Mixing device for air conditioning system

Abstract

An air flow mixing system for a vehicle air conditioning system having a distribution door to force air from a first air flow to mix with a second air flow of different temperature proximate a merging region in the air conditioning system. In one embodiment, the distribution door has an arcuate passageway or scoop to forcibly route air from the first airflow to the second airflow. In a second embodiment, the distribution door has at least one projecting channel to divide each of the first and second air flows into a plurality of alternating flow paths to promote heat transfer and mixing of the two airflows. In each embodiment, the pivoting distribution door facilitates heat transfer between the airflows resulting in a more even temperate airflow emerging from the merging region.

1 - 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . An air flow system for a vehicle air conditioning system, comprising 
 a heat exchanger disposed in a first conduit for providing a first heated air flow,    a second conduit for a second airflow,    a merging region downstream of said first and second conduits for merging said first and second air flows; and    a mixing structure comprising a first side upstream of said merging region, a second side upstream of said merging region and opposite said first side, at least one projection extending from said first side, and at least one channel respectively passing through said at least one projection and leading from the first side to the second side,    wherein said mixing structure defines a distribution door pivotally mounted within said system.    
   
   
       21 . An air flow system as in  claim 20  wherein said distribution door is a cross flow channels door.  
   
   
       22 . The airflow system as in  claim 20 , wherein said at least one channel defines at least one u-shaped opening passing through said mixing structure.  
   
   
       23 . The airflow system as in  claim 20 , wherein said at least one projection is formed as at least one u-shaped deflector projecting from said first side of said mixing structure.  
   
   
       24 . The airflow system as in  claim 23 , wherein the u-shaped deflector is shaped as a scoop.  
   
   
       25 . The airflow system as in  claim 20 , wherein said at least one projection defines at least one air passage opening into said merging region for dividing said first heated air flow into first plural divided air flows leading to the merging region.  
   
   
       26 . The airflow system as in  claim 25 , wherein said at least one channel defines at least one air passage opening into said merging region for dividing said second air flow into at least one second divided air flow leading to the merging region.  
   
   
       27 . The airflow system as in  claim 21 , wherein said at least one channel defines at least one u-shaped opening facing the second airflow, whereby the first heated airflow and second airflow mix in said merging region.