US20050266789A1 - Hvac system for a vehicle with concealed vents - Google Patents
Hvac system for a vehicle with concealed vents Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050266789A1 US20050266789A1 US10/709,771 US70977104A US2005266789A1 US 20050266789 A1 US20050266789 A1 US 20050266789A1 US 70977104 A US70977104 A US 70977104A US 2005266789 A1 US2005266789 A1 US 2005266789A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air
- coupling joint
- vehicle
- housing
- plenum
- Prior art date
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/34—Nozzles; Air-diffusers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/24—Devices purely for ventilating or where the heating or cooling is irrelevant
- B60H1/247—Disposition of several air-diffusers in a vehicle for ventilation-air circulation in a vehicle cabin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y80/00—Products made by additive manufacturing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to vehicle heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and the duct-work contained therein. More particularly, the present invention relates to an HVAC system with output vents that occupy a minimal amount of dashboard space.
- HVAC vehicle heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
- Automobiles typically include a dashboard or instrument panel that is mounted within a forward portion of the interior cabin of a vehicle.
- the dashboard is often configured to engage with an HVAC system.
- the HVAC system is used for the treating and delivering of air into the passenger compartment for thermal and humidity control therein.
- An HVAC system typically includes a centrally located housing having a fan, an air-conditioning evaporator, and a heater core. Several ducts or air channels extend from the housing to grilled vents. Air flows into the HVAC system, is conditioned, passes through the vents, and enters the passenger compartment.
- climate-controlled zones refer to areas within a vehicle that are set at different temperatures.
- the vents and ducts occupy space both interior to and on the surface of the dashboard. It is not uncommon for a single dashboard to have 5-10 different vents with corresponding ducts.
- the present invention provides an air delivery system for a vehicle that includes an air plenum and a coupling joint that is coupled to the air plenum.
- the coupling joint is configured to reside between and is hidden by overlapping sections of a vehicle housing.
- An air transfer device passes air through the air plenum and the coupling joint.
- the embodiments of the present invention provide several advantages.
- One such advantage is the provision of an HVAC system that includes an air outlet for an interior cabin of a vehicle that is hidden with respect to the line-of-sight of a vehicle occupant residing within a vehicle seat.
- Another advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention is that it provides the provision of an HVAC system with vents and corresponding ducts that occupy a reduced amount of cross-sectional surface area and internal space of a dashboard.
- the present invention is versatile in that it may be applied to various lock assemblies and ignition systems. Moreover, it is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an HVAC system with a reduced number of system components and thus reduced system complexity.
- FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of an air control system for a vehicle incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front view of a dashboard assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating air flow through an air control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of an air control system for a vehicle incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5A is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5B is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5C is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5D is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5E is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a center console assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a b-pillar assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8A is a rear cross-sectional view of a door panel assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the door panel assembly of FIG. 8A .
- the present invention is described primarily with respect to an HVAC system for a vehicle, the present invention may be adapted and applied in various locations within a vehicle or may be applied in other non-vehicle applications.
- the present invention may be applied in various locations within a vehicle, such as in a dashboard, in an overhead console, in a center console, in a pillar, in a door panel, or in other console or module locations where air vents or outlets may be utilized.
- the term “hidden” refers to the inability of a vehicle occupant to visually see a particular component while in a normal seated position.
- a panel air outlet, plenum, or vent may be hidden with respect to the line-of-sight of a vehicle occupant while seated in a vehicle seat in a normal upright seated position, but may be seen when viewed from a low viewing angle, such as when lying down or leaning laterally to view a lower or under body portion of a dashboard.
- a vehicle component may be hidden for occupants that are within a specified height range or that are taller than a specified height threshold and may not be hidden for occupants that are shorter.
- a height range may be set at 5-6 ft and a component may be hidden for occupants that are of a height within that height range.
- a height threshold may be set at 5 ft and a component may be hidden for occupants that are shorter than 5 ft.
- the height range and the height threshold may be set and any desired values.
- a vehicle component such as an air plenum or an air vent
- Horizontally hidden refers to the horizontal overlapping of component sections such that a component coupling joint, an outlet, an air vent, or an air plenum is not normally visible by a vehicle occupant, which is described in further detail below.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of an air control system 10 for a vehicle 12 incorporating an overlapping dashboard coupling joint 14 and a front view of a dashboard assembly 16 having the same in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the air control system 10 is shown in the form of an HVAC system and includes the dashboard assembly 16 , an air delivery system 18 , and a controller 20 .
- the air control system 10 may be in the form of a heating system, a ventilation system, or an air-conditioning system. Air is circulated through a heater core 22 and/or an air-conditioning evaporator 24 via the air delivery system 18 through a hidden opening or gap 26 in the dashboard 16 and into an interior cabin 28 of the vehicle 12 .
- the air control system 10 is described primarily with respect to a dashboard application, the air control system 10 may be applied to other vehicle interior assembly applications, some of which are mentioned above.
- the dashboard 16 includes a first or upper housing section 30 and a second or lower housing section 32 .
- An upper portion 34 of the lower section 32 is recessed relative to a lower portion 36 of the upper section 30 such that the upper section 30 horizontally overlaps the lower section 32 .
- the upper section 30 and the lower section 32 may be in various sizes, shapes, and styles.
- the upper section 30 , the lower section 32 , and the coupling joint 14 may be integrally formed as a single module or may be separate components as shown.
- the upper section 30 , the lower section 32 , and the coupling joint 14 may be injection molded, formed using stereolithography, or formed using some other technique known in the art.
- One or more coupling joints resides within the gap 26 between the upper section 30 and the lower section 32 .
- the coupling joint 14 is hidden with respect to the line-of-sight of a vehicle occupant residing within a vehicle seat.
- An example line-of-sight is designated by line 40 .
- the gap 26 may be at various locations on the dashboard 16 , such as above a glove box 41 .
- the coupling joint 14 couples the upper section 30 and the lower section 32 to one or more nozzles or air plenums 42 (only one is shown), which may have or be coupled to vents 44 (only one is shown).
- the coupling joint 14 may include a pair of horizontal segments 46 as shown or may include various other segments arranged in various other configurations, another example of which is provided with respect to FIG. 4 .
- the air delivery system 18 includes an air transfer device 50 that delivers or passes air through the coupling joint 14 , the air plenum 42 , the vent 44 , and the ductwork 52 . Although a specific number of coupling joints, air plenums, and vents are shown, any number of each may be utilized.
- the air plenum 42 is coupled to and may clip into and extend along the horizontal members 46 .
- the vent 44 resides within, is coupled to, and may extend along the coupling joint 14 and the air plenum 42 .
- the air plenum 42 and the vent 44 may also be attached to the coupling joint 14 via coupling members, such as a clip, a tab, a socket, a fitting, a fastener, or some other type of coupling member known in the art.
- a sample coupling member 54 is shown and is in the form of a bracket.
- the air plenum 42 and the vent 44 may be of various sizes, shapes, types, and styles known in the art.
- the air plenum 42 has outlets 56 with an outer edge 58 .
- the outer edge 58 may be angled downward at an approximate 45° angle relative to a horizontal plane 60 as shown or may be at various other angles.
- the angle ⁇ of the outer edge 58 relative to the horizontal plane 60 is such that the air plenum 42 is hidden from the line-of-sight 40 .
- the outer edge 58 is angled in a downward direction, the air plenum 42 may direct air inward and directly at vehicle occupants or seats, as is designated by arrow 62 .
- the air plenum 42 may be seen when viewed directly and at a horizontal level approximately in line with or below that of the air plenum 42 , as is shown in FIG. 2 .
- the vent 44 may include air flow adjustment devices 66 that adjust the direction and the amount of air flow in one or more directions.
- the air flow adjustment devices 66 may be used to adjust the flow of air in the fore, aft, and lateral directions.
- the air flow adjustment devices 66 may be used to vary the flow volume of air into the interior cabin 28 and may be used to stop or prevent the flow of air.
- the air flow adjustment devices 66 may include fins or vanes 68 that pivot on hinged mechanisms (not shown), flaps or butterfly valves 69 (which are best seen in FIG. 3 ), a thumbwheel shut off dial 70 , a lateral adjustment lever 72 , or other air flow adjustment devices known in the art.
- the thumbwheel dial 70 may actuate valve 108 in FIG. 3 .
- the air control system 10 includes vent 44 , which is in the form of a panel vent, it may include various other vents, such as defroster vents and floor vents.
- the ductwork 52 may be replaced with air lines or hoses.
- the hoses may be high-pressured lines such that they occupy a smaller amount of space forward of the dashboard than is occupied by the ductwork 52 .
- the air transfer device 50 may include a blower motor, a fan, a pump, and other air transfer components known in the art.
- the air transfer device 50 may be coupled upstream or downstream from and pull, draw, circulate, pump, pass, force, or direct air through the heater core 22 and the air-conditioning evaporator 24 .
- the controller 20 is coupled to the air transfer device 50 .
- the controller 20 controls temperature, pressure, volume, and type of air flowing through the air delivery system 18 and into the interior cabin 28 .
- the controller 20 may monitor and adjust the air temperature and provide a thermally controlled environment within the interior cabin 28 .
- the controller 20 may be microprocessor based such as a computer having a central processing unit, memory (RAM and/or ROM), and associated input and output buses.
- the controller 20 may be in the form of application-specific integrated circuits or may include other logic devices known in the art.
- the controller 20 may be a portion of a central vehicle main control unit, an interactive vehicle dynamics module, or may be a stand-alone controller as shown.
- the controller 20 is coupled to a vehicle power bus 80 from which it receives power.
- the vehicle power bus 80 may be coupled to an ignition system 82 and receive power from a power source 84 .
- the controller 20 may be enabled upon activation of the ignition system 82 .
- the controller 20 may be coupled to various control switches, such as an activation control switch 86 and a variable temperature control switch 88 , as shown.
- the activation control switch 86 is used to activate or enable the air control system 10 and provide a thermally controlled environment within the interior cabin 28 .
- the temperature control switch 88 is used to adjust the temperature in one or more zones within the interior cabin 28 .
- the controller 20 adjusts the temperature within the interior cabin 28 , depending upon the setting of the temperature switch 88 .
- the controller 20 may also be coupled to one or more temperature sensors 90 .
- the temperature sensors 90 generate temperature signals indicative of the temperature within the interior cabin 28 .
- the controller 20 compares the value of the temperature signal with a desired temperature setting on the temperature switch 88 and adjusts temperature within the interior cabin 28 , accordingly.
- the valves 69 are used to direct the flow of the air, represented by arrows 97 .
- a first valve 98 is used to select between air exterior or interior to the interior cabin 24 . Air from the interior cabin 28 may be referred to as recirculating air, represented by arrow 99 .
- a second valve 100 and a third valve 102 are used to direct the air 97 through a heater core 104 .
- a forth valve 106 is used to direct air 97 through the first passage 94 .
- a fifth valve 108 is used to direct the air 97 through the second passage 95 and the third passage 96 . When the air 97 is passed through the passage 95 it is directed through the ductwork 52 ′ and through the air supply plenum 42 ′.
- Various vacuum and non-vacuum techniques known in the art may be utilized in operation of the valves 69 .
- FIG. 4 a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of an air control system 10 ′′ for a vehicle 12 ′ incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint 14 ′ in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the coupling joint 14 ′ is similar to the coupling joint 14 except that the angle ⁇ ′ of the outer edge 58 ′ is approximately at a 0° angle relative to and is thus parallel to the horizontal plane 60 .
- the coupling joint 14 ′ may have notches (not shown) where the air plenum 42 ′ and the vent 44 ′ clip therein.
- the coupling joint 14 ′ includes a pair of vertical sections 109 and a horizontal section 110 that are coupled to the vertical sections 109 .
- the vertical sections 109 may be substantially vertical and the horizontal section 110 may be substantially horizontal as shown or may be at other known angles.
- the horizontal section 110 has an interior side 111 and an exterior side 112 .
- the coupling joint 14 ′ is shown as being “n”-shaped, it may be in various other shapes known in the art while maintaining the hidden configuration thereof.
- the coupling joint 14 ′ may reside above a glove box 41 ′ as shown or may be in various other locations on the dashboard 16 ′.
- FIGS. 5 A-E top views of sample air supply plenums are shown in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.
- a first air supply plenum 114 is shown having an air supply tube 116 coupled to and angled off the back side 118 of the supply plenum 114 .
- the air supply tube 116 may be coupled at various different angles to the first plenum 114 .
- a second air supply plenum 120 is shown having a side feed connection 122 .
- the second plenum 120 may be a left-hand feed or a right-hand feed plenum.
- a butterfly valve 124 may be incorporated into the side feed connection 122 .
- a third air supply plenum 130 is shown having a semi-circular shape and a center air supply feed connection 132 .
- a forth air supply plenum 140 is shown being somewhat rectangular in shape and also having a center air supply feed connection 142 .
- a fifth air supply plenum 150 is shown having a pair of side air supply feed connections 152 .
- the air flow through the above-mentioned plenums is represented by arrows 156 .
- the above-mentioned plenums may have any number of feed connections.
- FIG. 6 a side cross-sectional view of a center console assembly 160 incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint 162 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the center console 160 includes a housing 164 having a storage area 166 with a lid 168 .
- the coupling joint 162 resides in a rear portion 170 of the console 160 and is oriented such that an air supply plenum 172 is directed at passengers rearward of the console 160 .
- the coupling joint 162 is similarly hidden from the passengers line-of-sight 174 due to the horizontal overlapping of the upper section 176 with the lower section 178 of the console 160 .
- the coupling joint 162 receives air via the air supply line 180 .
- FIG. 7 a side cross-sectional view of a b-pillar assembly 190 incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint 192 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the b-pillar assembly 190 includes a pillar housing 194 with a seat belt retractor 196 mounted within an inward protruding center section 198 thereof.
- the coupling joint 192 is located in a lower portion 200 of the center section 198 below the retractor 196 .
- the coupling joint 192 is hidden due to the horizontal overlapping of the center section 198 with the lower section 202 .
- the coupling joint 192 is shown as being configured and utilized within a b-pillar, the joint may be easily modified to be utilized within other vehicle pillars.
- FIGS. 8 A-B a rear cross-sectional view and a side cross-sectional view of a door panel assembly 210 are shown incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint 212 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- the door panel assembly 210 includes an armrest 214 .
- the coupling joint 212 is located underneath the armrest 214 .
- An air supply plenum 216 with air outlets 217 is coupled within the coupling joint 212 and directs air inward, as designated by arrow 218 .
- the present invention provides a simple, inexpensive, and efficient technique of providing air vents within a dashboard assembly while minimizing the amount of cross-sectional surface area occupied by the vents.
- the minimal use of cross-sectional surface area provides area for other vehicle systems, devices, and storage modules.
- the present invention also minimizes the amount of space utilized or occupied by an air control system within a dashboard housing.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to vehicle heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and the duct-work contained therein. More particularly, the present invention relates to an HVAC system with output vents that occupy a minimal amount of dashboard space.
- Automobiles typically include a dashboard or instrument panel that is mounted within a forward portion of the interior cabin of a vehicle. The dashboard is often configured to engage with an HVAC system. The HVAC system is used for the treating and delivering of air into the passenger compartment for thermal and humidity control therein.
- An HVAC system typically includes a centrally located housing having a fan, an air-conditioning evaporator, and a heater core. Several ducts or air channels extend from the housing to grilled vents. Air flows into the HVAC system, is conditioned, passes through the vents, and enters the passenger compartment.
- It is desirable to quickly obtain a set temperature within an interior cabin of a vehicle. It is also desirable to provide multiple climate-controlled zones that are uniformly heated or cooled. Climate-controlled zones refer to areas within a vehicle that are set at different temperatures. With the ever increasing desire for improved temperature ramp up times, for uniform air conditioned climates, and for an increased number of different climate-controlled zones, comes an increased number of vents and corresponding ducts. The vents and ducts occupy space both interior to and on the surface of the dashboard. It is not uncommon for a single dashboard to have 5-10 different vents with corresponding ducts.
- Since such a large amount of cross-sectional surface area and internal space of a dashboard is occupied by the vents and ducts of an HVAC system, there is less space for other vehicle systems, such as electronic systems, control systems, and audio and video systems. There also exists less storage space, such as glove box space. The large space usage by the vents and ducts also hinders the design and layout of a dashboard and of the interior cabin of a vehicle.
- Thus, there exists a need for an improved HVAC system that satisfies current HVAC system requirements and desires and utilizes a minimal amount of dashboard surface area and internal space.
- The present invention provides an air delivery system for a vehicle that includes an air plenum and a coupling joint that is coupled to the air plenum. The coupling joint is configured to reside between and is hidden by overlapping sections of a vehicle housing. An air transfer device passes air through the air plenum and the coupling joint.
- The embodiments of the present invention provide several advantages. One such advantage is the provision of an HVAC system that includes an air outlet for an interior cabin of a vehicle that is hidden with respect to the line-of-sight of a vehicle occupant residing within a vehicle seat.
- Another advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention is that it provides the provision of an HVAC system with vents and corresponding ducts that occupy a reduced amount of cross-sectional surface area and internal space of a dashboard.
- Furthermore, the present invention is versatile in that it may be applied to various lock assemblies and ignition systems. Moreover It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an HVAC system with a reduced number of system components and thus reduced system complexity.
- The above-stated advantages of the present invention provide increased dashboard and interior cabin design flexibility.
- The present invention itself, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
- For a more complete understanding of this invention reference should now be had to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying figures and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of an air control system for a vehicle incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of a dashboard assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating air flow through an air control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of an air control system for a vehicle incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5A is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5B is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5C is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5D is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5E is a top view of an air supply plenum in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a center console assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a b-pillar assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8A is a rear cross-sectional view of a door panel assembly incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the door panel assembly ofFIG. 8A . - In the following figures the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components. While the present invention is described primarily with respect to an HVAC system for a vehicle, the present invention may be adapted and applied in various locations within a vehicle or may be applied in other non-vehicle applications. The present invention may be applied in various locations within a vehicle, such as in a dashboard, in an overhead console, in a center console, in a pillar, in a door panel, or in other console or module locations where air vents or outlets may be utilized.
- In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for one constructed embodiment. These specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant to be limiting.
- Also, in the following description the term “hidden” refers to the inability of a vehicle occupant to visually see a particular component while in a normal seated position. For example, a panel air outlet, plenum, or vent may be hidden with respect to the line-of-sight of a vehicle occupant while seated in a vehicle seat in a normal upright seated position, but may be seen when viewed from a low viewing angle, such as when lying down or leaning laterally to view a lower or under body portion of a dashboard. A vehicle component may be hidden for occupants that are within a specified height range or that are taller than a specified height threshold and may not be hidden for occupants that are shorter. For example, a height range may be set at 5-6 ft and a component may be hidden for occupants that are of a height within that height range. As another example, a height threshold may be set at 5 ft and a component may be hidden for occupants that are shorter than 5 ft. Of course, the height range and the height threshold may be set and any desired values.
- A vehicle component, such as an air plenum or an air vent, may be “horizontally hidden” or hidden from various different angles. Horizontally hidden refers to the horizontal overlapping of component sections such that a component coupling joint, an outlet, an air vent, or an air plenum is not normally visible by a vehicle occupant, which is described in further detail below.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of anair control system 10 for avehicle 12 incorporating an overlapping dashboard coupling joint 14 and a front view of adashboard assembly 16 having the same in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Theair control system 10 is shown in the form of an HVAC system and includes thedashboard assembly 16, anair delivery system 18, and acontroller 20. Theair control system 10 may be in the form of a heating system, a ventilation system, or an air-conditioning system. Air is circulated through aheater core 22 and/or an air-conditioning evaporator 24 via theair delivery system 18 through a hidden opening orgap 26 in thedashboard 16 and into aninterior cabin 28 of thevehicle 12. Although theair control system 10 is described primarily with respect to a dashboard application, theair control system 10 may be applied to other vehicle interior assembly applications, some of which are mentioned above. - The
dashboard 16 includes a first orupper housing section 30 and a second orlower housing section 32. Anupper portion 34 of thelower section 32 is recessed relative to alower portion 36 of theupper section 30 such that theupper section 30 horizontally overlaps thelower section 32. Theupper section 30 and thelower section 32 may be in various sizes, shapes, and styles. Theupper section 30, thelower section 32, and the coupling joint 14 may be integrally formed as a single module or may be separate components as shown. Theupper section 30, thelower section 32, and the coupling joint 14 may be injection molded, formed using stereolithography, or formed using some other technique known in the art. - One or more coupling joints, such as coupling joint 14, resides within the
gap 26 between theupper section 30 and thelower section 32. The coupling joint 14 is hidden with respect to the line-of-sight of a vehicle occupant residing within a vehicle seat. An example line-of-sight is designated byline 40. Thegap 26 may be at various locations on thedashboard 16, such as above aglove box 41. - The coupling joint 14 couples the
upper section 30 and thelower section 32 to one or more nozzles or air plenums 42 (only one is shown), which may have or be coupled to vents 44 (only one is shown). The coupling joint 14 may include a pair ofhorizontal segments 46 as shown or may include various other segments arranged in various other configurations, another example of which is provided with respect toFIG. 4 . - The
air delivery system 18 includes anair transfer device 50 that delivers or passes air through the coupling joint 14, theair plenum 42, thevent 44, and theductwork 52. Although a specific number of coupling joints, air plenums, and vents are shown, any number of each may be utilized. Theair plenum 42 is coupled to and may clip into and extend along thehorizontal members 46. Thevent 44 resides within, is coupled to, and may extend along the coupling joint 14 and theair plenum 42. - The
air plenum 42 and thevent 44 may also be attached to the coupling joint 14 via coupling members, such as a clip, a tab, a socket, a fitting, a fastener, or some other type of coupling member known in the art. Asample coupling member 54 is shown and is in the form of a bracket. - The
air plenum 42 and thevent 44 may be of various sizes, shapes, types, and styles known in the art. Theair plenum 42 hasoutlets 56 with anouter edge 58. Theouter edge 58 may be angled downward at an approximate 45° angle relative to ahorizontal plane 60 as shown or may be at various other angles. The angle α of theouter edge 58 relative to thehorizontal plane 60 is such that theair plenum 42 is hidden from the line-of-sight 40. Although theouter edge 58 is angled in a downward direction, theair plenum 42 may direct air inward and directly at vehicle occupants or seats, as is designated byarrow 62. Although theair plenum 42 is hidden from the line-of-sight 40, theair plenum 42 may be seen when viewed directly and at a horizontal level approximately in line with or below that of theair plenum 42, as is shown inFIG. 2 . - The
vent 44 may include airflow adjustment devices 66 that adjust the direction and the amount of air flow in one or more directions. The airflow adjustment devices 66 may be used to adjust the flow of air in the fore, aft, and lateral directions. The airflow adjustment devices 66 may be used to vary the flow volume of air into theinterior cabin 28 and may be used to stop or prevent the flow of air. The airflow adjustment devices 66 may include fins orvanes 68 that pivot on hinged mechanisms (not shown), flaps or butterfly valves 69 (which are best seen inFIG. 3 ), a thumbwheel shut offdial 70, alateral adjustment lever 72, or other air flow adjustment devices known in the art. Thethumbwheel dial 70 may actuatevalve 108 inFIG. 3 . Although theair control system 10 includesvent 44, which is in the form of a panel vent, it may include various other vents, such as defroster vents and floor vents. - The
ductwork 52 may be replaced with air lines or hoses. The hoses may be high-pressured lines such that they occupy a smaller amount of space forward of the dashboard than is occupied by theductwork 52. - The
air transfer device 50 may include a blower motor, a fan, a pump, and other air transfer components known in the art. Theair transfer device 50 may be coupled upstream or downstream from and pull, draw, circulate, pump, pass, force, or direct air through theheater core 22 and the air-conditioning evaporator 24. - The
controller 20 is coupled to theair transfer device 50. Thecontroller 20 controls temperature, pressure, volume, and type of air flowing through theair delivery system 18 and into theinterior cabin 28. Thecontroller 20 may monitor and adjust the air temperature and provide a thermally controlled environment within theinterior cabin 28. - The
controller 20 may be microprocessor based such as a computer having a central processing unit, memory (RAM and/or ROM), and associated input and output buses. Thecontroller 20 may be in the form of application-specific integrated circuits or may include other logic devices known in the art. Thecontroller 20 may be a portion of a central vehicle main control unit, an interactive vehicle dynamics module, or may be a stand-alone controller as shown. - The
controller 20 is coupled to avehicle power bus 80 from which it receives power. Thevehicle power bus 80 may be coupled to anignition system 82 and receive power from apower source 84. Thecontroller 20 may be enabled upon activation of theignition system 82. Thecontroller 20 may be coupled to various control switches, such as anactivation control switch 86 and a variabletemperature control switch 88, as shown. Theactivation control switch 86 is used to activate or enable theair control system 10 and provide a thermally controlled environment within theinterior cabin 28. Thetemperature control switch 88 is used to adjust the temperature in one or more zones within theinterior cabin 28. Thecontroller 20 adjusts the temperature within theinterior cabin 28, depending upon the setting of thetemperature switch 88. - The
controller 20 may also be coupled to one or more temperature sensors 90. The temperature sensors 90 generate temperature signals indicative of the temperature within theinterior cabin 28. Thecontroller 20 compares the value of the temperature signal with a desired temperature setting on thetemperature switch 88 and adjusts temperature within theinterior cabin 28, accordingly. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , a schematic flow diagram illustrating air flow through anair control system 10′ in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Air enters theductwork 92, passes through an evaporator core 93, and may be directed to defroster vents (not shown), to panel vents (such as vent 44), and to floor vents (not shown) via afirst passage 94, asecond passage 95, and a third passage 96, respectively. - The
valves 69 are used to direct the flow of the air, represented byarrows 97. Afirst valve 98 is used to select between air exterior or interior to theinterior cabin 24. Air from theinterior cabin 28 may be referred to as recirculating air, represented byarrow 99. Asecond valve 100 and athird valve 102 are used to direct theair 97 through aheater core 104. A forthvalve 106 is used todirect air 97 through thefirst passage 94. Afifth valve 108 is used to direct theair 97 through thesecond passage 95 and the third passage 96. When theair 97 is passed through thepassage 95 it is directed through theductwork 52′ and through theair supply plenum 42′. Various vacuum and non-vacuum techniques known in the art may be utilized in operation of thevalves 69. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , a side cross-sectional and block diagrammatic view of anair control system 10″ for avehicle 12′ incorporating a hidden overlapping dashboard coupling joint 14′ in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The coupling joint 14′ is similar to the coupling joint 14 except that the angle α′ of theouter edge 58′ is approximately at a 0° angle relative to and is thus parallel to thehorizontal plane 60. The coupling joint 14′ may have notches (not shown) where theair plenum 42′ and thevent 44′ clip therein. - The coupling joint 14′ includes a pair of
vertical sections 109 and ahorizontal section 110 that are coupled to thevertical sections 109. Thevertical sections 109 may be substantially vertical and thehorizontal section 110 may be substantially horizontal as shown or may be at other known angles. Thehorizontal section 110 has an interior side 111 and an exterior side 112. Although the coupling joint 14′ is shown as being “n”-shaped, it may be in various other shapes known in the art while maintaining the hidden configuration thereof. The coupling joint 14′ may reside above aglove box 41′ as shown or may be in various other locations on thedashboard 16′. - Referring now to FIGS. 5A-E, top views of sample air supply plenums are shown in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention. In
FIG. 5A , a firstair supply plenum 114 is shown having anair supply tube 116 coupled to and angled off theback side 118 of thesupply plenum 114. Theair supply tube 116 may be coupled at various different angles to thefirst plenum 114. InFIG. 5B , a secondair supply plenum 120 is shown having aside feed connection 122. Thesecond plenum 120 may be a left-hand feed or a right-hand feed plenum. Abutterfly valve 124 may be incorporated into theside feed connection 122. - In
FIG. 5C , a thirdair supply plenum 130 is shown having a semi-circular shape and a center airsupply feed connection 132. InFIG. 5D , a forthair supply plenum 140 is shown being somewhat rectangular in shape and also having a center airsupply feed connection 142. InFIG. 5E , a fifthair supply plenum 150 is shown having a pair of side airsupply feed connections 152. The air flow through the above-mentioned plenums is represented byarrows 156. Also, the above-mentioned plenums may have any number of feed connections. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , a side cross-sectional view of acenter console assembly 160 incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint 162 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecenter console 160 includes ahousing 164 having astorage area 166 with alid 168. Thecoupling joint 162 resides in arear portion 170 of theconsole 160 and is oriented such that anair supply plenum 172 is directed at passengers rearward of theconsole 160. Thecoupling joint 162 is similarly hidden from the passengers line-of-sight 174 due to the horizontal overlapping of theupper section 176 with thelower section 178 of theconsole 160. Thecoupling joint 162 receives air via the air supply line 180. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , a side cross-sectional view of a b-pillar assembly 190 incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint 192 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The b-pillar assembly 190 includes apillar housing 194 with aseat belt retractor 196 mounted within an inwardprotruding center section 198 thereof. Thecoupling joint 192 is located in alower portion 200 of thecenter section 198 below theretractor 196. Thecoupling joint 192 is hidden due to the horizontal overlapping of thecenter section 198 with thelower section 202. Although thecoupling joint 192 is shown as being configured and utilized within a b-pillar, the joint may be easily modified to be utilized within other vehicle pillars. - Referring now to FIGS. 8A-B, a rear cross-sectional view and a side cross-sectional view of a
door panel assembly 210 are shown incorporating a hidden overlapping coupling joint 212 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Thedoor panel assembly 210 includes anarmrest 214. Thecoupling joint 212 is located underneath thearmrest 214. Anair supply plenum 216 withair outlets 217 is coupled within thecoupling joint 212 and directs air inward, as designated byarrow 218. - The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive, and efficient technique of providing air vents within a dashboard assembly while minimizing the amount of cross-sectional surface area occupied by the vents. The minimal use of cross-sectional surface area provides area for other vehicle systems, devices, and storage modules. The present invention also minimizes the amount of space utilized or occupied by an air control system within a dashboard housing.
- While the invention has been described in connection with one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific mechanisms and techniques which have been described are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, numerous modifications may be made to the methods and apparatus described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (22)
Priority Applications (1)
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US10/709,771 US6966829B1 (en) | 2004-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | HVAC system for a vehicle with concealed vents |
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US10/709,771 US6966829B1 (en) | 2004-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | HVAC system for a vehicle with concealed vents |
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US6966829B1 US6966829B1 (en) | 2005-11-22 |
US20050266789A1 true US20050266789A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
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US10/709,771 Expired - Fee Related US6966829B1 (en) | 2004-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | HVAC system for a vehicle with concealed vents |
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Cited By (3)
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US20170087962A1 (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2017-03-30 | Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Automobile air conditioner |
US10300762B2 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2019-05-28 | Toledo Molding & Die, Inc. | Method of making an acoustic automotive HVAC and AIS duct with a particle fiber slurry |
US20190161031A1 (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2019-05-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method of manufacturing a component with at least one embedded feature |
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US8608532B2 (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2013-12-17 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Climate control duct architecture for a vehicle |
US20100216387A1 (en) * | 2009-02-20 | 2010-08-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Duct architecture for regulating climate zone in a vehicle |
US20160229257A1 (en) * | 2015-02-10 | 2016-08-11 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle and vehicle cabin air extraction system |
US10752082B1 (en) | 2016-05-26 | 2020-08-25 | Apple Inc. | Climate control system with slit-vent fluid delivery |
US11958339B2 (en) * | 2018-03-13 | 2024-04-16 | Mahindra & Mahindra Limited | Concealed air vent apparatus in vehicle and a method thereof |
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