DE102014112535A1 - Automotive air conditioning system with detachably connected filter cover - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automotive air conditioning system (1) with a filter cover (30). It comprises a housing (10-14) with an air duct system, a fan which is arranged in the air duct system, and a filter mounting chamber (12) which is adapted to receive an air filter in the air duct system. It further comprises a filter opening (18) provided below the filter mounting space (12), through which an air filter can be inserted or an inserted air filter can be removed, a filter cover (30) releasably connected to the housing (10-14), by means of which the filter opening ( 18) is closable, wherein the filter cover (30) is formed trough-shaped for collecting water, and a first water drainage channel (16) which communicates with the air ducting system and via which water in the air duct system via the filter cover (30) from the Housing (10-14) is derivable. The motor vehicle air conditioning system (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the housing (10-14) comprises a second water drainage channel (17), wherein the second water drainage channel (17) through at least a portion of a housing inner wall (14) with a passage (19) to the housing outer wall is trained. Furthermore, according to the invention, an outlet nozzle (32) is provided on the filter cover (30), which can be attached obliquely from below to the passage (19), whereby the passage (19) supports the outlet nozzle (32) from below and the outlet nozzle (32) the second water drainage channel (17) opens, and the passage (19) and the filter opening (18) are tightly closed from the outside by pivoting the filter cover (30) upwards.

Description

The present invention relates to an automotive air conditioning system with a filter opening and a filter cover to allow the replacement of the air filter in the automotive air conditioning system.

Automotive air conditioning systems suck air from the environment during operation. The sucked air is filtered by an air filter and conditioned according to the passenger's request, i. cooled or heated accordingly while dehumidifying. Moisture can be absorbed by the sucked air by e.g. Rain or snow get into the air-carrying duct system, which must be derived accordingly from the air conditioning system. Due to space requirements and weight reduction, it is an effort to make the housing for the air duct system as compact as possible. These space requirements have an unfavorable effect on the effectiveness of the drainage. Furthermore, other requirements for easy maintenance, e.g. be met to replace the air filter. If the air filter opening is accessible from the passenger cabin, it must be ensured in particular by sealing measures that no moisture penetrates into the footwell of the passenger compartment.

Generic motor vehicle air conditioning systems include for this purpose a housing with an air duct system, a fan which is arranged in the air duct system, and a filter mounting space which is adapted to receive an air filter downstream or upstream of the fan in the air duct system. To replace the air filter, a filter opening is further provided below the filter mounting space, through which an air filter inserted or an inserted air filter is removable. A releasably connected to the housing filter cover, by means of which the filter opening is closed, is formed trough-shaped for collecting water, wherein water, in particular spray water from the outside, in the air ducting system via the filter cover from the housing via a water drainage channel is derivable.

In the DE 10 2011 007 754 A1 a generic motor vehicle air conditioning system is described, which is equipped with a water-removing filter cover, which can be connected by a substantially horizontal movement with the housing and also released again.

Due to the installation space situation, a horizontal movement of the filter cover to connect or disconnect from the housing may be disadvantageous, especially if the space is occupied locally around the filter opening by other housing parts or the vehicle interior trim.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an alternative filter cover concept, which satisfies the aforementioned requirements of water drainage and which makes good use of the available degrees of freedom in terms of opening and closing of the filter cover. In addition, a filter cover designed in this way should be inexpensive and easy to maintain.

This object is achieved by an automotive air conditioning system according to claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with such an air conditioner according to claim 10. Advantageous training and further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

The motor vehicle air conditioning system according to the invention is characterized in that the housing in addition to the (first) mentioned above water drainage channel comprises a second water drainage channel, wherein the second water drainage channel is formed by at least a portion of a housing inner wall with a passage to the housing outer wall. It is further provided according to the invention that an outlet nozzle is provided on the filter cover, which can be attached obliquely from below to the passage, wherein the passage supports the outlet port from below and the outlet port opens into the second water drainage channel. The section of the housing inner wall with the passage and the filter cover are adapted so that the passage and the filter opening are tightly closed by pivoting the filter cover from the outside. The passage in the housing wall forms together with the outlet nozzle a pre-fixing, which can be comfortably attached from diagonally below without slipping.

The prefixing may e.g. additionally be formed by a projection on the underside of the outlet nozzle, which is hung on the housing inner wall at the lower edge of the passage. The oblique application from below uses in particular the space well, if the filter opening should be accessible to the passenger compartment side for changing the filter, e.g. through the legroom below the glove box in front of the passenger seat. The leg clearance can then be available both for pivoting the filter cover and for removing or introducing the air filter through the filter opening.

The tightness of the arrangement of the filter cover on the housing relates in particular to airtightness. A waterproofness is not necessarily needed here because of the trough-shaped Structure of the filter cover, the discharge through the outlet connection, the connection between the filter cover with outlet on the one hand and the housing parts around the filter opening and the passage on the other hand with appropriate dimensioning does not come into contact with the effluent splashing. For particularly high requirements, eg for extreme conditions due to off-road driving, an additional seal may possibly be installed. This is not needed for ordinary road use.

In the solution according to the invention, when the filter cover is pivoted up, it closes the filter opening, at the same time the outlet connection closing off the passage between the housing inner wall and the housing outer wall. The attachment to the far end of the filter cover, i. At the opposite end of the outlet, is then carried out in a known per se, for example by a catch or a screw connection.

Typically, the first water drainage channel is formed downstream of the fan in the air ducting system and collects in particular water infiltrated from outside, e.g. Splashing water to drain this over the filter cover. The second water drainage channel is typically designed to collect and remove in particular condensation water from the evaporator. The outlet allows now to merge both water drainage channels without external connecting hoses integrally in the housing of the air duct system. This is typically done in an area adjacent to or below the evaporator, which produces an increased amount of condensation in dehumidifying the air.

Typically, the filter cover and the filter opening are elongated. The passage is then preferably arranged in extension to the narrow side of the filter opening and the outlet is then provided on the narrow side of the filter cover in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the most straightforward and easy to produce connection of the outlet with the passage is made possible, whereby an opening and closing of the filter cover is facilitated without jamming. Filters of other designs and adapted thereto filter openings and filter cover are also conceivable.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet nozzle has a rectangular or a U-shaped cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet is open at the top in the installation position. An open-topped component can be manufactured with a simpler tool and in a simplified injection molding process. In particular, the entire filter cover with outlet can be made in one piece without connecting parts. This is not only less expensive, but also requires no seal between the outlet and filter cover. Further, the outlet nozzle is in the assembled state close to the housing, so that for these reasons no additional upper limit is required.

Preferably, it is further provided that the underside of the outlet nozzle and / or the filter cover is formed in the installed position by a groove which is inclined in the outlet direction at a slight angle downwards. This prevents any remaining water from remaining in the filter cover and in the outlet nozzle. Furthermore, an improved drainage of the water at surge water entry is possible. A small angle in the sense of the invention means a tendency such that water can flow off despite its adhesion forces due to its own weight, without flowing out in a turbulent and falling manner. Depending on the profile and dimensions of the outlet nozzle such angular ranges are between 1 ° -10 °, more preferably between 2 ° and 5 °.

According to one embodiment of the invention, stop means are provided on the outlet nozzle, which pre-position the filter cover when attaching the outlet in the passage, so that the filter opening can be closed by pivoting about the attachment point. As a result, the insertion of the filter cover is further simplified. The stop means can be formed by a small protrusion on the underside of the filter cover. Alternatively or additionally, the stop means may also comprise a hinge.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the free end of the outlet nozzle protrudes when the filter cover is mounted in the second water drainage channel and formed at the free end of the outlet nozzle in the second water drainage channel projecting dripping means. These are formed for example by at least one downwardly projecting into the second water drainage drip. Alternatively, a drip edge may be formed. These drip ensures that the water does not drip directly at the junction between the outlet and outlet, so that can be dispensed with additional sealant in this mating area. The drip nose can serve at the same time back to rest on the housing inner wall.

The connection between the filter cover with the outlet port on the one hand and the area around the filter opening and / or the area around the passage is preferably formed as a tongue and groove connection. Preferably, housing and filter cover are made of the same plastic manufactured, with no further sealing elements or sealants are used in the tongue and groove joint. Furthermore, it can be provided in particular for this purpose that drip-off lugs are provided on the housing in the region of the filter opening, which are arranged within the cross section of the filter opening and spaced from the tongue and groove connection. It has been found by tests that due to the inventive design of the filter cover and the housing on such an additional sealing measure can be dispensed with and there is no water leakage from the connection area between the filter cover and filter opening / housing.

In a further development of the invention it is provided that a longitudinally extending rib structure is formed in the filter cover, which is in physical contact with the filter cover mounted with the air filter. The rib structure can be formed from a single or several parallel ribs or a labyrinth of ribs, which contact the air filter on its underside and constitute a barrier to the air coming from the fan, so that the air can not pass below the filter. The water can then flow parallel to the ribs below the air filter to the outlet port.

According to the invention, a motor vehicle is equipped with a previously described air conditioning system, wherein the filter cover closable by the filter opening is arranged in particular above the footwell of the passenger seat. Here, the advantages of the opening direction unfold by a vertical pivoting movement of the filter cover best.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment and with reference to the figures.

The 1 shows a perspective view of a lower housing half of an air duct system for an automotive air conditioning system with a releasably connected filter cover according to the embodiment of the invention,

the 2 shows a plan view of the in the 1 illustrated lower housing half with filter cover including an explanation of the water drainage concept according to the present disclosure,

the 3 shows a sectional view through the in the 2 illustrated filter cover along the line II with an explanation of the water drainage concept according to the present disclosure,

the 4 shows a side view of a filter cover according to the embodiment of the invention,

the 5 shows a plan view of the in the 4 illustrated filter cover,

the 6 shows a detailed view of the in the 4 and 5 illustrated filter cover at the end of the outlet,

the 7 shows a section of the motor vehicle air conditioner during the attachment or detachment of the filter cover according to the embodiment of the invention,

the 8th shows a side view of the lower housing half with filter cover,

the 9 shows a sectional view of the in the 8th shown lower housing half along the line II-II,

the 10 shows the detail section A2 from the 9 and

the 11 - 12 show the detail A1 from the 3 , In two variants.

In the 1 is a perspective view of a lower housing half of an air duct system for an automotive air conditioning system 1 shown, which with a releasably connected filter cover 30 equipped according to the embodiment of the invention. The 2 shows a corresponding plan view of the same vehicle air conditioning 1 , The lower housing half has a plurality of housing areas 10 - 15 on, which is made in one piece as an integral plastic injection molded part. The air duct system is airtight closed by placing an upper half of the housing with the lower half of the housing along the common connecting line (not shown). These two housing halves represent the main body of the air duct system, wherein optionally further housing parts, such as motor holder or extension channels to the air outlets or a rear air conditioning unit (not shown), can be connected thereto.

The lower housing half includes, among other things, a spiral housing area 10 , in which a blower, in particular a radial fan can be used (not shown). By operating the fan, the air in the air duct system is over the housing area 11 accelerated to be directed in the direction of the air outlets to the passenger compartment. For this purpose, the air passes first a filter, not shown here, which in housing area 12 , the filter mounting space, can be used and also removed again. For this purpose is below the filter mounting room 12 a filter opening 18 provided, through which the air filter from below inserted or an inserted air filter can be removed down again. The filter opening 18 is preferably with built-in vehicle air conditioning 1 arranged such that it is accessible above the footwell of the passenger seat, so that a filter change can be carried out comfortably on the passenger cabin and not over the engine compartment. The filter opening 18 is with a filter cover 30 lockable, as will be described in detail below. The air filtered through the air filter then continues over a housing area 13 directed to the air outlets in the passenger compartment, where they can be blown into the passenger compartment depending on the control of the air outlet flaps (not shown).

During operation of the motor vehicle air conditioner 1 it happens regularly that water, in particular spray, from outside the motor vehicle enters the air duct system. For this purpose, in the air duct system, a splash water drainage channel 16 provided by means of which the water thus penetrated along the downstream of the fan housing areas 10 . 11 deposited by gravity down, over the filter cover 30 collected and removed from the case 10 - 15 is derived. By draining the spray water through the splash water drainage channel 16 Prevents splashing water to the area downstream behind the air filter, so the housing area 13 , can penetrate.

Furthermore, in the automotive air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment of the invention, a condensate drainage channel 17 provided, which between a not shown in the housing area 14 to be arranged evaporator and the adjacent housing inner wall of this housing portion 14 to be led. In the housing inner wall is in this area a passage 19 formed to the housing outer wall, which laterally below the filter opening 18 out of the case. On the filter cover 30 is an outlet 32 provided, which in the passage 19 is insertable, so that the splash water drainage channel 16 over the outlet 32 in the condensation drainage channel 17 empties.

In the 3 is a sectional view through the in the 2 illustrated filter cover 30 shown in detail along the line II. The water drain concept as well as the merging of the two water drainage channels 16 . 17 In accordance with the present disclosure, this will be further clarified. Further details about the outlet nozzle 32 in the image section A1 is with reference to the 11 explained in more detail below.

In the 4 - 6 is the filter cover 30 described in more detail according to the embodiment of the invention. The 4 and 5 show the filter cover 30 in side view and in plan view, while in the 6 a detailed view of the filter cover 30 at the end of the outlet 32 is shown.

The filter cover 30 is trough-shaped for collecting water and made of the same plastic as the housing 10 - 15 the air duct system. At the bottom of the filter cover 30 is a groove 35 formed, which extends to the outlet 32 extends. The slope of the gutter 35 in the exemplary embodiment is about 5% in the outlet direction. In modified embodiments, other flat angles of inclination, in particular between 2 ° and 10 ° may be appropriate, depending on which mounting width for the filter cover 30 is provided and for which capacity of the filter cover 30 or for which maximum flow rate the water drainage system is designed.

At the top of the filter cover 30 runs a groove 31 which is designed to be circumferentially around the filter opening 18 extending bead 20 to enter a tongue and groove connection, as with reference to the 10 will be explained. At the outlet 32 opposite end is on the filter cover 30 a catch 40 intended.

The outlet nozzle 32 has an edged U-shape, ie a rectangular, open in the installed position cross-section. The otherwise lying in a plane circumference of the top of the filter cover 30 includes the end of the outlet 32 a bevel 33 , At the end of the outlet 32 is a stop 34 provided, which is U-shaped along the entire cross-section of the outlet 32 runs. The inner cross section of the outlet nozzle 32 that is the one for the splash water drainage channel 16 effective cross-section, projects relative to the outer cross-section of the outlet 32 a few millimeters to about an inch out. Directly at the outlet end of the inner cross section is at the bottom a vertically downwardly projecting drip 36 whose function is related to the 11 will be explained in more detail.

In the filter cover 30 is a ribbed structure of a midrib 37 , several parallel longitudinal ribs 38 and further bevel ribs 39 educated. The bevel ribs 39 moderate the water flow of the splash water drainage channel 16 in that, on the one hand, the water is conducted obliquely to the gutter and, on the other hand, a potentially violent spray water surge is refracted and successively closed Outlet direction is converted into a laminar flow. On the further function of the rib structure becomes in connection with the 10 discussed in more detail.

In the 7 is a section of the automotive air conditioning system 1 while attaching or loosening the filter cover 30 illustrated according to the embodiment of the invention. For inserting the filter cover 30 becomes the outlet nozzle 32 diagonally from below into the passage 19 introduced. To prevent slipping, the filter cover 30 when attaching the outlet nozzle 32 in the passage 19 by means of the stop 34 prepositioned so that by pivoting in mounting direction M to the attachment point the filter opening 18 is closable. The U-shaped circumferential stop 34 closes the passage 19 Completely. The attachment at the far end then takes place through the catch 40 , which in integral on the housing section 10 . 11 provided counter-locking means (not shown) engages.

In the 8th is a side view of the lower half of the vehicle air conditioning system 1 shown. The section shown there along the line II-II is in the 9 shown. In this illustration, the filter mounting space 12 with the filter cover underneath 30 better to see. The detail section A2 drawn there is in the 10 reproduced in more detail.

The area around the filter opening 18 is as mentioned above with a bead 20 equipped, which in the groove 31 at the top of the filter cover 30 engages and forms a tongue and groove connection with this in the assembled state. Because of the water in the gutter 35 is collected and over the outlet pipe 32 is derived, the tongue and groove joint must not be waterproof. Therefore, in this area can be dispensed with additional sealing material.

On the housing in the area of the filter opening 18 is also circumferentially a drip edge 21 provided, which within the cross section of the filter opening 18 and spaced from the tongue and groove connection 20 . 31 is arranged. Splashing water, which over the splash water drainage channel 16 is guided, thus free in the gutter 35 the filter cover 30 drain off without getting water on the inside of the groove 31 could settle.

When assembled, the air filter is located in the air filter chamber 12 on the in the filter cover 30 trained longitudinal ribs 38 and is supported by these from below. The air filter will close when closing the filter cover 30 to the midrib 37 pressed. Advantageously, the midrib is 37 slightly higher than the longitudinal ribs 38 educated. It is for example 1mm-3mm higher. This will be in the contact area of the midrib 37 with the air filter creates a large airtightness, so no air below the air filter from the housing area 11 in the housing area 13 can escape. The air filtration is thus through the filter cover according to the invention 30 not impaired.

In the 11 is a detail A1 from the 3 , shown in more detail. Inserting the outlet nozzle 32 in the passage 19 is by the bevel 33 facilitated. This can cause the dripping nose 36 slightly at the bottom edge of the passage 19 happen until the encircling stop 34 at the lower point of the outer edge of the passage 19 strikes. The filter cover 30 can then be conveniently swung up and locked without slipping as described above.

The bevel 33 can be adjusted depending on the embodiment. The angle of the chamfer 33 opposite the remaining upper edge of the filter cover 30 or the outlet 32 can be a few degrees. The bevel 33 In particular, so must the geometry of the passage 19 and the outlet 32 adapted to allow insertion from diagonally downwards. It should be noted that at the introduction of the outlet 32 in the passage 19 neither the bevel 33 at the top of the passage 19 still the dripping nose 36 at the lower edge of the passage 19 Keeps hanging.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a wall thickness of the housing in the region of the passage is sufficient 19 typically 1-2mm and the length of the drip-off nose 36 on a similar scale a bevel of about 10% over half the length of the outlet 32 , However, the bevel can also have much larger angles, for example 30 ° or 45 °, whereby a steeper attachment for mounting is possible. It must be ensured that a maximum specified splash of water spray through the so beveled and degraded wall of the outlet 32 can be derived. A concern of the outlet 32 on the housing section 15 increases the tightness of the filter cover 30 in assembled condition.

In the 12 is one of those in the 11 shown alternative embodiment variant shown. The difference to the variant in the 11 is that on the outside of the housing area 14 below the passage 19 a hinge bush 34a is provided. At the bottom of the filter cover 30 is a hinge leg 34c attached, which at its end a hinge axis 34b having. The hinge axis 34b can in the hinge bush 34a be attached and thus facilitates the installation of filter cover 30 , To insert the outlet nozzle during this preparation 32 in the passage 19 to facilitate, is instead of the drip nose 36 a drip edge 36' intended.

After swiveling up the filter cover 30 protrudes the free end of the outlet 32 in the condensation drainage channel 17 into it, with the drip nose 36 or the drip edge 36' spaced from the inner wall of the housing portion 14 is arranged. In this way it is avoided that water on the inner cross section of the passage 19 deposits, so that even in this area can be dispensed with additional sealant.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Automotive air conditioning system

10-15

housing areas

16

Splash-drain channel

17

Condensate drain channel

18

filter opening

19

passage

20

Bead, spring

21

drip

30

filter cover

31

groove

32

outlet

33

bevel

34

attack

34a

hinge bush

34b

hinge axis

34c

hinge leg

35

gutter

36

clapboard

36'

drip edge

37

midrib

38, 39

ribs

40

notch

M

mounting direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The 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

• DE 102011007754 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Automotive air conditioning system ( 1 ), comprising - a housing ( 10 - 14 ) with an air duct system, - a fan, which is arranged in the air duct system, - a filter mounting space ( 12 ), which is suitable to receive an air filter in the air duct system, - one below the filter mounting space ( 12 ) provided filter opening ( 18 ), through which an air filter can be inserted or an inserted air filter is removable, - one releasably connected to the housing ( 10 - 14 ) connected filter cover ( 30 ), by means of which the filter opening ( 18 ) is closable, wherein the filter cover ( 30 ) is trough-shaped for collecting water, and - a first water drainage channel ( 16 ), which communicates with the air-conducting duct system and via which water in the air-conducting duct system via the filter cover ( 30 ) out of the housing ( 10 - 14 ), characterized in that - the housing ( 10 - 14 ) a second water drainage channel ( 17 ), wherein the second water drainage channel ( 17 ) through at least a portion of a housing inner wall ( 14 ) with a passage ( 19 ) is formed to the housing outer wall, - on the filter cover ( 30 ) an outlet ( 32 ) is provided, which obliquely from below at the passage ( 19 ), whereby the passage ( 19 ) the outlet nozzle ( 32 ) from below and the outlet ( 32 ) in the second water drainage channel ( 17 ), and - the passage ( 19 ) and the filter opening ( 18 ) by pivoting the filter cover ( 30 ) are tightly closed from the outside. Automotive air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet ( 32 ) has a rectangular or a U-shaped cross-section. Automotive air conditioning system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlet ( 32 ) is open at the top in the installation position. Automotive air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underside of the outlet ( 32 ) and / or the filter cover ( 30 ) in installation position through a channel ( 35 ) is formed, which is inclined in the outlet direction at a slight angle downwards. Automotive air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the outlet ( 32 ) Slings ( 34 ; 34a - 34c ) are provided, which the filter cover ( 30 ) when attaching the outlet nozzle ( 32 ) in the passage ( 19 ), so that the filter opening ( 18 ) is closable. Automotive air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the free end of the outlet nozzle ( 32 ) with mounted filter cover ( 30 ) in the second water drainage channel ( 17 protrudes) and - at the free end of the outlet ( 32 ) at least in the second water drainage channel ( 17 ) draining agents ( 36 . 36' ) are formed. Motor vehicle air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the housing ( 10 - 14 ) is made of plastic and - the filter cover ( 30 ) with the area around the filter opening ( 18 ) and / or with the area around the passage ( 19 ) as a tongue and groove connection ( 20 . 31 ) made of the plastic of the housing ( 10 - 14 ) is trained. Motor vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that on the housing in the region of the filter opening ( 18 ) Dripping noses ( 21 ) are provided, which within the cross section of the filter opening ( 18 ) and spaced from the tongue and groove joint ( 20 . 31 ) are arranged. Automotive air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the filter cover ( 30 ) a longitudinally extending rib structure ( 37 . 38 ) is formed, which with mounted filter cover ( 30 ) is in physical contact with the air filter. Motor vehicle with an air conditioning device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the through the filter cover ( 30 ) closable filter opening ( 18 ) is arranged in particular above the footwell of the passenger seat.

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