Claims:1. An air flow assembly (100) for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle (101) comprising:
a channel member (1) connected to a blower unit (2) for receiving air flow (F) from a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet (3);
at least one vane member (4) configured within the channel member (1), wherein the at least one vane member (4) bifurcates the channel member (1) to a first duct (5) and a second duct (6);
at least one gate member (7) provided within the channel member (1) is selectively operated, to gate the air flow (F) into the first duct (5) and the second duct (6);
a first vent member (8) connected at a predetermined location to the first duct (5), is configured to direct the air flow (F) on to a windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101), and
a second vent member (9) connected to the second duct (6), adjacent to the first vent member (8), is configured to direct the air flow (F) into a passenger compartment (11) of the vehicle (101).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel member (1) is fixed to a body in white (BIW) of the vehicle (101).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first duct (5) and the second duct (6) are fixed to an A-pillar (12) of the vehicle (101).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises an actuator (13) fixed to the at least one gate member (7) for selectively directing the air flow (F) into the first duct (5) and the second duct (6).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first vent member (8) directs the air flow (F) on to the windscreen (10) in direction lateral to axis A-A.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second vent member (9) directs the air flow (F) into a passenger compartment (11) in direction longitudinal to axis A-A.

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of flaps (15) provided on the second vent member (9) to control the direction of the air flow (F) on to the passenger (16).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel member (1) is located behind the dashboard (14) of the vehicle (101).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blower unit (2) is connected to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet (3) to receive hot air flow (HF) and cold air flow (CF).

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first duct (5) receives at least one of a hot air flow (HF) and a cold air flow (CF) from the blower unit (2).

11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second duct (6) receives at least one of the hot air flow (HF) and the cold air flow (CF) from the blower unit (2).

12. An air flow assembly (100) used in a vehicle (101) air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1. , Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to an air conditioning unit for a vehicle. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system for the vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure, relates to an air flow assembly for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Conventionally, vehicles such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles etc., are equipped with Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems play an important role in the vehicle to keep the passengers of the vehicle comfortable by maintaining desired vehicle cabin temperatures.
In tropical climatic conditions, the requirement of the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems becomes a necessity rather than an option. Since, the temperatures soar above average, it becomes important for the passengers of the vehicle to travel in comfort.
During the monsoons or in tropical wet climatic conditions, Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are used to maintain optimal cabin temperatures. During, wet driving conditions or when it is raining, many of the passengers travel with the windows of the vehicle in closed condition to prevent water entering inside the cabin of the vehicle. Since, there is a temperature difference between the inside of the vehicle cabin and the outside temperature, the windscreens or windows of the vehicle tend to get fogged or steamed. Fogged or steamed windows decreases the visibility of on-coming traffic and the road ahead. In such scenarios, the passengers of the vehicle utilise defoggers present in the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Conventionally, the defogger is a plurality of vents disposed at the base of the dashboard that adjoins the window or windscreen of the vehicle. The defogger, directs cold or hot air from the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system, to defog the windows or windscreen of the vehicle.
Sometimes, the amount of cold or hot air directed on to the windows or windscreen of the vehicle does not have an even spread. Since the area of defogging, especially the windscreen is considerably large, effective defogging is not achieved. Additionally, irregularity in defogging of the windscreen is visible in cars with conventional defoggers as the reach of the cold or hot air is not efficient.
This leads to the passengers increasing speed of the blower of the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system. By doing so, the cold or hot air bounces off the windscreen and hits the passengers of the vehicle, leading to inefficient defogging of the windscreen and unnecessary cooling of the cabin of the vehicle.
In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to develop an air flow for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and to overcome the one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a mechanism and assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the mechanism and assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure an air flow assembly for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle is disclosed. A channel member is connected to a blower unit for receiving air flow from a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. At least one vane member is configured within the channel member, wherein the at least one vane member bifurcates the channel member to a first duct and a second duct. At least one gate member is provided within the channel member and is selectively operated, to gate the air flow into the first duct and the second duct. A first vent member is connected at a predetermined location to the first duct which is configured to direct the air flow on to a windscreen of the vehicle, and a second vent member is connected to the second duct, adjacent to the first vent member which is configured to direct the air flow into a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel member is fixed to a body in white of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first duct and the second duct are fixed to an A-pillar of the body in white.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises an actuator fixed to the at least one gate member for selectively directing the air flow into the first duct and the second duct.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vent member directs the air flow on to the windscreen in direction lateral to axis A-A.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second vent member directs the air flow into the passenger compartment in a direction longitudinal to axis A-A.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a plurality of flaps provided on the second vent member to control the direction of the air flow on to the passenger.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel member is located behind the dashboard of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower unit is connected to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit to receive hot air flow and cold air flow.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first duct receives at least one of a hot air flow and a cold air flow from the blower unit.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second duct receives at least one of the hot air flow and the cold air flow from the blower unit.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with an air flow assembly in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the air flow assembly in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a channel member in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a top sectional view of the channel member, with the at least one gate member, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the channel member, with a first vent and a second vent, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the channel member, with a first duct member and a second duct member in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the channel member, with a first vent and a second vent in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 illustrates top view of the cabin of the vehicle in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism and assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an air flow assembly for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle. A channel member is connected to a blower unit for receiving air flow from a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. A vane member is configured within the channel member, wherein the vane member bifurcates the channel member to a first duct and a second duct. At least one gate member is provided within the channel member and is selectively operated, to gate the air flow into the first duct and the second duct. A first vent member is connected at a predetermined location to the first duct which is configured to direct the air flow on to a windscreen of the vehicle, and a second vent member is connected to the second duct, adjacent to the first vent member which is configured to direct the air flow into a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the assembly as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any vehicle including but not liming to passenger cars, heavy motor vehicles, light motor vehicles or any other vehicle.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle (101) equipped with an air flow assembly (100) [shown best in figure 2]. The vehicle (101) consists of a body in white (BIW) on to which critical parts such as the engine, transmission, seats etc., [not shown in figures] are mounted. The body in white (BIW) also comprises of load bearing members such as the A-pillars (12) which are located in-between a cabin (11) of the vehicle (101) and the engine bay [not shown in figures]. A Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system is installed within the vehicle (101) to monitor the cabin temperatures of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, a Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet (3) is installed behind a dashboard (14) within the cabin (11) of the vehicle (101). As depicted in figure 1, a windscreen (10) is configured to the vehicle (101) between the A-pillars (12). The windscreen (10) provides ingress protection to the vehicle (101) and also aids in increasing aerodynamic properties of the vehicle (101). A blower unit (2) located below the dashboard (14) is connected to the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet (3). The blower unit (2) receives air flow (F) from the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet (3) and is directed into the cabin (14) of the vehicle (101).

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, which illustrates a perspective view of the air flow assembly (100) that is configured within the cabin (11) of the vehicle (101). The air flow assembly (100) consists of a channel member (1) connected to the blower unit (2). The channel member (1) is routed from the blower unit (2) and into the cabin (14) of the vehicle (101). The channel member (1) has one of its ends fixed on the A-pillar (12) on either side of the vehicle (101) and other end of the channel member (1) is fixed to the blower unit (2). In an embodiment, the channel member (1) is configured such that, the air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) is directed onto to the windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the other end of the channel unit (1) fixed on the A-pillar (12) of the vehicle (101) is configured with a first vent member (8) and a second vent member (9).

In an embodiment, the first vent member (8) is configured adjacent to the second vent member (9) such that, the air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) is directed on to the windscreen (10) and the passenger compartment (14) of the vehicle (101) through the first vent member (8) and the second vent member (9) respectively. For example, the first vent member (8) may be configured at an angle ranging from about 15 degree to about 120 degree to the second vent member (9). However, the angle between the first vent member (8) and the second vent member (9) may be varied based on the requirement and design of the channel member (1).

In an embodiment, the first vent member (8) is configured to direct air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) on to the windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101).

In an embodiment, the second vent member (9) is configured to direct air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) in to the passenger compartment (14) of the vehicle (101).

In an embodiment, an actuator (13) may be configured to the channel member (1). The actuator (13) is operated to control the air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) into the channel member (1).

In an embodiment, the actuator (13) may be connected to an actuation mechanism [not shown in figures] located on the dashboard (14) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism may be configured to be operated manually by the passengers (16) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism may be configured to an electric motor for automatically controlling the operation of the actuation mechanism.

Referring to figure 4, which illustrates a top sectional view of the channel member (1). The channel member (1) is connected to the blower unit (2) to receive air flow (F) from the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet (3). At least one vane member (4) is provided within the channel member (1) to bifurcate the channel member (1) to a first duct (5) and a second duct (6). At least one gate member (7) is provided within the channel member (1) to selectively gate the air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) into the first duct (5) and the second duct (6). In an embodiment, the at least one gate member (7) is connected to the actuator (13) to selectively operate the at least one gate member (7). In an embodiment, the first duct (5) is connected to the first vent member (8) to direct air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) on to the windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the second duct (6) is connected to the second vent member (9) to direct air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) in to the passenger compartment (11) of the vehicle (101).

In an embodiment, the blower unit (2) connected to the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet (3) receives hot air flow (HF) and cold air flow (CF) and channelled in to the channel member (1).

In an embodiment, the first duct (5) of the channel member (1) receives at least one of hot air flow (HF) and a cold air flow (CF) from the blower unit (2).

In an embodiment, the second duct (6) of the channel member (1) receives at least one of hot air flow (HF) and a cold air flow (CF) from the blower unit (2).

In an embodiment, the at least one gate member (7) is selectively operated to control air flow (F) from the blower unit (2) into the first duct (5) or the second duct (6) based on the requirement.

Referring to figures 5 and 6, which illustrates a sectional view of the channel member (1) with the at least one vane member (4) which bifurcates the channel member (1) into the first duct (5) and the second duct (6). The channel member (1) as depicted in figures 2 and 5, has one end fixed to the blower unit (2) and its other end fixed to the A-pillar (12) provided on the Body in white (BIW) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the channel member (1) fixed to the A-pillar (12) of the vehicle (101) is configured such that visibility through the A-pillar (12) gaps is not obstructed to the passenger (16) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the first vent member (8) is connected to the first duct (5) to direct air flow (F) on to the windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the second vent member (9) is connected to the second duct (6) to direct the air flow (F) in to the passenger compartment (11) of the vehicle (101). In an embodiment, the first vent member (8) is configured adjacent to the second vent member (9). A plurality of flaps (15) are provided on the second vent member (9) to control the direction of the air flow (F) in to the passenger compartment. In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps (15) may be manually operated to control the direction of the air flow (F). In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps (15) may be automated to automatically control the movement of the plurality of flaps (15) in directing the air flow (F) into the passenger compartment (11)

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, which illustrates the channel member (1) configured with the first vent member (8) and the second vent member (9) fixed to the A-pillar (12) of the vehicle (101). In figure 7, the air flow (F), particularly, hot air flow (HF) from the blower unit (2) is directed on to the windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101). Also, the air flow (F), particularly, cold air flow (CF) from the blower unit (2) may be directed in to the passenger compartment (11) to condition the temperature of the passenger compartment (11). As depicted in figure 8, the first vent member (8) provided on the channel member (1) directs air flow (F) on to the windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101) in a direction lateral to axis (A-A). In an embodiment, the air flow (F) is directed on to the windscreen (10) from the first vent member (8) in a horizontal pattern in lateral direction to achieve even spread across the entire area of the windscreen (10). In an embodiment, hot air flow (HF) is directed on to the windscreen (10) of the vehicle (101) to defog the windscreen (10). In an embodiment, cold air flow (CF) is directed into the passenger compartment (11) and onto the passenger (16) at face level to condition the cabin (14) of the vehicle (101).

In an embodiment, the second vent member (9) provided on the channel member (1) directs air flow (F) in to the passenger compartment (11) in a direction longitudinal to axis (A-A). In an embodiment, the air flow (F) is directed in to the passenger compartment (11) from the second vent member (9) in a direction longitudinal to the axis (A-A) away from the windscreen (10) and on to the passenger (16) seated in the passenger compartment (11) of the vehicle (101).

ADVANTAGES

In an embodiment, the air flow directed on to the windscreen of the vehicle is evenly spread across the entire area in a horizontal pattern to defog the windscreen in an effective manner.

In an embodiment, the second vent member is positioned on the A-pillar of the vehicle to direct air flow into the passenger compartment, thereby creating more space for utility purpose on the dashboard of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the channel member fixed to the A-pillar is designed such that, visibility of the passengers is not impaired.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
Particulars Numeral
Air flow Assembly 100
Vehicle 101
Channel member 1
Blower unit 2
Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) unit outlet 3
At least one vane member 4
First duct 5
Second duct 6
At least one gate member 7
A first vent member 8
A second vent member 9
Windscreen 10
Passenger compartment 11
A-pillar 12
Actuator 13
Dashboard 14
Plurality of flaps 15
Passenger 16
Air Flow F
Cold air flow CF
Hot Air Flow HF
Body in White BIW