that the plane defined by a front surface of the grille 26 is coplanar with the general plane of the firewall 18. The duct 20 can therefore comprise a single vertical section having a surface portion that extends adjacent to both the general plane of the firewall 18 and the plane defined by the front surface of the grille 26.

[0119] In both embodiments, a layer of sound-absorbing material 37 can be advantageously provided on a surface portion of the front duct that substantially faces the front surface of the grille 26. As previously indicated, the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 have a conformation substantially adhering to the firewall 18, at least partially fitted within corresponding recesses obtained on the firewall 18. In this perspective, figure 10A illustrates purely by way of example a possible configuration of the front ducts 20.

[0120] As previously indicated, the ducts 20, 21 , 23, 24, 25 are at least partially fixed to the firewall 18 by means of mechanical fastening members of any known type. In this perspective, figure 10B illustrates purely by way of example a possible configuration of the front ducts 20, which are constrained, along opposite end parts, to the firewall 18 by means of a plurality of fastening screws 38.

[0121] Of course, notwithstanding the principle of the invention, the construction details and the embodiments may vary widely with respect to what is described and illustrated purely by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A motor-vehicle comprising a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (1 ) for treating air to be sent to a passenger compartment of the vehicle,- said system (1 ) being entirely mounted within a vehicle front bay (2), prepared for installing a traction engine, wherein said front bay (2) is separated from the passenger compartment by a firewall (18),- said system (1 ) comprising:- a mixing chamber (8) for providing heat exchange between a heat exchange fluid and air to be sent to the passenger compartment,- a plurality of outlet openings (19, 19’) directly facing the mixing chamber (8), obtained in correspondence with the firewall (18),- a plurality of distribution ducts (20, 21 , 23, 24, 25) respectively communicating with said outlet openings (19, 19’), extending downstream of the firewall (18) to convey air towards a specific passenger compartment area,- wherein the ducts (20, 21 , 23, 24, 25) have a conformation substantially adhering to the firewall (18), at least partially fitted along corresponding recesses obtained on the firewall (18), so as to minimize intrusion into the passenger compartment.

2. The motor-vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said distribution ducts (20, 21 , 23, 24, 25) comprises duct portions having different cross-section compared to other duct portions of the same distribution duct (20, 21 , 23, 24, 25), in order to exploit the available spaces and the overall shape of the firewall (18).

3. The motor-vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet openings (19,19’) are obtained along a lower central portion of the firewall (18), the ducts (20, 21 , 23, 24, 25) having a symmetrical arrangement with respect to a central symmetry axis of the firewall (18).

4. The motor-vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution ducts (20, 21 , 23, 24, 25) comprise:- a pair of front ducts (20) provided for conveying air towards a front and / or lateral area with respect to the torso of the front seat occupants,- a pair of auxiliary front ducts (24) provided for conveying air towardsa feet area of the front seat occupants, and- a defroster duct (25) provided for conveying air towards the vehicle windshield.

5. The motor-vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the distribution ducts (20, 21 , 23, 24, 25) comprise:- a pair of rear ducts (21 ) provided for conveying air towards a passenger compartment area proximal to the rear seats, in particular in correspondence with right and left central pillars of the vehicle, or in correspondence with a portion of a central tunnel,- a pair of auxiliary rear ducts (23) provided for conveying air towards a feet area of the rear seat occupants.

6. The motor-vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each front duct (20) comprises a connection portion interfaced with the respective outlet opening (19), a first vertical portion (27) directed vertically along the firewall (18), substantially extended along a major part of the height of the firewall (18), and a second horizontal portion (28) extended horizontally along an upper portion of the firewall (18), wherein said second horizontal portion (28) includes a lateral outlet (28’) and / or central outlet (28”).

7. The motor-vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each front duct (20) comprises a connection portion interfaced with the respective outlet opening (19), a first horizontal portion (29) extended horizontally along a lower part of the firewall (18), and a second portion including a first curved section (34) and a second vertical section (35) ending with a respective lateral outlet (28’).

8. The motor-vehicle according to claim 7, wherein each front duct (20) comprises a further section (36) extended from the first curved section (34) or from the second vertical section (35), along an upper area of the firewall (18), up to a respective central outlet (28”).

9. The motor-vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the system (1 ) comprises:- an air intake channel (6) provided for receiving an airflow conveyed by a manifold (32) and directing it along the system (1 ), towards the passenger compartment,- a ventilation device (7) comprising an impeller (7’) and a motorized door device (7”), for enabling flowing of at least one airflow to be treated,according to an operating mode of the system (1 ) set in the passenger compartment,- a first heat exchanger (9) and a second heat exchanger (10) arranged inside the mixing chamber (8), - an auxiliary duct (12) provided for taking an airflow from inside the passenger compartment, according to an air recirculation mode, and directing it towards the ventilation device (7), and- a bypass duct (13) provided for taking part of the air treated by the exchangers (9, 10), and sending it again towards the ventilation device (7) and upstream of the mixing chamber (8).

10. The motor-vehicle according to claim 9, wherein said outlet openings (19,19’) comprise an upper opening (19’) arranged for connection with a defroster duct (25) for conveying air towards the vehicle windscreen, and a further opening (22) for enabling said air recirculation mode of the system (1 ), positioned laterally to the outlet openings (19), with reference to a transversal horizontal direction of the vehicle.

Images