Patent Description:
The HVAC system can be operated in an external circulation mode or in an air recirculation (i.e., internal circulation) mode. The power consumed by the HVAC system of electric vehicles is mostly between <NUM>-2kW, that is, every hour of air conditioning will reduce about <NUM> of range. If the vehicle turns on the external circulation but under the maximum air volume conditions, additional <NUM> of range will be reduce every hour, that is, if the HVAC system turns on external circulation mode, the vehicle is in the external circulation mode, the HVAC system will reduce <NUM> of range per hour. This will greatly reduce the range of electric vehicles.

If the HVAC system is in the air recirculation mode, the power consumed will be greatly reduced. However, adults normally emit about <NUM>/hour of water and about <NUM>/hour of carbon dioxide by breathing. If the HVAC system is always in air recirculation mode while the vehicle is moving, the water vapor emitted by the human body will cause fogging on the glass of the vehicle, which will bring unpredictable danger to the driver and passengers of the vehicle. If the defogging mode is continuously turned on, it will increase the power consumption and reduce the range of the vehicle. Moreover, in the air recirculation mode, the CO2 inside the vehicle will continue to increase, which will cause the driver to be sleepy during driving, which will bring potential danger to the normal operation of the vehicle.

In addition, the current cabin air recirculation systems are complicated, and include various pipes and lines. For example, <CIT> describes an electrical motor-vehicle auxiliary heating device for assembly in a flow channel provided with an insertion opening, the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating device comprising a layered heating block comprising at least one PTC heating element and at least one radiator element abutting thereto, which heating block is held in a housing forming oppositely situated air passage areas with formed air passage apertures. The heating device further comprises a frame-shaped flow resistance element providing a receptacle for the housing and formed as a sliding guide for the housing. The housing is accommodated in the flow resistance element as a component independent of the flow resistance element, and the flow resistance element is formed such that a clearance distance between the housing and a wall of the flow channel at the level of the motor-vehicle auxiliary heating device is bridgeable by the flow resistance element.

To this end, it is desirable to develop a cabin air recirculation system, which allows the vehicle to filter and adsorb water vapor and carbon dioxide and other harmful substances in the air in the vehicle cabin, thereby avoiding fogging of the vehicle during driving, and ensuring that the driver and passengers will not be fatigued and sleepy due to excessive concentrations of carbon dioxide. In addition, it is desirable to develop a cabin air recirculation system, which is simple in structure, reduces the number of components and is easy to assembly.

Objects of the present disclosure are to provide an integrated cabin air recirculation system, which is simple in structure, reduces the number of components and is easy to assembly.

According to the invention as defined in independent claim <NUM>, an air deflector for a cabin air recirculation system is provided. The air deflector comprises:.

Preferably, the distance of between the rib and the top wall at the first end portion is slightly less than the height of the heater, and thus is designed to fit the heater tightly, to avoid shaking after the heater is installed, and wherein the distance between the rib and the top wall at the second end portion is greater than the height of the heater, and thus is designed to reduce the sliding friction of the heater during installation.

Preferably, the air deflector further comprises a guide positioning rib for cooperating with an installation guide groove on an adsorption cartridge mounting frame of the cabin air recirculation system.

Preferably, the air deflector further comprises an air guide grid suitable to evenly guide airflow in the vertical direction to the lateral direction of an adsorption cartridge of the cabin air recirculation system on both sides.

Preferably, the air deflector further comprises installation structure for cooperating with the installation point on the adsorption cartridge mounting frame, and for fixing the air deflector and the adsorption cartridge mounting frame together.

Preferably, the installation structure is a flange with a screwed hole, and the installation point on the adsorption cartridge mounting frame is a boss with a screwed hole.

Preferably, each vertical side wall includes a plurality of heat dissipation holes.

Preferably, the top wall is n-shaped, so as to allow air to flow through the first heater or the second heater of the cabin air recirculation system.

In the subject application, since the height of each rib increases along the heater installation direction, so that the distance of between the rib and the top wall at the first end portion is less than the distance between the rib and the top wall at the second end portion, to reduce the sliding friction of the heater during installation. In addition, Horizontal first and second end portions facilitate heater fixing.

In addition, the distance of between the rib and the top wall at the first end portion is slightly less than the height of the heater, and thus is designed to fit the heater tightly, to avoid shaking after the heater is installed. The distance between the rib and the top wall at the second end portion is greater than the height of the heater, and thus is designed to reduce the sliding friction of the heater during installation.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, words such as "up", "down", "left", and "right" used herein to define orientations generally refer to and are understood as orientations in association with the drawings and orientations in actual application.

As used herein, the term "vehicle" may be used interchangeably and synonymously to include any relevant vehicle platform, such as passenger vehicles (ICE, HEV, FEV, fuel cell, fully and partially autonomous, etc.), commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, tracked vehicles, off-road and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), motorcycles, farm equipment, watercraft, aircraft, etc. In an example, an electric vehicle includes a vehicle body with a passenger cabin, multiple road wheels mounted to the vehicle body, and other standard original equipment. An electrified powertrain contains one or more vehicle-mounted traction motors that operate alone (e.g., for FEV powertrains) or in conjunction with an internal combustion engine assembly (e.g., for HEV powertrains) to selectively drive one or more of the road wheels and thereby propel the vehicle.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like features throughout the several views, <FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary cabin air recirculation system for HVAC system for a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure; <FIG> schematically illustrates in exploded perspective view an exemplary cabin air recirculation system in accordance with the present disclosure.

The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> may comprise an upper housing <NUM>, two adsorption units <NUM>, <NUM> (a first adsorption unit <NUM> and a second adsorption unit <NUM>), a lower housing <NUM>, a first heater <NUM>, a second heater <NUM>, an intake flap system <NUM>, and an outlet flap system <NUM>. The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> may comprise other components as needed, such as a controller, at least one sensor, etc..

<FIG> schematically illustrates in exploded perspective view an exemplary first adsorption unit <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system in accordance with the present disclosure. Each of the first adsorption unit <NUM> and the second adsorption unit <NUM> is configured to adsorb moisture and/or or carbon dioxide. The first adsorption unit <NUM> includes an air deflector <NUM>, an adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM>, at least one adsorption cartridge <NUM>, and a sealing ring <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the first adsorption unit <NUM> includes two adsorption cartridges <NUM>. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the first adsorption unit <NUM> may include any suitable number of adsorption cartridges <NUM>, without departing the scope of the disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the second adsorption unit <NUM> has the same structure as first adsorption unit <NUM>. In this regard, the description of the second adsorption unit <NUM> is omitted for brief. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the second adsorption unit <NUM> may be different from first adsorption unit <NUM>, for example may include different number of adsorption cartridges <NUM>, without departing the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the first adsorption unit <NUM> may comprise other components as needed, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary adsorption cartridge <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The adsorption cartridge <NUM> may be filled with water vapor adsorption material, carbon dioxide adsorption material, volatile adsorption material or adsorption material for absorbing other harmful substances according to customer needs. As a non-limiting example, the adsorption material may include resin, which has a certain adsorption capacity at room temperature, and has desorption ability at a temperature of <NUM>-<NUM>. By using the properties of low-temperature adsorption and high-temperature desorption of resin, the air quality in the cabin is well controlled. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the adsorption material may made from any suitable material, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

The adsorption cartridge <NUM> includes a mounting snap <NUM>, which can be quickly installed on the adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> and quickly removed from the mounting frame <NUM> by snapping. Through this design, the system makes the adsorption cartridge easier to mount and shortens the time during later maintenance and replacement.

The adsorption cartridge <NUM> further includes an adsorption cartridge sealing strip <NUM>, to effectively prevent the leakage of unadsorbed gas to the clean side, which will affects the adsorption efficiency of the system.

The adsorption cartridge <NUM> further includes a plastic grid <NUM>, to strengthen the overall strength of the adsorption cartridge <NUM> and to help balance the airflow of the adsorption cartridge, so that the airflow on the surface of the adsorption cartridge <NUM> is more balanced, thus improving the adsorption efficiency of the adsorption cartridge <NUM>.

The adsorption cartridge <NUM> further includes a guide structure <NUM>, to help accurately locate and install the adsorption cartridge, and to avoid the risk of leakage caused by not installing the adsorption cartridge <NUM> in place. In addition, the adsorption cartridge <NUM> may comprise other components as needed, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> includes a sealing strip <NUM>, to prevent the outside air from entering the clean side, and to prevent the two adsorption units from cross-gassing each other, affecting the adsorption efficiency.

The adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> further includes a snap mounting structure <NUM>, to cooperate with the mounting snap <NUM> on the adsorption cartridge <NUM> to reliably install the adsorption cartridge <NUM> on the mounting frame <NUM>.

The adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> further includes a positioning guide groove <NUM>, to cooperate with the guide structure <NUM> on the adsorption cartridge <NUM> to guide the adsorption cartridge <NUM> and accurately install the adsorption cartridge <NUM> in place.

The adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> further includes an intake grid <NUM>, to assist in balancing airflow into the adsorption cartridge <NUM>, and to strengthen the strength of the mounting frame <NUM>.

The adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> further includes an installation point <NUM>, to fix the air deflector <NUM>.

The adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> further includes an installation guide groove <NUM>, to assist and locate the air deflector <NUM>, ensuring that the air deflector <NUM> can be accurately installed in place, and preventing excessive unheated gas from entering the adsorption cartridge <NUM>, affecting the regeneration time of the adsorption cartridge.

The adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> further includes a positioning structure <NUM>, which cooperates with the installation positioning guide groove <NUM> on the lower housing <NUM>, to install the first adsorption unit <NUM> and the second adsorption unit <NUM> in place. In addition, the adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> may comprise other components as needed, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary air deflector <NUM> in accordance with the present invention. <FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary air deflector in accordance with the present invention, with the first heater or the second heater to be inserted along a heater installation direction H. <FIG> schematically illustrates the increase of the height of the rib of the exemplary air deflector along the heater installation direction H.

The air deflector <NUM> includes a guide positioning rib <NUM>, which cooperates with the installation guide groove <NUM> on the adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> to install the air deflector <NUM> in place, and prevent unheated gas from entering the adsorption cartridge excessively, affecting the regeneration time of the adsorption cartridge <NUM>.

The air deflector <NUM> further includes an air guide grid <NUM>, to evenly guide airflow in the vertical direction to the lateral direction of the adsorption cartridge <NUM> on both sides, so that the gas can evenly pass through the adsorption cartridge <NUM>.

The air deflector <NUM> further includes installation structure <NUM>, to cooperate with the installation point <NUM> on the adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM>, and to fix the air deflector <NUM> and the adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> together. As a non-limiting example, the installation structure <NUM> is a flange with a screwed hole, and the installation point <NUM> on the adsorption cartridge mounting frame <NUM> is a boss with a screwed hole. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the installation structure <NUM> and the installation point <NUM> can be any other suitable form.

The air deflector <NUM> further includes a heater mounting portion defining a heater mounting groove <NUM>, which serves to guide and position the first heater <NUM> or the second heater <NUM> to avoid damage to the heating part of the first heater <NUM> or the second heater <NUM>.

The heater mounting portion is generally box-shaped, and includes a top wall <NUM>, two vertical side walls <NUM> extending along a heater installation direction H on both sides of the heater mounting portion, and two ribs <NUM> extending along the heater installation direction H on both sides of the heater mounting portion. Each vertical side wall <NUM> includes a plurality of heat dissipation holes <NUM>, to assist the first heater <NUM> or the second heater <NUM> to adequately dissipate heat during work and to avoid the risk of local overheating of the first heater <NUM> or the second heater <NUM>. The top wall <NUM> is generally n-shaped, so as to allow air to flow through the first heater <NUM> or the second heater <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, each rib <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> which is distal relative to the heater installation direction H and extends horizontally along the heater installation direction H and a second end portion <NUM> which is proximal relative to the heater installation direction H and extends horizontally along the heater installation direction H. In the non-limiting example, the first end portion <NUM> of the each rib <NUM> extends horizontally about <NUM> along the heater installation direction H, to facilitate fixing and positioning the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM>. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the first end portion <NUM> of the each rib <NUM> may extend horizontally any other suitable distance along the heater installation direction H, without departing the scope of the disclosure. In the non-limiting example, the second end portion <NUM> of the each rib <NUM> extends horizontally about <NUM> along the heater installation direction H, to facilitate fixing the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM>. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the second end portion <NUM> of the each rib <NUM> may extend horizontally any other suitable distance along the heater installation direction H.

The height of each rib <NUM> increases along the heater installation direction H between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>, so that the distance h1 of between the rib <NUM> and the top wall <NUM> at the first end portion <NUM> is less than the distance h2 between the rib <NUM> and the top wall <NUM> at the second end portion <NUM>, to reduce the sliding friction of the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> during installation. In the non-limiting example, the distance h1 of between the rib <NUM> and the top wall <NUM> at the first end portion <NUM> is about <NUM> less than the distance h2 between the rib <NUM> and the top wall <NUM> at the second end portion <NUM>, to reduce the sliding friction of the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> during installation.

The distance h1 of between the rib <NUM> and the top wall <NUM> at the first end portion <NUM> is slightly less than the height of the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM>, and thus is designed to fit the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> tightly, to avoid shaking after the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> is installed. The distance h2 between the rib <NUM> and the top wall <NUM> at the second end portion <NUM> is greater than the height of the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM>, and thus is designed to reduce the sliding friction of the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> during installation. In addition, the air deflector <NUM> may comprise other components as needed, without departing the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> disposed in the first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM> respectively, the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> configured to heat the air delivered to the first adsorption unit <NUM> and the second adsorption unit <NUM>, respectively, which are used to regenerate the first adsorption unit <NUM> and the second adsorption unit <NUM> respectively.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary first heater <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The first heater <NUM> includes at least one temperature sensor <NUM>, which can effectively monitor the temperature change of the first heater <NUM> and prevent accidents caused by heater overheating and failure caused by its heater failure as well as control regeneration temperature. As a non-limiting example, the first heater <NUM> includes two temperature sensors <NUM>. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the first heater <NUM> may include any suitable number of temperature sensors <NUM>, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

The first heater <NUM> further includes a mounting flange face <NUM>, when the heater is installed in place, the first heater <NUM> is fixed to the upper housing <NUM> by screws. The mounting flange face <NUM> is designed with two fixed mounting holes <NUM> for fixing the first heater <NUM> on the upper housing <NUM> with screws.

The first heater <NUM> further includes a flange face <NUM>, designed with a power plug interface <NUM>, for connecting the first heater <NUM> to the power supply. The first heater <NUM> further includes a step at the lower surface near the flange face <NUM>, the height of the step is equal to height difference between the first end portion <NUM> the second end portion <NUM> of the ribs <NUM>, so that the first heater <NUM> can be firmly held in the air deflector <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the second heater <NUM> has the same structure as the first heater <NUM>. In this regard, the description of the second heater <NUM> is omitted for brief. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the second heater <NUM> may be different from the first heater <NUM>, for example may include different number of temperature sensors <NUM>, without departing the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the first heater <NUM> may comprise other components as needed, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary upper housing <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system in accordance with the present disclosure. <FIG> schematically illustrates in another perspective view the upper housing <NUM>, as viewed from a first end of the upper housing <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>, the upper housing <NUM> defining: an air inlet <NUM> located at the first end <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> for receiving air from a vehicle cabin; an inlet passage <NUM> extending downstream from the air inlet <NUM>; a first port <NUM> and a second port <NUM> disposed at the downstream end of the inlet passage <NUM>; a first passage <NUM> and a second passage <NUM> respectively communicating with the first port <NUM> and the second port <NUM>, the first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM> being separated by the partition wall <NUM> of the upper housing; and a first outlet <NUM> and a second outlet <NUM> arranged at the lower end of the upper housing and communicated with the first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM> respectively.

The upper housing <NUM> is provided with a mounting and fixing structure <NUM> for intake flap system <NUM> to ensure that the intake flap system <NUM> can be assembled in correct position, and has the required sealing function.

The upper housing <NUM> is provided with a flap positioning structure <NUM>, to assists in positioning the intake flap system <NUM> in place.

The upper housing <NUM> further includes a flange <NUM> for fixing the first heater <NUM> or the second heater <NUM> to ensure that the first heater <NUM> can be installed accurately, to avoid the potential risk of the heater misalignment.

The upper housing <NUM> further includes a sealing structure <NUM>, which cooperates with the intake flap system <NUM>, to seal the first port <NUM> and the second port <NUM> as needed.

The upper housing <NUM> includes assembly structure <NUM> which cooperates with corresponding assembly structure <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the assembly structure <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> and the assembly structure <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> are a plurality of mounting holes for fasteners to pass through. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the assembly structure <NUM> may use other structure, without departing the scope of the disclosure. With the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> assembled together, the sealing ring <NUM> ensures that the inner chamber of the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> is sealed to avoid leakage.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary lower housing <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. <FIG> schematically illustrates in another perspective view the lower housing <NUM>, as viewed from a second end <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>.

The lower housing <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>. The lower housing defines: a first inlet <NUM> and a second inlet <NUM> disposed on the upper end of the lower housing <NUM> and sealingly engaged with the first outlet <NUM> and the second outlet <NUM>, respectively; a first adsorption unit chamber <NUM> and a second adsorption unit chamber <NUM> communicated with the first inlet <NUM> and the second inlet <NUM> respectively, the first adsorption unit chamber <NUM> and the second adsorption unit chamber <NUM> are separated by the partition wall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>, the downstream end of the first adsorption unit chamber <NUM> is provided with a first exhaust port <NUM> and a first outlet port <NUM>, and the downstream end of the second adsorption unit chamber <NUM> is provided with a second exhaust port <NUM> and a second outlet port <NUM>; and an exhaust passage <NUM> and an outlet passage <NUM> provided at the second end of the lower housing, the exhaust passage <NUM> selectively communicates with the first exhaust port <NUM> and the second exhaust port <NUM>, and discharges the exhaust including gas and water after regenerating to the environment through the exhaust outlet <NUM>, the outlet passage <NUM> selectively communicates with the first outlet port <NUM> and the second outlet port <NUM>, and transports the adsorbed and purified air to the cabin through the air outlet <NUM>.

The lower housing <NUM> further includes a flap positioning structure <NUM>, to assisting in positioning the outlet flap system <NUM> in place.

The lower housing <NUM> further includes an installation and fixing structure <NUM> for the outlet flap system <NUM>, ensuring that the outlet flap system <NUM> can be assembled in place, and has the required sealing function.

The lower housing <NUM> further includes an installation positioning guide groove <NUM> for the first adsorption unit <NUM> and the second adsorption unit <NUM>, which cooperates with the positioning structure <NUM> on the adsorption cartridge mounting bracket <NUM>, which facilitates the smooth installation of the first adsorption unit <NUM> and the second adsorption unit <NUM> in place. The first adsorption unit <NUM> and a second adsorption unit <NUM> are respectively disposed in the first adsorption unit chamber <NUM> and the second adsorption unit chamber <NUM>.

The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> is highly integrated to reduce the external size of the product and enhance the competitiveness of the cabin air recirculation system <NUM>. In addition, the integrated cabin air recirculation system <NUM> is simple in structure, reduces the number of components and is easy to assembly.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary intake flap system <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system in accordance with the present disclosure.

The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> further comprises an intake flap system <NUM> capable of selectively controlling the first port <NUM> and the second port <NUM> and configured with a first pure adsorption position <NUM>, a second pure adsorption position <NUM>, a first adsorption-regeneration position <NUM> and a second adsorption-regeneration position <NUM>. In the first pure adsorption position <NUM>, the inlet passage <NUM> communicates with the first passage <NUM> and does not communicate with the second passage <NUM>. In the second pure adsorption position <NUM>, the inlet passage <NUM> does not communicate with the first passage <NUM> and communicates with the second passage <NUM>. In the first adsorption-regeneration position <NUM>, the inlet passage <NUM> communicates with both the first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM>, and the amount of air delivered from the inlet passage <NUM> to the first passage <NUM> is less than the amount of air delivered from the inlet passage <NUM> to the second passage <NUM>; in the second adsorption-regeneration position <NUM>, the inlet passage <NUM> communicates with both the first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM>, and the amount of air delivered from the inlet passage <NUM> to the second passage <NUM> is less than the amount of air delivered from the inlet passage to the first passage.

The flap positioning structure <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> can position the intake flap system <NUM> at one of the first pure adsorption position <NUM>, the second pure adsorption position <NUM>, the first adsorption-regeneration position <NUM> and the second adsorption-regeneration position <NUM>.

The intake flap system <NUM> includes a valve plate <NUM>, a seal member <NUM>, a transmission mechanism and a drive mechanism. As a non-limiting example, the seal member <NUM> and the valve plate <NUM> may be manufactured by injection molding. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the seal member <NUM> and the valve plate <NUM> may made from any suitable method, such as 3D printing, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

The seal member <NUM> of the intake flap system <NUM> may be designed into different sealing sections according to requirements and applications.

The transmission mechanism of the intake flap system <NUM> comprises a bearing <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a sealing ring <NUM> and a mounting plug <NUM>. The drive mechanism of the intake flap system <NUM> comprises a positioning pin <NUM>, a transmission shaft <NUM>, and a drive handle <NUM>. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the drive mechanism of the intake flap system <NUM> can be replaced by a drive motor, with control logic and sensor signals, for fully automatic control, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates in perspective view an exemplary outlet flap system <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure.

The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> further comprises an outlet flap system <NUM> configured with a first position <NUM> and a second position <NUM>. In the first position <NUM>, the exhaust passage <NUM> communicates with the second adsorption unit chamber <NUM> and does not communicate with the first adsorption unit chamber <NUM>, and the outlet passage <NUM> communicates with the first adsorption unit chamber <NUM> and does not communicate with the second adsorption unit chamber <NUM>. In the second position <NUM>, the exhaust passage <NUM> communicates with the first adsorption unit chamber <NUM> and does not communicate with the second adsorption unit chamber <NUM>, and the outlet passage communicates with the second adsorption unit chamber <NUM> and does not communicate with the first adsorption unit chamber <NUM>.

The outlet flap system <NUM> comprises a first valve plate <NUM>, a first sealing member <NUM>, a second valve plate <NUM>, a second sealing member <NUM>, a transmission mechanism and a driving structure. The first valve plate <NUM> and the second valve plate <NUM> are fixedly connected to the transmission mechanism and are at a predetermined angle (α) with respect to each other, angle formed between the first exhaust port and the second outlet port is equal to the predetermined angle (α), and angle formed between the second exhaust port and the first outlet port is equal to the predetermined angle (α). The upper housing is provided with a flap positioning structure <NUM> which can position the outlet flap system <NUM> at one of the first position and the second position.

As a non-limiting example, the first valve plate <NUM> and the first sealing member <NUM> may be manufactured by injection molding. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the first valve plate <NUM> and the first sealing member <NUM> may made from any suitable method, such as 3D printing, without departing the scope of the disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the second valve plate <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> may be manufactured by injection molding. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the second valve plate <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> may made from any suitable method, such as 3D printing, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

The first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> of the outlet flap system <NUM> may be designed into different sealing sections according to requirements and applications.

The transmission mechanism of the outlet flap system <NUM> comprises a bearing <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a sealing ring <NUM> and a mounting plug <NUM>. The drive mechanism of the outlet flap system <NUM> comprises a positioning pin <NUM>, a transmission shaft <NUM>, and a drive handle <NUM>. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the drive mechanism of the outlet flap system <NUM> can be replaced by a drive motor, with control logic and sensor signals, for fully automatic control, without departing the scope of the disclosure.

By use of the double-sided sealing valve design of the outlet flap system <NUM>, the switching of two passages (the exhaust passage <NUM> and the outlet passage <NUM>) is controlled at the same time, thereby saving costs.

The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> further comprises a controller, a first gas sensor disposed near the air outlet, and a second gas sensor disposed near the exhaust outlet <NUM>. The first gas sensor is configured to monitor vehicle the humidity level and/or the carbon dioxide level of the air outlet <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system, the second gas sensor is configured to monitor the humidity level and/or the carbon dioxide level of the exhaust outlet <NUM> of the cabin air recirculation system;.

The controller is configured to control the intake flap system <NUM>, the outlet flap system <NUM>, the first heater <NUM> and the second heater <NUM> based on output signals of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor, so that the cabin air recirculation system <NUM> selects one of a first pure adsorption mode, a second pure adsorption mode, a first adsorption-regeneration mode and a second adsorption-regeneration mode. In the first pure adsorption mode operation, the first adsorption unit <NUM> is in an adsorption mode, and the second adsorption unit <NUM> is in a non-working mode. In the first adsorption-regeneration mode, the second adsorption unit <NUM> is in the adsorption mode, the first heater <NUM> is activated and the first adsorption unit <NUM> is in a regeneration mode. In the second pure adsorption mode operation, the second adsorption unit <NUM> is in the adsorption mode, and the first adsorption unit <NUM> is in the non-working mode. In the second adsorption-regeneration mode, the first adsorption unit <NUM> is in the adsorption mode, the second heater <NUM> is activated and the second adsorption unit <NUM> is in the regeneration mode.

A method of controlling the cabin air recirculation system <NUM> comprises the steps of:.

The step (c) comprises turning on a first heater located upstream of the first adsorption unit <NUM> to desorb moisture and/or carbon dioxide from the first adsorption unit <NUM>; the step (f) includes turning on a second heater located upstream of the second adsorption unit <NUM> to desorb moisture and/or carbon dioxide from the second adsorption unit <NUM>; the step (a) includes: controlling the intake flap system and the outlet flap system, so that the intake flap system is at the first pure adsorption position <NUM> and the outlet flap system is at the first position; the step (c) comprises: controlling the intake flap system and the outlet flap system so that the intake flap system is in the first adsorption-regeneration position <NUM> and the outlet flap system is in the second position; the step (e) comprises: controlling the intake flap system and the outlet flap system so that the intake flap system is in the second pure adsorption position <NUM> and the outlet flap system is in the second position; the step (f) comprises: controlling the intake flap system and the outlet flap system so that the intake flap system is in the second adsorption-regeneration position <NUM> and the outlet flap system is in the first position.

The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> of the present disclosure reduces the time during which the HVAC system operates in the external circulation mode, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the HVAC system and greatly improving the range of the vehicle.

The cabin air recirculation system <NUM> of the present disclosure allows the vehicle to filter and adsorb water vapor and carbon dioxide and other harmful substances in the air in the vehicle cabin, thereby further improving the air quality in the cabin and avoiding fogging of the vehicle during driving, and ensuring that the driver and passengers will not be fatigued and sleepy due to excessive concentrations of carbon dioxide.

Claim 1:
An air deflector (<NUM>) for a cabin air recirculation system (<NUM>), the air deflector (<NUM>) comprising:
a heater mounting portion defining a heater mounting groove (<NUM>) to guide and position a heater (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the heater mounting portion includes a top wall (<NUM>), two vertical side walls (<NUM>) extending along a heater installation direction (H) on both sides of the heater mounting portion, and two ribs (<NUM>) extending along the heater installation direction (H) on both sides of the heater mounting portion,
wherein each rib (<NUM>) includes a first end portion (<NUM>) which is distal relative to the heater installation direction (H) and extends horizontally along the heater installation direction (H), and a second end portion (<NUM>) which is proximal relative to the heater installation direction (H) and extends horizontally along the heater installation direction (H), and
characterised in that a height of each rib (<NUM>) increases along the heater installation direction (H) between the first end portion (<NUM>) and the second end portion (<NUM>), so that a distance (h1) of between the rib (<NUM>) and the top wall (<NUM>) at the first end portion (<NUM>) is less than a distance (h2) between the rib (<NUM>) and the top wall (<NUM>) at the second end portion (<NUM>), to reduce a sliding friction of the heater (<NUM>, <NUM>) during installation.