FR2783465A1 - Vehicle heating/air conditioning system integrated into the vehicles instrument panel. - Google Patents

Abstract

The system includes a pulser (26), an evaporator (56), a heat radiator (72) and an air distributor, all located in a compartment inside the instrument panel of the vehicle. The evaporator (56) is arranged in a sensibly vertical position so that it is crossed by a sensibly horizontal air flow (F2). The evaporator (56) is fitted directly between the pulser (26) and the heat radiator (72) so as to limit head loss. The pulser (26) is fitted in lateral region of the instrument panel and the radiator (72) is fitted in a central region of the instrument panel. The pulser (26) has an air input, designed to admit exterior air or recalculated air, and an air output (46) designed to send to the evaporator an air flow which leaves in a sensibly horizontal direction. The pulser (26) has a turbine (32) mounted so as to rotate around a horizontal axis sensibly parallel to the median axis (Y,Y') of the vehicle.

Description

A Heating and air conditioning device integrated in a dashboard

  The invention relates to a heating and air conditioning device.

of motor vehicle.

  It relates more particularly to a device of the type comprising a blower, an evaporator, a heating radiator and air distribution means housed in a volume inside the dashboard of the motor vehicle. In a device of this type, the blower is usually selectively supplied either by outside air taken from outside the vehicle cabin, or by recirculated air taken from inside the cabin. The blower sends the air flow through an evaporator connected to a conventional air conditioning circuit and possibly through a heating radiator which is conventionally

  crossed by a hot fluid, namely the coolant

  of the vehicle engine. The air flow thus cooled

  and / or reheated is distributed, thanks to the means of distribution

  tion, between different nozzles opening into the passenger compartment.

  Such a device generally comprises an air filter arranged in the path of the air flow to retain the

  impurities carried by it.

  It has recently been proposed to group together the elements

  tutifs of the device inside an oblong volume, typically of generally parallelepiped shape, with

inside the dashboard.

  This solution has the advantage of saving space and allowing standardization of manufacturing. However, it imposes a horizontal position on the evaporator, which is detrimental to its proper functioning. In addition, it imposes a long path of circulation on the air flow, which generates

  pressure losses and thermal losses.

  The object of the invention is in particular to overcome the drawbacks

mentioned above.

  To this end, it offers a heating-air conditioning device.

  sation of the type defined in the introduction, in which the evapora-

  teur is arranged in a substantially vertical position so as to be traversed by an air flow substantially

  horizontal, and in which the evaporator is arranged directly

  between the blower and the space heating radiator

  so as to limit the pressure losses.

  According to the invention, the evaporator is arranged in a substantially vertical position, which means that its large faces are substantially vertical and that the air flow which enters through one of the large faces to exit

  by the other of the large faces is substantially horizontal.

  By the expression "arranged directly", it means that the evaporator is placed near the blower and the heating radiator, which makes it possible to minimize the length of the path of the air flow and to limit the pressure losses as well as heat losses. However, this does not prevent an accessory, in particular an air filter, from being interposed between the blower and the evaporator or

  between the evaporator and the heating radiator.

  In addition, such an arrangement contributes to reducing the bulk.

  ent overall of the device by giving it a compact structure. Therefore, the heating-air conditioning device of the invention can occupy only part of the volume available inside the dashboard, leaving

  a vacant space likely to accommodate other teams-

  ment. The volume thus occupied has a small overall height and / or depth, which makes it easy to integrate it into a dashboard, even in a small vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the blower is located in a side region of the dashboard, while the heater is located in a region

center of the dashboard.

  This results in a free space in the opposite lateral region of the dashboard, this free space can be occupied by equipment such as, for example, an airbag, a glove box, a tablet, etc. Advantageously, the blower is located on the side of the driving position of the vehicle, that is to say on the driver's side. It follows that the aforementioned free space is located on the passenger side. As a variant, the blower is located opposite the driving position of the vehicle, from which it results that the free space

  above is then located on the side of the cockpit.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the pulser

  has a clean air intake to admit outside air

  laughter or recirculated air and a clean air outlet to send to the evaporator an outgoing air flow in a

substantially horizontal direction.

  Thus, this air outlet makes it possible to channel the air flow and to send it directly to the evaporator, which is arranged

substantially vertically.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the blower comprises at least one turbine mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, substantially parallel to the median axis of the vehicle. In such a case, the blower advantageously comprises two coaxial turbines. In another embodiment of the invention, the blower comprises at least one turbine mounted for rotation

  around a substantially vertical axis.

  In such a case, the blower advantageously comprises a single turbine, and the inlet of the blower is then preferably oriented downwards. It is possible, however, to orient

the input of the blower up.

  The evaporator of the device of the invention can be oriented in different ways, as long as its large faces are

substantially vertical.

  Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the evaporator has its large faces which are substantially vertical and parallel to the axis.

vehicle median.

  In another example, the evaporator has its large faces which are substantially vertical and inclined relative to the axis.

vehicle median.

  According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the evaporator has large vertical faces of substantially rectangular shape whose ratio between the horizontal dimension (depth) and the vertical dimension

  (height) is close to 2. This contributes to reducing the space

  in height of the device and to allow its installation

  tation in a "flat volume" arranged substantially horizontally

  zontal. As a variant, the evaporator has large vertical faces of substantially rectangular shape whose ratio between the horizontal dimension (depth) and the vertical dimension (height) is close to 0.5. This contributes to reducing the overall depth of the device and to allow it to be installed in a "flat volume" arranged substantially vertically.

  Although the evaporator is in principle housed complete-

  ment in the volume of the dashboard, it is possible in certain applications to provide that one end of the evaporator is received in a recess in the bulkhead which separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The device of the invention advantageously further comprises an air filter disposed upstream of the heating radiator. This air filter can be placed upstream of the blower, or

  between the blower and the evaporator, or between the evaporator

heating radiator.

  Preferably, the air filter is arranged in a position

substantially vertical.

  To facilitate its replacement, the air filter is

  conveniently accessible from a hatch on the underside of the dashboard. This hatch is advantageously molded with the underside of the dashboard and connected to the latter by a film hinge. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heating radiator is housed in a technical box located in the dashboard and having an air inlet communicating with the blower and an air outlet

  communicating with the air distribution means.

  The orientation of the heating radiator is not particular

  strictly critical. So this heating radiator can

  be arranged inclined to the horizontal.

  It can also be arranged vertically and have large faces which are either parallel to the median axis of the vehicle,

  either perpendicular to the median axis of the vehicle.

  The large faces of the heating radiator can also be vertical and inclined relative to the median axis of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the heating radiator is housed in an air heating branch which communicates with a cold air branch, a mixing flap being provided to allow the distribution of a flow of air between the two branches to produce a mixed air flow at

adjusted temperature.

  Thus, the device makes it possible to obtain an air flow at an adjusted temperature according to the so-called "air mixing" technique.

  In another embodiment, the heater

  fage is suitable for being traversed by a hot fluid with flow

  adjustable under the control of a tap.

  In this case, the air flow at adjusted temperature is obtained

  by the technique called "adjustment on the water".

  The heating-air conditioning device of the invention is thus compatible with these two techniques for adjusting the

air flow temperature.

  According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the air distribution means are suitable for distributing an air flow between a defrost outlet, a ventilation outlet

median and a foot outlet.

  The defrost outlet is suitable for serving at least one nozzle used for defrosting / demisting the windshield, while the middle ventilation outlet is suitable for serving at least one nozzle provided on the dashboard of the vehicle, and the feet outlet is suitable for supplying at least one nozzle and / or

  conduits oriented towards the lower part of the housing

  the. In an exemplary embodiment, the air distribution means comprise a shutter to control the defrost outlet and another shutter to control both the aeration outlet

median and feet out.

  In another example, the air distribution means comprise a shutter to control both the defrost outlet and the aeration outlet and another shutter to

check the feet outlet.

  It will be understood that the air distribution means of the invention can thus be arranged between the heating radiator and a front face of the dashboard, which

  helps to reduce clutter.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the air distribution means comprise at least one duct extending inside the dashboard and transverse to the median axis of the vehicle to supply the ventilation nozzles

housed in the dashboard.

  Thus, one can provide a conduit serving defrost / demister nozzles and another conduit serving nozzles

median ventilation.

  The constituent elements of the device of the invention, namely the blower, the evaporator, the heating radiator, the air distribution means and the air filter, if any, are advantageously carried by a horizontal crosspiece s' extending transversely to the median axis of the vehicle. This cross member stiffens the entire device and serves as an interface with the vehicle chassis. It can also be used for air distribution. This cross member can also at least partially support certain equipment, such as for example an airbag

of security.

  Advantageously, the blower, the evaporator, the heating radiator and the air distribution means are housed

  in a housing installed in the dashboard.

  Preferably, this casing is provided with at least one access hatch to allow maintenance and replacement

  optional component of the device.

  In particular, a crankcase access hatch can be provided for the replacement of an air filter located upstream of the

heating radiator.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the casing has a closed front face, suitable for being disposed against the bulkhead which separates the engine compartment from

the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

  In another embodiment, the casing has an open front face, suitable for being closed by the apron

  separating the engine compartment from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

  In such a case, the apron contributes to forming the casing and thus forms part of the internal conduits which the device comprises. According to another characteristic of the invention, the device is located against the bulkhead which separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This allows the

  device against the apron and increase the space saving.

  The invention also provides that at least part of the device

  tif is located above the vehicle's steering column.

  In the following description, given by way of example, we

  refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a top view in horizontal section of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 is a sectional view along line II-II of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a sectional view along line III-III of Figure 1; - Figure 4 is a detailed view on an enlarged scale corresponding to Figure 2; - Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line V-V of Figure 4; - Figure 6 is a top view in horizontal section of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention; - Figure 7 is a sectional view along line VII-VII of Figure 6; - Figure 8 is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6; - Figure 9 is a partial top view in horizontal section of a device according to a third embodiment of the invention; - Figure 10 is a sectional view along line X-X of Figure 9; - Figure 11 is a sectional view along the line XI-XI of Figure 9; - Figure 12 is a top view in horizontal section of a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; - Figure 13 is a sectional view along the line XIII-XIII of Figure 12; - Figure 14 is a partial top view in horizontal section of a device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; - Figure 15 is a sectional view along line XV-XV of Figure 14; - Figure 16 is a sectional view along line XVI-XVI of Figure 14; - Figure 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing means in an embodiment of the invention; - Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17 in another embodiment of the invention; - Figure 19 is a top view in horizontal section of a device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; - Figure 20 is a sectional view, on a reduced scale, along the line XX-XX of Figure 19; and - Figure 21 is a sectional view, on a reduced scale, along

the line XXI-XXI of figure 19.

  The heating-ventilation device shown in the figures

  1 to 3 comprises a casing 10 of substantially parallel shape-

  pipedic delimited by a horizontal upper face 12 which can be coated with a lining 14 forming the covering of the dashboard and by a horizontal lower face

  16. The casing 12 is further delimited by an anterior face.

  vertical lower 18 situated on the side of the engine compartment M and a vertical rear face 20 situated on the side of the passenger compartment H, as well as by a vertical lateral face 22 situated on the right side and a vertical lateral face 24 situated

on the left side.

  In the embodiment shown, the front face 18 is closed and it is located along the apron T (FIGS. 1 and 2) which separates the engine compartment M from the passenger compartment H, which allows the device to be pressed against the apron T and in particular to save space. In a variant (not shown), the face 18 is open and the casing 10 is closed by the apron T, which thus contributes to delimiting the casing and forming the conduits that

features the device.

  The casing 10 has a width 1 (between the faces 22 and 24) which can be for example between 100 and 150 cm, a depth p (between the faces 18 and 20) which can be for example between 30 and 40 cm, and a height h (between the faces 12 and 16) which can be understood for example

between 15 and 20 cm.

  FIG. 1 shows the median axis (also called

  median plane) YY of the vehicle which corresponds to the longitudinal axis

  nal of the vehicle passing through the middle of it.

  The casing 10 houses an air blower 26 disposed close to the lateral face 24, that is to say on the left side of the passenger compartment, in the region of the driving position. The passage of the steering column is represented schematically by the letters

CD in Figure 2.

  The blower 26 comprises an electric motor 28 driving a shaft 30 in rotation about a horizontal axis extending parallel to the median axis YY of the vehicle. On the shaft 30 are stalled, on either side of the engine 28, two turbines

coaxial 32.

  Each of the turbines is capable of being supplied axially by an air flow (arrow F1 in FIG. 1) from an inlet chamber 34. Each of the chambers 34 has an inlet 36 suitable for being supplied by outside air (taken from outside the passenger compartment H) and an air inlet 38 suitable for being supplied with recirculated air (taken from inside the passenger compartment H). A flap 40 of the drum type (FIG. 2) is pivotally mounted around an axis 42 to control the inputs 36 and 38 and supply the blower 26 either with outside air or with recirculated air. The turbines 32 are housed inside two enclosures 44, also called "volutes", in which the air flow is accelerated tangentially. These speakers lead to a common outlet 46 which constitutes the outlet of the blower and which makes it possible to send an air flow in a direction F2 (FIGS. 1 and 2) substantially horizontal. In the example, the air flow is sent in a direction parallel to the faces 18 and 20, that is to say in a direction perpendicular to the median axis YY. The flow F2 is channeled between side walls 48 and 50 (Figure 1) which each extend to

  proximity of the faces 18 and 20 of the casing 10.

  The walls 48 and 50 delimit, jointly with the faces

  12 and 16 of the casing, a conduit 52 having a cross section

dirty rectangular shape.

  Inside the duct 52 are transversely housed an air filter 54 and an evaporator 56. The air filter 54 is located immediately at the outlet 46 of the blower and is arranged in a vertical position so that its large faces (main faces) are vertical and parallel to the median axis YY. The evaporator 56 is placed immediately after the

  filter 54. It has two large faces (or main faces

  les): an inlet face 58 and an outlet face 60. These faces 58 and 60 are vertical and parallel to the median axis YY. As a result, the air flow F2 sent by the blower

  can pass successively through the air filter 54 and the evaporator

  rator 56 to be successively filtered and cooled there.

  The large faces 58 and 60 of the evaporator have a substantially rectangular shape and they have a relationship between the horizontal dimension (depth) and the dimension

  vertical (height) which is close to 2. This allows opti-

  focus on the performance of the evaporator while housing it in a flat volume arranged substantially horizontally and having a low height. In a variant (not shown), the large faces 58 and of the evaporator have a substantially rectangular shape and they have a ratio between the horizontal dimension (depth) and the vertical dimension (height) which is close to 0.5. This optimizes the performance of the evaporator while housing it in a flat volume arranged

  substantially vertical and having a shallow depth

  deur. In the embodiment shown, the evaporator 56

  is completely housed inside the cross-section

  dirty housing. However, it could be provided that one end of this evaporator is received in a recess in the deck, and this to further increase the compactness of the device. The evaporator 56 is connected to a connector 61, located on the side of the engine compartment M (FIG. 1) to allow its connection to a conventional air conditioning circuit (not shown). The air flow (arrow F3) having passed through the evaporator 56 enters a lateral inlet 62 of a technical unit 64 which is located in a central region of the dashboard, on either side of the axis median YY. As best seen in FIG. 4, the technical unit 64 notably has a side wall 66 which is vertical and parallel to the median axis YY, and in which the aforementioned side inlet 62 is formed. The technical unit further comprises an opposite side wall 68 located on the side of the side face 22 of the

housing 10.

  The side wall 68 and the side face 22 provide between them a free space 70 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which can accommodate equipment such as, for example, an airbag, a glove box, a tablet, etc. Inside the technical box 64 is housed a heating radiator 72 which is arranged obliquely to the horizontal. This radiator 72 comprises two pipes 73 and (Figures 2 and 4) allowing the entry and exit of a hot fluid, typically the coolant of the

vehicle engine.

  As can be seen in Figure 3, the air flow (arrow

  F4) enters an entry chamber 74 demarcated internally

  laughter of the housing 64. This chamber communicates on the one hand with an air heating branch 76 having the shape of a U-shaped pocket in which the radiator 72 is housed and on the other hand with an air transmission branch cold 78. These two branches communicate, at their exit, with a room

80.

  A butterfly type mixing flap 82 is pivotally mounted

  about an axis 83 which extends horizontally and transversely

  also to the median axis YY. The mixing flap 82 makes it possible to distribute the flow F4 between the aforementioned branches 76 and 78 in order to obtain an air flow at a temperature set in

mixing chamber 80.

  The latter communicates with a defrost outlet 84 suitable for supplying at least one defrosting / defogging nozzle of the windscreen, a central ventilation outlet 86 suitable for supplying at least one ventilation nozzle placed on the dashboard of the vehicle and an outlet lower 88 (foot outlet) suitable for serving at least one nozzle opening towards the lower part of the passenger compartment. The air flow F5 at a set temperature produced in the mixing chamber 80 can be distributed between the outlets 84, 86 and 88 by distribution means

which have two components.

  These means comprise a flap 90 of the drum type mounted pivoting about an axis 92 which extends horizontally and transversely to the axis YY. The shutter 90 distributes the flow F5 between the defrost outlet 84 and the aeration outlet 86. The distribution means also comprise a shutter 94 of the butterfly type mounted pivoting about an axis 96 parallel to the above-mentioned axis 92. This component 94 is suitable for controlling the

feet outlet 88.

  Thus, the technical unit 64 makes it possible to divert the flow

  air, reheat it if necessary through the

  72 and distribute it in order to distribute it between outputs 84, 86 and 88 according to aerothermal comfort

  desired by the occupants of the vehicle.

  The defrost outlet 84 feeds a defrost duct 96 while the aeration outlet 86 feeds a aeration duct 98 (Figures 1 and 3). These conduits extend inside the dashboard and transverse to the median axis YY of the vehicle to supply the aforementioned nozzles. They are located in the dashboard near the rear face 20 located on the side of the passenger compartment H. We now refer to Figures 4 and 5. We find on

  Figure 4 the elements of Figure 2.

  The casing 10 is supported by a horizontal crosspiece 100 which extends transversely to the median axis of the vehicle and

  which is fixed to the chassis (not shown) of the latter.

  The casing 10 is provided with an access hatch 102 suitable for allowing the exchange of the air filter 54 after use. This hatch 102 came from molding with the lower face 16, advantageously made of plastic, and it is connected to the

  face 16 by a film hinge 104 obtained by a thinning

  localized plastic material. The hatch 102 can be locked by an appropriate means, for example one or more screws 106 cooperating with a boss 108 coming from

  molding with the underside 16 of the casing.

  We now refer to FIG. 5 which shows an alternative embodiment of the distribution flaps of FIG. 3. In fact, the distribution means comprise a flap 110 of the drum type mounted pivoting about an axis 112 parallel to the axis of the mixing shutter 82. The shutter 110 is suitable for controlling the defrosting outlet 84 and a chamber 114 which supplies the ventilation outlet 86 and the foot heating outlet 88. These two outputs are controlled by a flag-type shutter 116 mounted pivoting around '' an axis 118 parallel to the axis

112 cited above.

  Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 to 8 to describe a device according to a second embodiment of the invention. This device also includes a casing 10 similar to that described above and delimited by

sides 12, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24.

  In this housing is housed, in the corresponding lateral region

  in the driving position, a pulser 120 comprising an electric motor 122 driving in rotation a shaft 124 on which a single turbine 126 is wedged. The axis of rotation of the shaft 124 is inclined relative to the vertical and the turbine 126 is turned down, that is to say on the side of the lower face 16 of the casing 10. The turbine 126 rotates inside a volute 128 communicating with an inlet chamber 130 which houses an air filter 54. The latter

  is thus placed upstream of the pulser 120.

  The inlet chamber 130 communicates with an outside air inlet 36 and a recirculated air inlet 38. A shutter

  swivel 40 of drum type, similar to that described above

  demment, is rotatably mounted about an axis 42 to supply the blower by outside air or by air

recirculated (F1).

  The blower 120 has an air outlet 132 which makes it possible to send an air flow F2 in a substantially horizontal direction towards an evaporator 56 similar to that described above and having an inlet face 58 and an outlet face 60. This evaporator is connected to a connector 61 located on the side of the engine compartment M to establish a connection with a conventional air conditioning circuit (not shown). The evaporator 56 is arranged vertically, its faces 58 and being vertical but inclined relative to the median axis

YY of the vehicle.

  The evaporator 56 is housed in a technical box 134 which is located substantially in the central region of the board.

  edge, that is to say near the median axis YY.

  The housing 134 communicates by a lateral outlet 136 with another housing 138 housing a heating radiator 72 similar to that described above. However, the heating radiator 72 is arranged vertically with its large faces arranged obliquely with respect to the median axis YY. The

  housing 138 internally delimits a branch of heating

  air fage 140 U-shaped, in which is housed the

  heating radiator 72, as well as a transmission branch

  cold air flow 142. These two branches communicate with each other and lead to a mixing chamber 144 in which is pivotally mounted a mixing flap 146,

  butterfly type, around a vertical axis 148.

  The mixing chamber 144 communicates with a distribution chamber 150 connected to a defrost outlet 84, a middle ventilation outlet 86 and a feet outlet 88, similar to

  those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

  These three outputs are controlled by three components.

  A flap 152 of the drum type mounted pivoting around an axis 154 controls the defrost outlet 84. A flap 156 of the flag type mounted pivoting around an axis 158 controls the median ventilation outlet 86 and a flap 160 of flag type mounted pivoting around axis 162 controls the heating output

88 feet (Figure 8).

  The outlet 84 is connected to nozzles for defrosting / demisting the windshield. The outlet 86 is connected to median ventilation nozzles placed on the dashboard. The outlet 88 is connected to nozzles oriented towards the lower part of the passenger compartment. We now refer to Figures 9 and 10 to describe a

  third embodiment of the invention.

  This embodiment closely resembles that of FIGS. 1 to 3. There is a housing 10 delimited by faces 12, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. In this housing is housed, on the side of the driving position, an air blower 26 similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, that is to say comprising an electric motor 28 driving two turbines 32 by a common shaft 30 extending horizontally and parallel to the median axis

YY of the vehicle.

  The air blower 26 comprises an inlet chamber 34 connected to an outside air inlet 36 and a recirculated air inlet 38, which are controlled by a mounted drum flap 40

pivoting around an axis 42.

  Again, the turbines rotate in two scrolls 44 having a common outlet 46 in which are successively housed an air filter 54 and an evaporator 56, both arranged vertically and parallel to the median axis YY of the vehicle. The filter 54 and the radiator 56 extend between two parallel walls 48 and 50 delimiting a duct 52. The duct 52 communicates with a technical box 64 similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2 and implanted in the central region of the dashboard . In the housing 64 is housed a heating radiator 164 which, unlike the radiator 72 of the two previous embodiments, is of the "adjustment on water" type. Indeed, this radiator has an inlet pipe 166 on which is mounted an adjustable valve 168 allowing to adjust the flow of hot liquid (usually the engine coolant

  of the vehicle) passing through the radiator.

  The radiator is suitable for being traversed by an air flow F3 which accesses a distribution chamber 170, the temperature of which is adjusted by adjusting the valve 168, according to a

technique known per se.

  The distribution chamber 170 communicates with a defrost outlet 84, a central ventilation outlet 86 and a feet outlet 88, similar to those described above. The outputs 84 and 86 are controlled by a common flap 90, of the drum type, pivotally mounted around an axis 92. The output 88 is controlled by a flap 94, of the butterfly type, pivotally mounted around an axis 95. The outlet 84 communicates with a defrost duct 96 and outlet 86 with a ventilation duct 98, these two ducts extending inside

  the dashboard and being suitable for supplying respectively-

  defrost / demister nozzles and air nozzles

  tion. We now refer to Figures 12 and 13 to describe a

  fourth embodiment of the invention.

  This embodiment is very close to that of

  Figures 9 to 11 and reference may be made to the description

  tion of these figures. Compared to Figures 9 to 11, the main differences concern the location of the filter

  air 54 and the heating radiator 164.

  The evaporator 56 retains the position described above, that is to say that it is vertical and parallel to the median axis YY of the vehicle. On the other hand, the filter 54 which, in the previous embodiment, was located between the blower 26 and the evaporator 56, is placed between the evaporator 56 and

  the heating radiator 164. The filter 54 occupies practical-

  ment the position of the heating radiator 164 of Figure 9. In other words, the filter 54 is arranged vertically and obliquely relative to the median axis. The large faces of the filter 54 are slightly inclined relative to an axis perpendicular to the median axis YY. The heating radiator 164 is also of the type with water adjustment. It comprises an inlet pipe 166 on which is mounted a valve 168 for adjusting the flow. The radiator 164 is arranged

  vertically with its large faces which extend perpendicular

  culially to the median axis YY. As a result, the radiator 164 can be traversed by an air flow which flows in a direction parallel to the axis YY to arrive directly in a distribution chamber 170 similar to that of FIGS. 9 to 11. This chamber 170 communicates with outputs 84, 86 and 88 controlled by two flaps 90 and 94 (see figures

3 and 11).

  Reference is now made to FIGS. 14 to 16 which show a fifth embodiment, which also constitutes a variant of FIGS. 9 to 11. We can therefore refer to the

description of said figures.

  Compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 11, the essential difference lies in the position of the heating radiator 164. In fact, the filter 54 and the evaporator 56 keep the same vertical position, with their large faces parallel to the 'center line YY of the vehicle. The heating radiator 164 is also of the "water adjustment" type and comprises an inlet pipe 166 on which is mounted an adjustment valve 168. The radiator 164 is placed near the evaporator 56 so that its large faces are vertical and parallel to the median axis YY. Consequently, the filter 54, the evaporator 56 and the heating radiator 164 are all arranged vertically with their respective large faces, parallel to each other, which makes it possible to increase the compactness. As a result, the technical unit 64 has a smaller footprint than that of FIGS. 9 to 11 or that of FIGS. 12 and 13, thus freeing up more free space 70 on the side opposite to the

cockpit.

  This also results in a modification of the geometric shape of the distribution chamber 170. The latter communicates with a defrost outlet 84 and an outlet

  median ventilation 86, similar to those described above

is lying.

  On the other hand, the feet outlet 88 is split (FIGS. 14 and 16), which makes it possible, for example, to provide a separate adjustment for the driver or passenger side, provided that two independent flaps 94 (FIG. 15) are provided. Each of these flaps is pivotally mounted around an axis 95 which is

  horizontal and parallel to the median axis YY.

  Consequently, the embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 16 allows a particularly compact structure releasing a

  significant free space 70 for equipment.

  We now refer to FIG. 17 which in fact constitutes a detail of FIG. 3. We find the defrost outlet 84, the middle ventilation outlet 86 and the feet outlet 88, as well as the drum flap 90 and the butterfly flap 94. The exit

  ventilation communicates with different aerators (not shown

  tees) located on the dashboard. If it is desired to ensure complete closure of the ventilation outlet, it is necessary to provide aerators each having a specific closing flap. In the embodiment of FIG. 18, there is a structure close to that of FIG. 5. There is a flap 110 of the drum type, pivotally mounted around an axis 112 which extends transversely to the median axis of the vehicle. The shutter 110 makes it possible to control the defrost outlet 84 and a chamber 114. The latter supplies the ventilation outlet

  median 86 and feet heating output 88.

  The outputs 86 and 88 are controlled by a flap 172 of the drum type mounted pivoting about an axis 174 which extends parallel to the axis 112. The flap 172 turns its concavity towards the side of the chamber 114. It plays essentially the same role as the flap 116 of FIG. 5. However, the embodiment of FIG. 18 is particularly interesting because the two flaps 110 and 172 make it possible to ensure total closure and complete distribution.

* for each distribution method.

  We now refer to FIGS. 19 to 21 to describe a

  sixth embodiment of the invention.

  In this embodiment, the device also comprises a casing 10 similar to that described above.

  and located along the apron T which is arranged between the habita-

  key H and the engine compartment M. The device is intended for a motor vehicle with a driving position on the left. It includes an air blower 176 arranged on the right side of the passenger compartment in this example. The blower 176 (FIGS. 19 and 21) comprises an electric motor 178 driving in rotation a shaft 180 on which a turbine 182 is wedged. The axis of rotation of the shaft 180 is substantially vertical and the turbine 182 directed upwards. Turbine 182 rotates at

  the interior of a case 184, also called "volute" demarcated

  as an inlet chamber 186 located in the upper part and opposite the turbine 182. This chamber 186 is delimited in an air inlet box 188 provided with an inlet 190 for

  outside air and an inlet 192 for recirculated air

  the. These two inputs are controlled by a flap 194 of the drum type mounted pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis 196. The volute 184 has an outlet 198 (FIG. 19) which makes it possible to send an air flow F2 accelerated tangentially by the turbine, in a substantially horizontal direction. The outlet 198 of the turbine successively houses an air filter

  54 and an evaporator 56. The air filter is arranged vertically.

  LEMENT and its large faces are directed obliquely by

  relative to the vehicle's center line YY.

  The evaporator 56 has two large faces, respectively an inlet face 58 and an outlet face 60. These two faces are vertical and parallel to the large faces of the filter 54

  and also make an oblique angle with the median axis YY.

  Thus, the filter 54 is placed between the blower and the evaporator. The outlet 198 of the volute communicates with a technical box 64 similar to that described above and located in the central region of the dashboard, that is to say

  on either side of the median axis YY. Box 64 communicates

  that with the outlet 198 of the volute by an air inlet 200

(figure 20).

  The technical unit 64 houses a heating radiator 72 similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The technical unit 64 delimits a U-shaped air heating branch 202 in which the radiator 72 is housed and a branch of cold air transmission 204, these two branches communicating with each other at their inlet and at their outlet. The heating radiator 72 is arranged transversely to the median axis YY of the vehicle, as can be seen in FIG. 19. In addition, the radiator 72 is substantially

  vertical, as can be seen in Figure 20.

  The branches 202 and 204 communicate with a mixing chamber 206 which can be supplied by an air flow with adjustable temperature, by varying the proportion between the air flows passing respectively through the branches 202 and

  204, according to the "air adjustment" technique.

  For this, the device comprises a shutter 208 of the butterfly type mounted pivoting about an axis 210 and located at the entrance of the air heating branch 202, and a shutter 212 of the drum type mounted pivoting around an axis 214 and located at the exit of the branch 204. The axes 210 and 214 are

  parallel to each other and substantially horizontal.

  The mixing chamber 206 communicates with a distribution box 216 provided with a defrost outlet 218, a median ventilation outlet (not shown) and a feet outlet 220. The defrost outlet 218 is suitable for supplying defrost nozzles / demisting the windshield, the ventilation outlet of the ventilation nozzles provided on the dashboard

  and the outlet 220 of the nozzles oriented towards the lower part

  of the passenger compartment H. The device further comprises a flap 222 of the drum type mounted pivoting about an axis 224 parallel to the above axes 210 and 214. The shutter 222 is suitable for controlling the defrost outlet 218 and the middle ventilation outlet. In addition, a flap 226 of the butterfly type is pivotally mounted around an axis 228, parallel to the axis 224, to control the output feet.

220.

  Thus, in all the embodiments described above, the heating-air conditioning device of the invention offers a particularly compact structure housed in a casing of generally parallelepipedal shape which can be installed in the dashboard by occupying a

  flat volume arranged substantially horizontally and present

both a low height.

  It is advantageous for this that the evaporator has the dimensional ratio of about 2, mentioned above at

  About the first embodiment described.

  As indicated above, it is alternatively possible to arrange this flat volume in a substantially vertical position so that it has a shallow depth. In this case, it is advantageous that the aforementioned dimensional ratio

is close to 0.5.

  To further increase the compactness of the device, it is possible in certain cases, as already indicated, to ensure that part of the evaporator is received in a

  driving into the vehicle apron.

  In the embodiments described, the device occupies only part of the transverse dimension of the

  dashboard, i.e. the width of the vehicle.

  As a result, for example, part of the device can

  be located above the vehicle's steering column.

  In the embodiments described above, the blower is located on the driver's side and the technical unit housing the heating radiator is located in a central region of the dashboard, thus freeing up space on the passenger side, for the installation of equipment. It is possible, as a variant, to place the blower on the side opposite the driving position (passenger side) and to free the aforementioned free space on the side of the driving position. In this case, this free space allows room to be left

  for example for the steering column or other teams-

  such as the dashboard, etc. Due to the compactness of the device of the invention, the air flow circulates in a short path, with a minimum change of direction, which limits the pressure losses

and heat losses.

Claims (10)

Claims   1. A motor vehicle heating-air conditioning device comprising a blower (26; 120; 176), an evaporator (56), a heating radiator (72; 164) and   air distribution means housed in a volume inside   of the dashboard, characterized in that the evaporator (56) is arranged in a substantially vertical position so as to be traversed by a substantially horizontal air flow (F2), in that the evaporator is arranged directly between the blower (26;; 176) and the heating radiator (72; 164) so as to limit the pressure losses, and in that at least part of the device is located above the column of direction (CD) of the vehicle.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blower (26; 120; 176) is located above the column   steering (CD) of the vehicle and the driver's side you.   3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2,   characterized in that the blower (26) comprises at least one turbine (32) mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis,   substantially parallel to the median axis (YY) of the vehicle.   4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that   that the blower (26) comprises two coaxial turbines (32).   5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that the evaporator (56) has large faces (58, 60) substantially vertical and parallel to the median axis (YY) of the vehicle.   6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that the evaporator (56) has large faces (58, 60) which are substantially vertical and inclined with respect to the center line (YY) of the vehicle.   7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6,   characterized in that the evaporator (56) has large vertical faces (58, 60) of substantially rectangular shape, whose ratio between the horizontal dimension (depth) and the vertical dimension (height) is close to 2.   8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6,   characterized in that the evaporator (56) has large vertical faces (58, 60) of substantially rectangular shape, the ratio between the horizontal dimension (depth) and the   vertical dimension (height) is close to 0.5.   9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8,   characterized in that it comprises an air filter (54) which is accessible from a hatch (102) located on one side   lower (16) of the dashboard.   10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, character-   laughed in that the bulkhead (T), which separates the engine compartment (M) from the passenger compartment (H) of the vehicle, has a recess capable of receiving one end of the evaporator (56).