NOZZLE DEFROSTER ASSEMBLY FOR PASSAGE OF AIR FLOW WITHOUT AIR LEAKAGE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to air outlet nozzle and, in particular, to sealing structure of the nozzle defroster assembly for 5 avoiding air leakage in the nozzle defroster assembly.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Generally, air duct outlet nozzles are used in instrument panel of vehicle to distribute cool and hot air from Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit into cabin compartment of the vehicle. Further, the air outlet nozzle has an 10 opening towards the windshield to demist the fog and defrost the ice formed on the wind shield. Furthermore, the air outlet nozzle has several openings to distribute hot and cool air in the cabin.
[003] Commonly, the air outlet nozzle defroster is assembly of two parts which are coupled to each other to form an assembly of air outlet nozzle defroster. While 15 coupling/connecting/attaching/fixing one part to the second part air sealing is provided to prevent any air leakage from the nozzle defroster assembly. Currently, there is one air sealing which allows small quantity of air leakage in the assembly. Further, the one part is connected with second part by using heat stacking pip which creates overflow of melted material on the surface of the nozzle defroster 20 assembly. .
[004] Therefore, it would be desirable to develop a sealing structure that is relatively easy to seal and, that provides no air leakage assembly of the nozzle defroster and that can be assemble and dis-assemble easily and fast. Technical problem exist in the prior art is that assembly of one part and second part is not air 25 leakage proof and also consumes more assembly time. In order to cater all the above mentioned technical problems, a simple, inexpensive, and easy to use multilayer sealing structure is required.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
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[005] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide an assembly of nozzle defroster connecting parts of nozzle defroster with no air leakage.
[006] Another object of the present subject matter is to attach one part of the nozzle defroster with second part of the nozzle defroster air tightly.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to avoid overflowing of 5 melted material on surface of the nozzle defroster assembly.
[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an sealing structure for nozzle defroster assembly which provides no air leakage and that is easy to assembly and dis-assemble.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: 10
[009] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a nozzle defroster assembly for distribution of hot and cool air inside cabin of vehicle without air leakage. The nozzle defroster comprises two parts that is first part (upper part) and second part (lower part) which are joined together to form air passage of air flow without air leakage. On edges of the first part and the second part a coupling portion is 15 provided. The coupling portion of both the part has extended edges that have sealing mechanism. The lower part has two raised protrusion at a distance from each other on the edge. Where the upper part has two grooves corresponding to the raised protrusion of the lower part. The grooves of the upper part match with the protrusions of the lower part and provide double air sealing in the nozzle 20 defroster assembly. Further on the extended edges of the both parts, an embossment is provided. The embossment of the lower part overlaps the embossment of the upper part. Further, both the embossments have an aligned circular slot to receive a plastic fastener. In the plastic fastener a vertical slit is cut to avoid overflow of the melted plastic material during heat stacking or heat 25 melting of the plastic fastener. The insertion of plastic fastener provides secure joining of the upper part with the lower part.
[0010] In another embodiment, the extended edge of the upper part has a plurality of slot/hole at different locations while the extended edge of the lower part has a
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plurality of vertical raised part at different locations corresponding to the plurality of holes. The plurality of vertical raised part has double tapered profile to provide snap fit mounting and easy un-mounting of the first part from the second part of the nozzle defroster assembly. One side of the vertical raised part is straight and other side has wider portion at upper side and narrow portion at lower side with a 5 step in between the wider portion and the narrow portion. The vertical raised part has first tapered profile at the top of the wider portion. The first tapered profile is oriented at an angle in range 40
o to 50o, preferably 45o. The first tapered profile guides the vertical raised part in the slot of the upper part for interlock. Further, the wider portion has second tapered profile at lower side which makes the step 10 present in between the wider portion and the narrow portion smooth which facilitates easy dis-assembly of the vertical raised portion from the slot of the upper part or from the interlock mechanism. Due to angular orientation at the lower side of the wider portion, the interlock is removed with application of a substantially small force. The angle of the second tapered profile is in range of 5o 15 to 15o, preferably at 10o.
[0011] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter. 20
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the 25 accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with
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embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of a nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0014] Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate side views of the nozzle defroster assembly, in 5 accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0015] Fig. 5 illustrates sectional views of section AA, BB, CC of the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0016] Fig. 6 illustrates the sectional view of section CC that illustrate double 10 sealing of parts of the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0017] Fig. 7 illustrates the sectional view of section BB that illustrates protrusion mounting of the parts of the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and 15
[0018] Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate the sectional view of section AA that illustrates tapered locking mechanism of present the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0019] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from 20 the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0020] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a nozzle defroster assembly for distribution of hot and cool air inside cabin of vehicle without air leakage. The
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nozzle defroster comprises two parts that is first part (upper part) and second part (lower part) which are joined together to form air passage of air flow without air leakage. On edges of the first part and the second part a coupling portion is provided. The coupling portion of both the part has extended edges that have sealing mechanism. The lower part has two raised protrusion at a distance from 5 each other on the edge. Where the upper part has two grooves corresponding to the raised protrusion of the lower part. The grooves of the upper part match with the protrusions of the lower part and provide double air sealing in the nozzle defroster assembly. Further on the extended edges of the both parts, an embossment is provided. The embossment of the lower part overlaps the 10 embossment of the upper part. Further, both the embossments have an aligned circular slot to receive a plastic fastener. In the plastic fastener a vertical slit is cut to avoid overflow of the melted plastic material during heat stacking or heat melting of the plastic fastener. The insertion of plastic fastener provides secure joining of the upper part with the lower part. 15
[0021] The extended edge of the upper part has a plurality of slot/hole at different locations while the extended edge of the lower part has a plurality of vertical raised part at different locations corresponding to the plurality of holes. The plurality of vertical raised part has double tapered profile to provide snap fit mounting and easy un-mounting of the first part from the second part of the 20 nozzle defroster assembly. One side of the vertical raised part is straight and other side has wider portion at upper side and narrow portion at lower side with a step in between the wider portion and the narrow portion. The vertical raised part has first tapered profile at the top of the wider portion. The first tapered profile is oriented at an angle in range 40o to 50o, preferably 45o. The first tapered profile 25 guides the vertical raised part in the slot of the upper part for interlock. Further, the wider portion has second tapered profile at lower side which makes the step present in between the wider portion and the narrow portion smooth which facilitates easy dis-assembly of the vertical raised portion from the slot of the upper part or from the interlock mechanism. Due to angular orientation at the 30 lower side of the wider portion, the interlock is removed with application of a
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substantially small force. The angle of the second tapered profile is in range of 5
o to 15o, preferably at 10o.
[0022] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily 5 utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples 10 recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the 15 present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0023] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be 20 described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. 25
[0024] Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The nozzle defroster assembly 100 includes first part (upper part) 101 and second part (lower part) 102. The first part 101 and the second part 102 are joined together to form air flow without air leakage in the nozzle defroster assembly 100. Further, the first 30
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part 101 and the second part 102 are connected with each other at edges. The nozzle defroster assembly 100 is made of plastic material. The nozzle defroster assembly 100 is provided in the instrument panel to distribute cool and hot air in the vehicle cabin. Further, the nozzle defroster assembly 100 mainly distributes cool and hot air on windshield of the vehicle to demist the fog and defrost the ice 5 formed on the windshield. The first part 101 and the second part 102 are securely joined to restrict leakage of air from the nozzle defroster assembly.
[0025] Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate side views of the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Both the parts have extended edges for coupling of the first part 101 and the second part 102. The first 10 part 101 and the second part 102 combined together to form an assembly which has defroster duct 103 and cabin ducts 104. Both the cabin ducts 104 and the defroster duct 103 are coupled to each other so securely that air flows inside the assembly without any leakage. As may be seen from the figures of the side views of the present nozzle defroster assembly 100, a plurality of external connections 15 105 between the first part 101 and the second part 102 are present along the periphery of the coupled edges of the first part 101 and the second part 102. The plurality of external connections 105 may be weld created by ultrasonic welding or heat staking and yet appear as an external flange coupling. These connections and coupling of first part with the second part is explained in detail in the 20 subsequent figures.
[0026] Fig. 5 illustrates sectional views of section AA, BB, CC of the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present nozzle defroster assembly 100 has the first part 101 and the second part 102 that are connected with each other by two seal mechanism, 25 fastener mechanism and interlock mechanism. Each of the used mechanism is explained in detail in the coming figures. The present figure 5 illustrates cross section CC for double sealing of the first part 101 with the second part 102. The cross section BB illustrates fastener connection of the first part 101 and the second
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part 102. The cross section CC illustrates interlock mechanism for connecting the first part 101 with the second part 102.
[0027] Fig. 6 illustrates the sectional view of section CC that illustrates double sealing of the first part with the second part of the defroster nozzle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The cross section 5 CC illustrates double sealing mechanism. The first part 101 and the second part 102 has extended edges at end to provide coupling portion 606. The extended edge of the second part 102 has two raised protrusions 602, 604. While the extended edge of the first part 101 has two grooves for matching with two raised protrusions 602, 604 of the second part 102. The two raised protrusion 602, 604 of 10 the second part (lower part) 102 are placed at a distance from each other. Where the first part (upper part) 101 has two grooves corresponding to the raised protrusions 602, 604 of the lower part 102. The first groove of the upper part 101 matches with the first raised protrusion 602 of the lower part 102, and make an air sealing in the nozzle defroster assembly 100. At a distance from the first air seal, 15 the second raised protrusion 604 matches with the second corresponding groove and make a second air seal in the nozzle defroster assembly 100. After matching of the protrusions with the grooves, the first part 101 and the second part 102 lock into each other through taper matching, thereby implementing a two-tier sealing provision. 20
[0028] Fig. 7 illustrates the sectional view of section BB that illustrates fastener mounting of the parts of the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. After the double or two-tier air sealing, the edges of the first part 101 and the second part 102 has provision for fastener to fasten the upper part 101 and the lower part 102. On the extended flanges of the 25 edges of the upper part 101 and the lower part 102, an embossment is provided. The embossment of the lower part 102 overlaps with the embossment of the upper part 101. Further, both the embossments have an aligned circular slot to receive a plastic fastener 702. Further, the plastic fastener 702 can be molded or fixed in the lower part 102 or it can be separately inserted in the aligned circular slot of both 30
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the parts. The present subject matter is illustrated with the example of fixed plastic fastener 702 with the lower part 102. But the present subject matter should not be limited to molded/fixed plastic fastener it can be a separate plastic fastener. The molded plastic fastener 702 inserts in the circular slot or hole present in the embossment of the extended flange of the upper part 101. The plastic fastener 702 5 has a vertical slit 704 cut to avoid overflow of the melted plastic material during heat stacking or heat melting of the plastic fastener 702. The insertion of the plastic fastener 702 provides secure joining of the upper part 101 with the lower part 102. The vertical slit 704 restricts an overflow of melted plastic fastener 702 during a connection process, such as heat staking, ultrasonic welding between the 10 first part 101 and the second part 102. Further, depth and diameter of the vertical slit 704 facilitates accommodation of the melted fastener within the vertical slit 704. Further, it is easy to dis-assemble the assembly of the upper part from the lower part by removing the melted portion of the plastic fastener 702.
[0029] Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate the sectional view of section AA 800 that illustrates 15 tapered locking mechanism 800 of present the nozzle defroster assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The extended edge of the upper part 101 has a plurality of slot/hole 105 (as shown in figure 4) at different locations while the extended edge of the lower part 102 has a plurality of vertical raised part 802 at different locations corresponding to the plurality of 20 holes 105. The plurality of vertical raised part 802 has double tapered profile to provide snap fit mounting and easy un-mounting of the first part 101 from the second part 102 of the nozzle defroster assembly. One side of the each vertical raised part from the plurality of vertical raised parts is straight and other side has wider portion 802a at upper side and narrow portion 802b at lower side with a 25 step in between the wider portion 802a and the narrow portion 802b. The vertical raised part 802 has first tapered profile 802aa at the top of the wider portion 802a. The first tapered profile 802aa is oriented at an angle in range 40o to 50o, preferably 45o. The first tapered profile 802aa guides the vertical raised part 802 in the slot 105 of the upper part 102 for interlock. Further, the wider portion 802a 30 has second tapered profile 802ab at lower side which makes the step present in
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between the wider portion 802a and the narrow portion 802b smooth which facilitates easy dis-assembly of the vertical raised part 802 from the slot 105 of the upper part 102 or from the interlock mechanism. Due to angular orientation at the lower side of the wider portion 802a, the interlock is removed with application of a substantially small force. The angle of the second tapered profile 802ab is in 5 range of 5
o to 15o, preferably at 10o. The present double taper interlock acts as an additional connecting means between the first part and the second part. The present double taper interlocks are removable in nature and implemented at a plurality of locations around a pre-defined periphery that in turn represents the periphery of air outlets that direct air to a windshield. 10
[0030] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component 15 of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:
1. A nozzle defroster assembly (100) for passage of air flow without air leakage, the nozzle defroster assembly (100) comprising:
a first part (101);
a second part (102) joined with the first part (101), wherein the first 5 part (101) and the second part (102) has extended edge, the extended edge of the first part (101) has two grooves to receive raised portions of the second part (102) and form a two-tier air seal for free passage of the air flow without air leakage.
2. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the 10 nozzle defroster assembly (100) further comprises:
a plurality of plastic fastener (702) provided on the extended edge of the second part (102) is inserted in corresponding a plurality of holes present on the extended edge of the first part (101), wherein the plurality of plastic fastener (702) are heat melted to securely join the first part (101) 15 with the second part (102).
3. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle defroster assembly (100) further comprises:
a plurality of vertical raised part (802) provided on the extended edge 20 of the second part (102) is inserted in corresponding a plurality of slots (105) of present on the extended edge of the first part (101) to make a tapered interlock between the first part (101) and the second part (102).
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4. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of vertical raised part (802) has a wider portion (802a) and a narrow portion (802b), where a tapered step provided in between the wider portion (802a) and the narrow portion (802b).
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5. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wider portion (802a) has first tapered profile (802aa) at top for guiding the vertical raised part (802) in the corresponding slot, where the wider portion (802a) has second tapered profile (802ab) at the step for easy dis-assembly of the vertical raised part (802) from the slot (105). 5
6. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein angle of the first tapered profile (802aa) is in range 40o to 50o, and angle of the second tapered profile (802ab) is in range 5o to 15o.
7. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of 10 plastic fastener (702) from the plurality of plastic fastener (702) has a vertical slit (704) to avoid overflow of melted plastic material during heat staking.
8. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein depth 15 and diameter of the vertical slit (704) facilitates accommodation of the melted plastic fastener within the vertical slit (704)
9. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein joining of first groove with the first protrusion form first air seal, where joining of 20 the second groove with the second protrusion form second air seal, wherein the first seal and the second seal are spaced apart from each other.
10. The nozzle defroster assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (101) and the second part (102) lock into each other through taper 25 matching of a two-tier air sealing.