DE102008049280A1 - Ionization device i.e. ion generator, for use in air conditioning system in motor vehicle, has air-guiding device that is designed as closed or open air-guiding device and comprises sectionally variable air passage cross section - Google Patents

Abstract

The device i.e. ion generator (1), has an air-guiding device (8) that is designed as a closed or open air-guiding device and comprises a sectionally variable air passage cross section. The variable air passage cross section is section-wise conically tapered and/or sectionally expanded. Two air-guiding walls (4, 5) are provided at a base plate (9) and sectionally formed. The air-guiding device partly encompasses an interior. An anode (2) and a needle-shaped cathode (3) are provided in the generator.

Description

The The invention relates to an ionization device for a Motor vehicle, which has at least one electrode device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system with at least one Ionization device and a vehicle with at least one ionization device or at least one vehicle air conditioning system.

Around which related to the ventilation of motor vehicles the increased comfort requirements of vehicle customers over the years to satisfy, has the variety of functions and the complexity of motor vehicle air conditioners increased accordingly.

So have air conditioning in the meantime in all Vehicle classes prevailed. With such vehicle air conditioners can be supplied to the vehicle interior fresh air to be heated. Nowadays, however, there is usually a cooling function as well provided with the the vehicle interior to be supplied Fresh air can also be cooled. Vehicle air conditioners are usually structured so that a certain temperature stratification can achieve, for example, in the footwell released air is a few degrees warmer than the released into the head area Air. Such a temperature distribution comes the usual Contrary to comfort requirements.

Further Functions that are increasingly in the meantime in the ventilation motor vehicles are, for example, filters, to clean the fresh air to be supplied to the vehicle interior and / or for removal of unwanted outside air odors be used.

Also a scent of the motor vehicle interior to be supplied Air is increasingly being realized. Here are Fragrances released into the vehicle interior air, for example to provide a noticeable fragrance, or but also to cause physiological effects, such as an increased attention of the driver.

For some time now, in motor vehicles, ionization devices have also been installed as part of the original equipment. On the one hand, the ionization units should provide air freshening, that is, a sense of smell that a "fresh air" is present. On the other hand, ionizers are used to kill pathogens, especially germs, bacteria or viruses, which may be present in the fresh air to be supplied to the vehicle interior. In order to kill pathogens, suitable ions are generated. Thus, for example, positively charged ions such as H ⁺ ions and negatively charged ions such as O ₂ ^- ions are generated at the positive electrode by the emission of electrons at the electrode and their combination with oxygen molecules. Resulting hydrogen peroxide radicals (OOH) or HO ₂ ^- ions can provide by dissolving a hydrogen atom of the protein structure of a cell or the cell membrane for their destruction.

For air freshening, however, mostly negatively charged high voltage electrodes are used, which z. B. the oxygen molecules contained in the supplied air (O ₂ ) to negatively charged oxygen ions (O ₂ ^- ).

There Ionizing devices represent a certain cost factor, it is naturally desirable, the Ionisationsgeräte to modify so that they work as effectively as possible. The Ionisationsgeräte can then if necessary be dimensioned smaller, so that space can be saved. In addition, with the help of particularly efficient ionizers where appropriate, the energy consumption for the ionization of Air is required to be reduced. This is natural desirable.

For example, in JP 2005 289 177 A proposed to supply strongly humidified air to an electrode in order to ionize them there. The thus ionized air is then mixed with a non-humidified air jet, so that the effectiveness of the overall arrangement is to be increased. In DE 10 2004 023 348 A1 For example, an air-conditioning device for air-conditioning an airflow introduced into an interior is proposed which has an ionization device. The ionization device is arranged directly at an outflow opening, through which the air flow enters the interior to be air-conditioned. In WO 85/05598 A1 an ionization device is proposed, which is designed so that it can be attached to the inner rearview mirror of the motor vehicle. As a result, the air is ionized in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle occupants, so that lower losses should occur.

The In the prior art known ionization devices have regard their effectiveness still disadvantages.

The object of the invention is thus to propose an improved ionization device for a motor vehicle. In addition, the object of the invention is to propose an improved vehicle air conditioning system with at least one ionization device. Finally, the object of the invention is an improved tes propose vehicle with at least one vehicle air conditioning and / or at least one ionization device.

To It is proposed to use an ionization device for a Motor vehicle having at least one electrode device, to be provided with at least one air guiding device. The air guiding device can the at the electrode device (or the electrode devices) by passing air flowing so that the ionizer can work very effectively. For example, with help suitable air guiding devices, the air flow velocity be increased in the range of electrode devices, so due to the lower ion density in the time average a larger Number of air molecules can be ionized. Also is it is possible that with the help of the spoiler the Air flow is kept laminar, so turbulence too avoid that could cause that generated Ions can precipitate on housing walls, and thereby "lost" can go. It is also conceivable that targeted by means of the air directing devices Turbulence can be generated, for example, in the Interaction with an electrode device, the number of ions generated to increase. Through the targeted provision of turbulence and / or laminar airflows it is above also possible, the ratio of different targeted to influence generated ions. So, for example in the presence of a positive and a negative electrode the ratio of cations to anions towards a desired one Setpoint to be influenced. The louvers can be provided and trained in any way. Favorable However, in the ionization device, suitable means are suitable provided for the spoiler device (s). In such Receiving elements may be, for example, grooves, supporting webs, Support noses or the like act. Advantageous In addition, it is especially if at least parts the spoiler (s) integral with the ionization device be formed. So it is also possible in particular that parts of the spoiler (s) integral with parts the ionization device are formed. This makes it special possible to reduce the manufacturing costs.

It may prove advantageous when the louver is designed as a closed air deflector. With help Such a louver is usually special just possible, a desired type of air flow, such as For example, a laminar air flow to realize. In addition, it is with such a closed Air deflector also possible, from a total air flow To divert a partial air flow, and this separated the electrode means the ionizer, which is often special is cheap. The closed air device can be designed be that these are a kind of air duct for the ionizing Air (or the proportion of air to be ionized) forms. The closed Air guiding device can be designed in particular as a kind of hood be on a bottom plate receiving the electrode means is put on.

A preferred development results when at least one louver at least in some areas a variable air passage cross-section having. This also makes it possible, the air flow as much as possible to a target. Especially may increase or decrease the rate of air passage particularly easy to be realized.

Especially It is advantageous if the air passage cross-section the louver at least partially tapers and / or at least partially expanded, in particular at least partially rejuvenated in regions and / or at least partially steadily expanded, preferably at least partially conically tapered and / or at least partially conically widened. Thereby For example, it is possible to set the airflow velocity to adapt specifically, and thereby, for example, the generation of turbulence to diminish. In particular, it is also possible that the spoiler device, for example, in a first Subregion rejuvenated, and then again extended, or vice versa. In particular, when the air passage cross-section the air guiding device expands in the flow direction of the air, Often a particularly effective ionization of the flowing therethrough Air can be reached because contacts between the generated ions and the walls in the spoiler are reduced, so that the loss of generated ions through wall contacts in all Usually can be reduced. It has been shown that such Change in the air passage cross-section (in particular an extension) especially in connection with negative ions especially can be effective.

Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible that at least one air guiding device is designed as an open air guiding device. In other words, it can thus come to an exchange between the guided in the air guide device and the air guided outside the air guide. By such an exchange, which can take place in particular in the presence of a plurality of electrode devices in the space between the electrode means, often a higher ionization performance can be achieved because, for example, the air flow tends to la more can be obtained, or not ionized air can be supplied to the electrode region and / or already generated ions can be removed from the electrode region.

Possible it is, for example, at least a wall-like louver to provide, preferably at least two wall-like louvers provided. With such wall-like louvers is it is possible, for example, a particularly laminar flow of air to achieve. Advantageously, the wall-like louvers extend at least partially approximately parallel to the air flow direction. The wall-like louvers are advantageously in arranged a distance, the larger, in particular a is slightly larger (for example by a factor of 1.1, 1,2, 1,3, 1,4 or 1,5), as a minimum distance defined by the Dimensioning of the electrodes is specified. Also the height the wall-like louvers can the sizing of at least parts of the electrode devices follow, in particular protruding parts of electrode devices. The height the wall-like louvers may be smaller (eg Factor 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2), the same big or bigger (eg by a factor 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2) as the corresponding one Dimensioning of the corresponding electrode device selected become.

Possible it is also, at least a wall-like louver at least partially curved form. This allows air to target a specific Electrode device to be supplied. In particular, can Such a construction is particularly advantageous prove, for example, when different electrode devices be provided, each having a different dimensions exhibit. Here the ionization power of the different Electrode devices largely optimally adapted to each other become.

Possible it is also to provide at least one open louver, which at least partially surrounds an interior partially. For example, these may be channel-like structures, the (where appropriate in connection with other parts of the ionisation device) have a trough-like shape. This can on the one hand a particularly effective air flow can be achieved, on the other hand is still an exchange with outside the louver Parts of the air flow possible, what can be particularly advantageous.

advantageously, the wall-like louvers are designed so that an airflow or partial airflows after passing the first Electrode directed to the second electrode or at this be passed by selected areas preferred with positive or negative ions or both.

Advantageous it may be when the ionization device a plurality of Having electrode means, preferably formed differently are. With the help of differently designed electrode devices For example, the ionization device may indicate different effects be optimized. The different effects can thereby also be realized at the same time. For example is it possible with the help of positive high-voltage electrodes, To produce cations that are usually particularly suitable are to destroy pathogens. On the other hand generated by means of negative high voltage electrodes anions be, such as negatively charged oxygen ions, what in the perception of the vehicle occupants usually an air freshening coming soon. The louvers can so be able to handle the (partial) air flows of a supply several or possibly all electrodes.

So it is possible that at least a surface trained Electrode device is provided and / or at least one, at least a protruding part having electrode means provided is. A flat electrode device can For example, in a accordingly executed recess be placed, which provided in the air duct wall of an air conditioning housing is. Flat surface electrode devices offer especially for positively charged high voltage electrodes and / or for electrodes for the production of cations. As planar forms are, for example, triangles, squares, squares, Rectangles (especially elongated rectangles), circles, ovals, Ellipses and the like conceivable. Electrode devices which have at least one protruding part, are common in particular for negatively charged electrodes and / or suitable for electrodes for generating anions. Especially It is possible, with the help of protruding parts, electrons to emit by a plasma discharge.

meaningful it may be when the ionization device at least partially as an air freshening device and / or as a sterilization device is. Especially such functionality is often in particular extent desired. The air refreshment can be realized in particular by the generation of anions, while a sterilization in particular by generating Cations can be realized.

It is useful, as a rule, when the Ionisa tion device is constructed at least partially modular. Such ionization modules are now commercially available as a structural unit, which can be easily modified in the context in which this is required in a simple manner. By providing such ionization modules in particular the cost can be reduced. In addition, in a case of an error, a simple repair, for example, by replacing the defective ionization module, possible.

Farther is a vehicle air conditioning system, in particular an automotive air conditioning system proposed which at least one ionization device with having the structure described above. In the proposed air conditioning arise in connection with the ionization described Properties and advantages in an analogous way.

Especially It is advantageous if the at least one ionization device in a rear part of the air conditioning path of the vehicle air conditioner is arranged, in particular in an end region of an air treatment path the vehicle air conditioner. This can make the ionization of the air relatively just before the time or place at which the ionized Air is discharged into the motor vehicle interior done. Thereby it is possible that essentially all the generated ions (if desired) in the Motor vehicle interior are delivered, and not recombine in advance or on surfaces of the air ducts get lost. This can be a particularly great effect the ionization device can be achieved.

Farther a vehicle is proposed, in particular a motor vehicle, which at least one multi-zone air conditioning with the previously described Structure has. The vehicle may be in any way an aircraft, a watercraft and / or a land vehicle (railbound / non-railbound) act. In the proposed Vehicle arise in connection with the multi-zone air conditioning described properties and benefits in an analogous manner.

in the The invention is based on exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings described. Show it:

1 a first embodiment of an ion generator with lateral Luftleitwänden in a schematic view;

2 a second embodiment of an ion generator with lateral Luftleitwänden in a schematic view;

3 a third embodiment of an ion generator with an air guide wall in a schematic view;

4 a fourth embodiment of an ion generator with an open air duct in a schematic view;

5 a fifth embodiment of an ion generator with closed air duct in a schematic view;

6 a sixth embodiment of an ion generator with a closed air duct in a schematic view;

7 a seventh embodiment of an ion generator with a closed air duct in a schematic view.

In 1 is a schematic view of an ion generator 1 with two air duct walls 4 . 5 shown. The ion generator 1 has two differently polarized electrodes 2 . 3 , The anode 2 is formed areally and is placed under a positive high voltage. At the anode 2 Cations are generated, which are used in particular to combat pathogens (especially bacteria). For example, from hydrogen molecules contained in the air flow A, a hydrogen atom is dissolved out and thereby oxidized to a hydrogen ion (H ⁺ ).

Furthermore, the ion generator 1 a cathode area 6 on. The cathode area 6 of the ion generator 1 serves to generate anions, which serve in particular the air freshening. In the cathode area 6 who reduces the oxygen molecules contained in the air, for example, to negatively charged oxygen ions (O ₂ ^- ). In the cathode area 6 In the present embodiment shown is a needle-shaped cathode 3 arranged. Due to the needle-shaped formation of the cathode 3 arise surfaces with a large curvature (small radius of curvature), so that there easily electrons can be released in the form of a plasma discharge.

The in 1 illustrated ion generator 1 basically has two main components: an ion generator module 7 (see also 6 . 7 ) which can be obtained, for example, as a prefabricated module. In addition, the ion generator points 1 a louver 8th on. The louver 8th has a bottom plate 9 on that with a recess 10 is provided, in which the ion generator module 7 is used. The bottom plate 9 For example, the in 1 illustrated Have shape. The ion generator 1 can then be used as a prefabricated assembly, for example in the housing of a motor vehicle air conditioning system (which is provided with a corresponding recess). However, it is also possible that the bottom plate 9 (and optionally the entire louver 8th ) is an integral part of a housing of a motor vehicle air conditioner or an air duct, and is not formed as a separate component. Furthermore, the bottom plate can 9 also as an integral part of the ion generator module 7 be educated.

At the bottom plate 9 are in the present embodiment, two air deflectors 4 . 5 provided, which run parallel to the air flow A and along the longitudinal sides of the ion generator module 7 are arranged. The air deflectors 4 . 5 are integral with the bottom plate in the present embodiment shown 9 connected. The louver 8th For example, it can be made using a plastic injection molding process. As you also 1 can remove, are the Luftleitwän de 4 . 5 side of the ion generator module 7 and trained independently of this. The height of the air deflectors 4 . 5 corresponds approximately to twice the height of the formed in the form of a needle tip cathode 3 ,

The louver 8th causes the between the two baffles 4 . 5 located adjacent to the electrodes 2 . 3 of the ion generator module 7 passing air A has an approximately laminar air flow. This will cause less turbulence, which will cause some of the damage to the electrodes 2 . 3 generated ions in contact with a boundary wall (bottom plate 9 , Air deflectors 4 . 5 , Top 23 of the ion generator module 7 ) comes. In such a contact of an ion with a boundary wall, namely, the ion usually sticks to the corresponding wall, discharges and is thus "lost" for the ionization of the motor vehicle interior. However, such a "loss" of ions leads to an efficiency reduction of the ion generator 1 ,

In 2 is a second embodiment of an ion generator 1 with a differently designed air guide 13 shown in a schematic view. In the 2 illustrated louver 13 is similar in construction to the in 1 illustrated louver 8th , The air deflectors 11 . 12 the louver 13 However, they are geometrically closer to the electrodes 2 . 3 of the ion generator module 7 arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the air guide walls 11 . 12 therefore on the top 23 of the ion generator module 7 appropriate. This can be done for example by gluing, injection molding by means of plastic injection molding and / or correspondingly formed fastening webs. As the air deflectors 11 . 12 get closer to the electrodes 2 . 3 of the ion generator module 7 These can be made smaller, and in particular have a lower height, without affecting the effectiveness of the spoiler 13 must suffer. In the present in 2 illustrated embodiment corresponds to the height of the air guide walls 11 . 12 at about the height of the cathode 3 ,

In addition to the flat design of the bottom plate 9 , as in 2 shown, this may also be curved and connected via a standardized interface with the ion generator module.

In the 3 to 5 are further examples of ion generators 1 represented, in each case differently shaped louvers 14 . 15 . 16 be used. The louvers 14 . 15 . 16 are each on the top 23 of the ion generator module 7 intended. For graphic reasons is in the 3 . 4 . 5 no bottom plate or a similar kind of device shown. In addition, at the in 3 . 4 . 5 illustrated ion generators 1 adjacent to the cathode 3 one protective cage each 17 intended. The protective cage 17 is made of plastic, for example, and serves in particular the mechanical protection of the cathode 3 ,

In 3 is the louver 14 of the ion generator 1 similar to the ones in 1 and 2 illustrated embodiments as a spoiler wall 18 educated. In the present embodiment, however, only a single air guide wall 18 used. Of course it is possible, here also two air deflectors 18 provided. The air deflector 18 directs the at the anode 2 with cations acted upon air flow A targeted toward the cathode 3 , The curvature of the baffle 18 is chosen so that they are at their anode 2 adjacent side approximately flush with the edge of the anode 2 is arranged. On the side of the cathode 3 ends the air deflector 18 at about the height of the air passage 19 standing in the protective cage 17 the cathode 3 is provided (in the direction of the width of the ion generator module 7 seen). With the help of the air deflector 18 Therefore, the air flow A can be selectively influenced so that an advantageous guidance of the air flowing through A is achieved.

In 4 is a variation of in 3 illustrated ion generator 1 shown. In 4 points the ion generator 1 a slightly modified air deflector 15 on. The louver 15 is in the form of an air deflector 20 formed, which at its upper end a sort of roof 21 having. As a result, the louver forms 15 through the interplay of the baffle 20 , Top, roof 21 and top 23 of the ion generator module 7 a trogartige recess 22 , With the help of the trough-like recess 22 can a further improved air flow between the anode 2 and cathode 3 of the ion generator module 7 be achieved.

A further improved air flow can be achieved by the in 5 illustrated louver 16 be achieved. The louver 16 is in the 5 illustrated embodiment as an air duct tunnel 24 shown. The air duct tunnel 24 points to his the cathode 3 facing the end of a width and height, which is approximately the size of the air passage 19 in the protective cage 17 for the cathode 3 equivalent. On his the anode 2 facing side, the in 5 illustrated air duct tunnel 24 In contrast, a slightly larger air passage cross-section. Again, the air flow A between anode 2 and cathode 3 be optimized for the particular application.

In 6 is another ion generator 1 with a modified air guiding device 25 shown in a schematic view. The louver 25 consists in the presently illustrated embodiment essentially of a conically enlarging lid 26 , The lid 26 forms in combination with the top 23 of the ion generator module 7 an air passageway 27 , The air passage channel 27 points to its entry page 28 a smaller cross-section than on its exit side 29 on (at the in 6 The selected direction of view, the air flows through the ion generator 1 from back to front). Due to the present constantly increasing air passage cross section of the air passage channel 27 There is a reduced likelihood of contact between one at the anode 2 produced cation and a boundary surface 26 . 23 of the air passage 27 , This results in a reduced "loss" of ions.

In 7 is another possible embodiment for an ion generator 1 with a modified air guiding device 31 shown. Similar to in 6 illustrated embodiment is also the louver 31 in the form of a lid 30 formed, which on the top 23 of the ion generator module 7 is arranged. The lid 30 is shaped to have a "biconical" shape. The air passage cross section of the air passage channel 27 points to its entrance page 28 as well as its exit side 29 an approximately equal air passage cross-section. Starting from the entrance side 28 However, the air passage channel tapers 27 first to the middle level 32 , The middle plane 32 is approximately at the height of the anode 2 of the ion generator module 7 , Behind the middle plane 32 expands the air passage 27 again until the exit side 29 , As a result, a large amount of air through the air passageway 27 directed. Nevertheless, there is only a small loss of that at the anode 2 produced cations, as seen in the flow direction to the anode 2 an increasing air passage cross section of the air passage channel 27 is present.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2005289177 A [0009]
• DE 102004023348 A1 [0009]
• WO 85/05598 A1 [0009]

Claims (15)

Ionization device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electrode device ( 2 . 3 ), characterized by at least one air guiding device ( 8th . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 29 . 30 ). Ionization device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one air guiding device ( 8th . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 29 . 30 ) as a closed louver ( 16 . 29 . 30 ) is trained. Ionization device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, in particular according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one air guiding device ( 8th . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 29 . 30 ) at least partially a variable air passage cross-section ( 27 ) having. Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 3, characterized in that the air passage cross-section ( 27 ) of the louver ( 8th . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 29 . 30 ) at least partially tapers and / or widened at least by way of travel, in particular continuously at least partially tapered and / or at least partially continuously expanding, preferably at least partially conically tapered and / or at least partially conically widened. Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one air guiding device ( 8th . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 29 . 30 ) as an open air guiding device ( 8th . 13 . 14 . 15 ) is trained. Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 5, characterized by at least one wall-like air guiding device ( 4 . 5 . 11 . 12 . 18 . 20 ), preferably by at least two wall-like louvers ( 4 . 5 . 11 . 12 ). Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one wall-like louver ( 4 . 5 . 11 . 12 . 18 . 20 ) at least partially bent ( 18 . 20 ) is trained. Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one open air guiding device ( 8th . 13 . 14 . 15 ) at least partially an interior space ( 22 ) partially encompasses ( 20 . 21 ). Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of electrode devices ( 2 . 3 ), which are preferably designed differently. Ionization device ( 1 ) one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flat electrode device ( 2 ) and / or at least one, at least one projecting part ( 3 ) having electrode means is provided. Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is at least partially designed as an air freshening device and / or as a sterilization device. Ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they are at least partially modular ( 7 ) are formed. Vehicle air conditioning system ( 1 ), in particular motor vehicle air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one ionization device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12. Vehicle air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one ionization device ( 1 ) is arranged in a rear part of the air treatment path, in particular in an end region of an air treatment path of the vehicle air conditioning system. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, comprising at least one ionization device according to one of the claims 1 to 12 and / or at least one vehicle air conditioning system after a claim 13 or 14.