Abstract: An air distribution assembly for vehicles, comprising a first flap, able to rotate around a first axis, a second distribution flap, able to rotate around a second axis, and a geared transmission device that connects the first and the second flap to each other. The transmission device comprises at least one gear wheel including a first and a second element able to rotate relative to each other and an elastic element positioned between the first and the second element to allow a relative rotation motion between the first and the second element.

Abstract: A dashboard for a motor vehicle is prearranged in such a way that the air for ventilation of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle that exits from a top opening of the dashboard is deviated, by the Coanda effect, along the top surface of the dashboard and beyond the dashboard in the direction of the occupants of the passenger compartment. The dashboard is moreover provided with at least one flow-perturbing element, which can be brought into an active position thereof, in which it projects above the top surface of the dashboard, in an area immediately downstream of the aforesaid top opening, with reference to the direction of the flow of air coming out of the top opening. In the active position of the flow-perturbing element, the flow of air coming out of the top opening is deviated towards the windscreen of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A ventilation unit for a motor vehicle passenger compartment has an air feeding channel and an outflow area. The outflow area includes a first and second component that can be placed in different positions relative to each other. Various closing surfaces of the first and second components are variously positionable in relation to each other to produce air flows of differing angle into the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An airbag ring for mounting an airbag assembly to an instrument panel including an airbag ring portion having a first aperture. The first aperture being dimensioned to allow an airbag to pass through the first aperture during airbag deployment and a duct mounting portion integral with the airbag ring portion, the duct mounting portion having a second aperture.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, first and second downstream side passages are provided in an air conditioning case to guide air to a defroster opening and a foot opening, respectively. A switching door is capable of switching between a partition position for partitioning the first downstream side passage and the second downstream side passage from each other, and a communication position for establishing communication between the first downstream side passage and the second downstream side passage. An air outlet mode switching device is capable of switching between a foot mode and a foot/defroster mode. In the foot mode, the air outlet mode switching device causes both the foot door and defroster door to be opened and causes the first switching door to be set at the partition position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem due to an air outlet mode door with a small opening degree.

Abstract: An air-guiding system for a ventilation system of a vehicle comprises a supply duct (12), three discharge ducts (14, 16, 18) branching off from the latter and a control part (20), which has a main guiding element (24) with a main guiding vane (24a) and also a secondary guiding element, kept at a distance from the latter, with a secondary guiding vane (26) and can be pivoted about a pivot axis (22). The main guiding element (24) is provided with an auxiliary guiding vane (24b) which is connected at one of its ends to the main guiding vane (24a) at a fixed angle and on the opposite side has a free end, the main guiding vane (24a) together with the secondary guiding vane (26) distributing, as a function of the pivoting position of the control part (20), an air flow, arriving from the supply duct (12), between the discharge ducts (14, 16, 18), and the auxiliary guiding vane (24b) blocking off or at least constricting a direct flow path between two adjacent outflow ducts (16, 18).

Abstract: In a sealing arrangement, e.g., for sound-insulating sealing of a gap between a windscreen of a vehicle and instrument panel, a first sealing element is arranged between the instrument panel and the windscreen, below the first sealing element a second sealing element is arranged between the windscreen and a base component, the sealing arrangement including openings through which air may flow into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. As a result, both a defrosting of the wiper system and also sound insulation may be provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system having an air vent associated with a window for blowing an air flow of controlled temperature thereon; the HVAC system having a refrigeration unit with a compressor and an evaporator, and blowing means for forcing air over the evaporator to the air vent. The method includes a first step (a) of activating the compressor while deactivating the blowing means during a first period for condensing moisture of the air contained in the HVAC system. The method includes a further step (b) comprising, at the expiry of the first period, activating the blowing means and keeping the compressor active during a second period for sufficiently reducing the dew-point temperature of air blown by the HVAC system, and deactivating the compressor at the expiry of the second period.

Abstract: An air-distribution system for the dashboard of a motor vehicle comprises a plurality of auxiliary ducts that branch off in parallel from a manifold. Associated to each auxiliary duct is an additional and independent unit for regulating the flow rate and/or the temperature of the air flow that traverses the respective auxiliary duct. Each auxiliary duct branches off into a number of terminal ducts and is provided with means for the distribution of the air to the terminal ducts, which are preferably of the type comprising means of deviation of the air by the Coanda effect.

Abstract: A structure for supporting an instrument panel by a defroster nozzle so that sufficient rigidity can be imparted to the top of the instrument panel. A supporting member is attached to an upper wall of the defroster nozzle arranged inside the instrument panel and is disposed in contact with the instrument panel to support same.

Abstract: A vehicle ventilation conduit system for distributing heating or cooling air from an air vent to a rear vehicle compartment in a vehicle such as a police cruiser. The system includes an elongated main air flow conduit having an inlet end and a discharge end. A front sealing adaptor is provided on the main air flow conduit at the inlet end for releasably and sealingly engaging the air vent. A rear sealing adaptor is provided on the main air flow conduit at the discharge end for releasably and sealingly engaging the rear vehicle compartment. At least one auxiliary air flow conduit is typically provided in pneumatic communication with the main air flow conduit to facilitate cooling an electronic accessory such as a laptop computer in the vehicle.

Abstract: An instrument panel (2) includes a surface-side molded panel member (3) made of a synthetic resin and a back-side molded panel member (4) made of a synthetic resin. The back-side molded panel member (4) is vibration-welded to the surface-side molded panel member (3) through a plurality of projections (5) existing on its surface opposed to the surface-side molded panel member (3), and a heat-insulating gap (6) is left between both of the molded panel members (3, 4). An air-conditioning duct (10) is formed using a portion (22) of the back-side molded panel member (4) as a portion of its peripheral wall. Thus, it is possible to provide an instrument panel-air conditioning duct assembly (1) for a vehicle, which is produced at a reduced number of steps.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle dashboard incorporating an air distribution system that includes suitable means for controlling the deviation of airflow in the various ducts (3) associated with the outlet vents (2) on the dashboard, using the Coanda effect.

Abstract: An instrument panel (2) includes a surface-side molded panel member (3) made of a synthetic resin and a back-side molded panel member (4) made of a synthetic resin. The back-side molded panel member (4) is vibration-welded to the surface-side molded panel member (3) through a plurality of projections (5) existing on its surface opposed to the surface-side molded panel member (3), and a heat-insulating gap (6) is left between both of the molded panel members (3, 4). An air-conditioning duct (10) is formed using a portion (22) of the back-side molded panel member (4) as a portion of its peripheral wall. Thus, it is possible to provide an instrument panel-air conditioning duct assembly (1) for a vehicle, which is produced at a reduced number of steps.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reducing preheating time and for homogenizing temperatures in a passenger compartment, for example of a motor vehicle, wherein the preheating dynamics is improved, which consists in adjusting soft air diffusion air speed in an optimized range of values. In one embodiment, the air circulating device comprises at least a ventilator (8) and at least a soft air diffusion conduit (2), having at its open end an air permeable panel (4) which ensures a soft air diffusion in the passenger compartment. The invention is characterized in that the ventilator, the conduit (2) and the panel (4) are dimensioned so that, at maximum ventilated air flow rate, the diffused air speed ranges between 2 and 5 m/s. The device further comprises at least a ventilation conduit (3), said conduit being dimensioned so that, at maximum air flow blown by the ventilator, the air speed at the ventilating nozzles substantially ranges between 2 m/s and 10 m/s.

Abstract: A motor vehicle cabin has four seat positions and a heating and ventilating apparatus which includes means for producing hot and cold air streams, temperature control means, air distribution ducts having outlets at different points in the cabin at each seat position, and distribution means for adjustably distributing the mixture of the cold and hot air streams between the various air distribution ducts. These ducts include ducts which are open in at least two different points in the rear seat positions, each of which has its own temperature control means for adjusting the air temperature at that position, and means for adjusting the flow of air to that position.

Abstract: An instrument panel support, positioned between A columns of a motor vehicle, has a profiled support member with an integrated air guide system. The profiled support member has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet connected to the air guide system. The air guide system forms at least a portion of a heat exchanger of an air conditioner of the motor vehicle. Preferably, at least one heat exchanger conduit is integrated into the air guide system.

Abstract: A heating and/or air-conditioning installation has a de-icing outlet with a de-icing opening adjoining a window, an air-diffusion element with a low output per unit surface area, and an air-distributing element. The air-distributing element has at least a first and a second position. In the first position it blocks the air-diffusion element to ensure de-icing of the window. In the second, it partially blocks the de-icing region so that the output per unit surface area via the de-icing region corresponds to diffusion at a low output per unit surface area, such that the de-icing region and the air-diffusion element provide air diffusion at a low output per unit surface area and their air flows mix.

Abstract: The air-treatment housing of an air-conditioning apparatus includes, in an upper face, an air outlet for demisting and aeration. A diffusion module is arranged between this upper face of the dashboard. This diffusion module features a demisting vent and aeration vents in its upper front region. The aeration vents are directed towards the passenger compartment and extend over the major part of the width of the dashboard.

Abstract: A defroster deflector formed of an elongated flexible channel attached to the interior surface of a vehicle windshield near its upper edge. The channel is an inverted U-shape with an outer wall, a top wall, and an inner wall. The outer wall includes an adhesive surface with a peel-away cover that is removed immediately before the channel is placed into contact with and secured to the windshield. The channel is formed of a flexible material such as neoprene, polyurethane, or rubber that can flex and stretch while retaining its original U-shape.

Abstract: To provide a cockpit module structure for a vehicle where large foot space and a secure and stable supported state can be secured, the body of an air conditioning unit inside which heat exchangers and opening and closing doors are installed is penetrated by a steering member.

Abstract: Method and device for avoiding reflections and contrasts in vehicle dashboards, wherein the dashboard 1 has one or more ventilation openings 3,4 along and at a distance from the lower edge of the vehicle windshield 2. Each ventilation opening 3,4 is covered by an air permeable cover 8, having a surface structure giving a low or insignificant contrast relative to the upper surface of the dashboard 1.

Abstract: A single piece injection molded air distribution member carried by the steering wheel support structure forms three sides of an air duct with the fourth side of the air duct left open. The open side is positioned adjacent to the vehicle windshield where the windshield forms the fourth side of the air duct. Since the distribution member does not form an enclosed air duct, the distribution member can be made as a single piece injection molded component. The distribution member is placed in contact with the glass or slightly spaced from the glass. If spaced from the glass, a continuous layer of air flows from the distribution member over the surface of the glass. The distribution member has vanes that divide the duct into multiple air channels, each terminating in an air outlet.

Abstract: A cross-guard duct for a motor vehicle comprising a first member and a second member joined together at sealing points to form at least two chambers. Each chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The chamber inlet is adapted to align with an outlet of a HVAC case. The chamber outlet is adapted to be connected to a vent or register of the motor vehicle. A support member extends downward from one of the chambers. The support member is an integral part of one of the members. The support member is adapted to support the HVAC case. The support member is provided with at least one pocket for receiving an energy-absorbing bracket. The invention is also directed towards a steering column support bracket comprising a metal and plastic molded over the metal.

Abstract: An inside/outside air switching box has first and second inside air introduction ports, and an outside air introduction port. An inside/outside air switching door is disposed to open and close the first inside air introduction port and the outside air introduction port, and the second inside air introduction port is opened and closed by an inside air auxiliary door operated due to a pressure difference generated by operation of a blower fan between an inner side of the inside/outside air switching box and an inner side of a passenger compartment. Accordingly, even in an outside air introduction mode, inside air can be introduced from the second inside air introduction port.

Abstract: In a ventilation box (2) of a motor vehicle, the ventilation box being composed of a plurality of housing parts (5-7), housing parts (6, 7) arranged in the region of a steering column (3) are formed to be fastened selectively on the left or the right side of the motor vehicle. As a result, the ventilation box (2) can be converted for the respective motor vehicle, irrespective of the position of the steering column (3).

Abstract: Method and device for avoiding reflections and contrasts in vehicle dashboards, wherein the dashboard 1 has one or more ventilation openings 3,4 along and at a distance from the lower edge of the vehicle windshield 2. Each ventilation opening 3,4 is covered by an air permeable cover 8, having a surface structure giving a low or insignificant contrast relative to the upper surface of the dashboard 1.

Abstract: A ventilation device for an interior of a vehicle provided with a windshield and instrument panel has a plurality of air outlet openings provided side by side in the instrument panel close to the windshield in two rows, one behind the other as viewed in the travel direction. To ensure freedom from precipitation on a large windshield without adversely affecting climate comfort in the interior, each row of air outlet openings is connected to one of two separate supply channels and the air supply channel that leads to the front row receives warm air conditioned to a higher temperature than the air supply channel that leads to the back row.

Abstract: An instrument panel for vehicles, in particular automobiles, which is fitted to allow circulation of an air flow for ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The instrument panel has at least one cross strut which serves to strengthen the resistance of the vehicle to lateral shocks. This strut is tubular so as to form at least a conduit for air flow. The cross strut is fitted with openings so as to allow the distribution of air in the passenger compartment. The cross strut is visible in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle, a heater core is disposed in an air conditioning case so that a cool air bypass passage through which air bypasses the heater core is provided at an upper side of the heater core. When a foot/defroster mode is set, a defroster door for opening and closing a defroster opening is rotated to an intermediate position between a fully opening position and a fully closing position of the defroster opening. Therefore, a first air passage through which air from the cool air bypass passage flows into the defroster opening is provided between an inner wall portion of the air conditioning case and a top end of the defroster door. Further, a second air passage through which air from an air mixing chamber flows into the defroster opening is provided between an inner wall portion of the air conditioning case and a side end of the defroster door, and an amount of air passing through the second air passage is set to be larger than that of the first air passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating or air-conditioning system for vehicle interiors having an air distributor which is connected to an air guiding duct and has air outlet openings for the lower plane of the vehicle interior. An air guiding duct with air outlet openings for a center plane of the vehicle interior is connected by way of a cold-air inlet with the cold-air duct and by way of a warm-air inlet with the air distributor. One cold-air or warm-air flap respectively is in each case assigned to the cold-air and warm-air inlet. The flaps are configured and disposed for the purpose of a faster cooling of the vehicle interior by the large-area flowing of cold air into all areas of the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A panel body of an instrument panel in an automobile is formed of a synthetic resin foam. A duct element made of a synthetic resin foam having a compatibility with the panel body is welded to a back of the panel body to define air-conditioning air passages between the panel body and the duct element. Thus, the instrument panel also serves as a single duct element. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inexpensive air conditioning duct device in an automobile, which can be produced from a decreased number of parts and at a decreased number of assembling steps.

Abstract: The combination of an automotive air defroster system and windshield air deflector. The system includes, in part, a vent or vents in close proximity to the inside surface of the windshield. The air deflector, particularly usefull in very cold and icy weather, includes an elongated, heat resistant, planar member hingedly secured to at least a pair of legs. The legs are secured to the upper dashboard, adjacent the vent or vents, and the planar member is pivoted upward to direct hot air from the vent(s) against the windshield to facilitate melting of any accumulated ice, on the exterior of the windshield.

Abstract: A case of an air conditioning system for a car includes a main body having a main path through which air supplied from a blower unit passes and a first path formed at the exit of the main path, a housing portion formed on top of the main body in which second and third paths communicating with the main path are formed, a rotating door which has an air stream path and which has rotatably installed inside the housing portion for selectively providing air received from the main path to the second and third paths, a heat exchanger installed in the main path, and a door unit installed on the boundary between the housing portion and the main path of the main body for allowing some or all of the air supplied from the blower unit to pass to the housing portion or to pass to the housing portion via the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A defroster nozzle is provided inside an instrument panel below a front glass plate, and its length in the direction of vehicle width is gradually increased from a suck-in opening to a blow-out opening. The suck-in opening is connected to an air conditioning unit, and has a bent portion at the middle thereof. The inside of the defroster nozzle is divided by partition walls into a central chamber and side chambers. The length of the central chamber as viewed in the direction of vehicle width is gradually increased from the suck-in opening to the blow-out opening, and the opening areas of the suck-in opening and the blow-out opening of the central chamber are equal to each other. The central portion of the side wall of each of the side chambers has a bent portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling electrical components contained inside an enclosed housing, which is positioned proximate to a dashboard of a vehicle, includes an inlet pipe which receives a forced air flow and an outlet pipe which expels air from the enclosed housing. The inlet pipe receives the forced air flow either from a fan or from an air intake mechanism which supplies filtered air to an intake manifold of the vehicle engine. The air intake mechanism also maintains the temperature of the vehicle battery at a predetermined temperature by use of heated air from the engine exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A new vehicle defroster system accessory for increasing efficiency of a windshield defroster. The inventive device includes a pliable, generally rectangular shield having planar inner and outer surfaces. The shield is positioned over defroster vents of a vehicle and in contact with a lower portion of a windshield. A plurality of suctions cups are secured to the inner surface of the shield. The suction cups secure the shield to the windshield. A plurality of nodules are secured to the inner surface of the shield. The plurality of nodules elevate the shield above the windshield to allow passage of warm air therebeneath.

Abstract: A cross car support structure of an instrument panel assembly is provided for attachment to the vehicle side structure. The cross car support structure includes a one-piece, integrally molded beam preferably made entirely of plastic, the plastic beam having first and second opposing ends connected to the vehicle side structure. In addition, the beam includes a plurality of laterally extending, upwardly opening, U-shaped duct channels having upwardly facing edges. The cross car support further includes an instrument panel cover including a substrate layer having a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the substrate layer of the instrument panel cover is continuously secured to the upwardly facing edges of the beam so that the continuously secured instrument panel cover interconnects the upwardly facing edges and stiffens the beam such that the beam and the continuously secured instrument panel cover cooperatively provide the entire cross car support structure for the instrument panel assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling vehicle instrument panel structural and electronic components includes: 1) fabricating an insulative instrument panel base substrate; 2) applying a conductive pattern to the base substrate; and 3) attaching electronic components to the base substrate in electrical communication with the conductive pattern.

Abstract: A dashboard assembly (10) comprising a first housing portion (12) for positioning adjacent a windscreen of a motor vehicle; a second housing portion (14) secured to the first portion; and an air blower system (16) mounted between the first and second portions, the air blower system having a blower inlet (32) and blower outlets (30, 31); one or more air outlets (20) formed in the first portion; one or more open-sided channels (42) integrally formed in the first portion or the second portion for directing air from the blower outlet to the air outlet or outlets, the open side of the channel or channels being closed on securing the first portion to the second portion; and an air inlet duct (45) for directing air to the blower inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for both conveying air and for housing electronic devices in a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a molded ventilation duct with a parallel housing secured to the duct for housing electronic devices. The housing is molded integrally with the duct and metallized with electronic circuitry and devices. This design improves packaging efficiency underneath the vehicle instrument panel.

Abstract: When heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle during cold weather, an air switching outlet is operated to allow the entry of outside air with an interior blower being operated to facilitate the entry of the outside air. A condenser door is operated to close an air passage of the condenser and a bypass passage is opened so that outside air flows to the passenger compartment of the vehicle while bypassing the condenser. Further, only a defogging outlet is opened and the incoming air is blown out from this defogging outlet toward the windshield of the vehicle so that a low humidity air curtain is formed proximate to the inner surface of the windshield. After completing the warm-up of the heat pump cycle, the condenser door is switched such that the air blown in by the blower passes the interior condenser to start the heating of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An integral center-mounted airhandling system includes a pair of blowers (211), an evaporator core (260), and a heater core (262) located within the center of the vehicle such that the vehicle can be readily adapted for left-side or right-side steering mechanisms. The blowers (211), evaporator core (260), and heater core (262) are preferably incorporated within a single, one-piece housing (213) so as to reduce materials, manufacturing, and assembling costs. The dual blowers (211) provide completely independent two zone operational and temperature control for the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle, as well as operational redundancy and conservation of electrical power within electrically powered vehicles.

Abstract: An adapter system for vehicle windshield defroster including a manifold assembly including at least one manifold member having a defroster interface aperture formed through a bottom surface thereof that is surrounded on an outer bottom surface of the manifold member by a resilient gasket member secured to the outer bottom surface and a magnetic member secured to the gasket member, a manifold chamber formed within the manifold member in air flow communication with the defroster interface aperture, and at least one diffuser bar aperture that is in airflow communication with the manifold chamber; and at least one elongated diffuser bar having an airflow passageway formed along the length thereof, an air inlet aperture formed at a first end thereof in airflow communication with the airflow passageway, the first end of the diffuser bar being adapted to seat within the diffuser bar aperture in a manner to establish airflow between the airflow passageway and the manifold chamber, and a plurality of spaced diffuser a

Abstract: By enhancing the natural instabilities in the boundary layer and in the free shear layer of a wall jet, the boundary is minimized thereby increasing the transport of heat and mass. Enhancing the natural instabilities is accomplished by pulsing the flow of air that creates the wall jet. Such pulsing of the flow of air can be accomplished by sequentially occluding and opening a duct that confines and directs the flow of air, such as by rotating a disk on an axis transverse to the flow of air in the duct.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for an automotive vehicle molded of a resinous plastic material. The instrument panel assembly is a honey-comb structure including box-like cells throughout the entire construction to result in rigidifying the structure. The instrument panel assembly has an upper section consisting of two duct retainers which together form two integral air ducts, and a lower section consisting of two parts provides a housing for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HEVAC) apparatus. Air from the HEVAC apparatus is discharged into the vehicle by the ducts. The ducts are formed of one piece with the duct retainers to provide a strong, rigid structure obviating the need for a steel reinforcing substructure. The HEVAC apparatus is preloaded into the housing so that the instrument panel assembly and HEVAC apparatus can be installed in the vehicle as a unit.

Abstract: A vent cover for automotive type dashboards which includes a length of expanded plastic mesh which is sandwiched between a strip of vinyl and a strip of vinyl reinforced fabric which go around the perimeter of the mesh, and are engaged by a plurality of rivets which are around the perimeter of the vent opening on the underside of the dashboard, extend through holes in the strips, and which rivets are staked by a heated die.

Abstract: An instrument panel for automobiles in which a skin material is laminated to the surface of a thermoplastic resin core material and which is obtained by feeding the skin material to between a pair of male and female molds and press-molding a molten thermoplastic resin after or while feeding the molten thermoplastic resin to between the skin material and the male mold or the female mold, wherein the instrument panel has on its surface at least one exposure portion of the thermoplastic resin core material, the skin material end in the boundary portion between the exposed core material portion and the skin material end around the exposure portion is embedded into and fixed in the exposed core material resin, and at least one perforation perforated through the core material layer is formed in the core material exposure portion.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body has an integrated cross car structural duct cluster that is a composite that is connected to side pillars located on opposite sides of the vehicle body. The composite acts as a cross beam and provides four ducts that extend across the width of the vehicle body. Three ducts are related to the HVAC system of the vehicle and the fourth is a wiring duct. Five variations are disclosed. In two the composite comprises steel rods embedded in a molded plastic body. In the other three the composite comprises a steel plate that is attached to a molded plastic body.

Abstract: A space-efficient heating and air conditioning module for a motor vehicle includes radially inwardly directed air handling ducts and a coaxial rotary blower, evaporator, and heater core. A defrost supply duct communicates heated or conditioned air above the evaporator and heater core in a direction 180.degree. from the direction of air flow through the rotary blower, evaporator, and heater core. The air flow is automatically thermally stratified, to provide the warmest air to the floor vent. The module is compact, and is centrally mountable for use in left- or right-hand drive vehicles.