JP2001171338A - Vehicle air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle air conditioner hardly causing an uncomfortable smell inside a cabin. SOLUTION: This vehicle air conditioner is provided with a cleaner 50. The cleaner 50 has a cleaning nozzle 51 spraying a cleaning liquid over an evaporator 31, a storage tank 52 for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning nozzle 51, and a control part 55 controlling operation of the cleaning nozzle 51.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle which is installed in an automobile or the like and performs air conditioning such as cooling and heating in a room, and more particularly, to improving the smell of air blown into a room. The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An air conditioner for a vehicle, which provides a comfortable interior environment for an occupant by air-conditioning the interior of a vehicle such as an automobile, comprises an inside / outside air box having an inside air inlet and an outside air inlet, A blower fan that takes in air into the inside / outside air box through the outside air inlet and sends it to the downstream side,
The evaporator includes an evaporator that cools the air sent by the blower fan to generate cool air, and a heater core that heats the cool air generated by the evaporator.

In this vehicle air conditioner, the air taken in by the blower fan is cooled once in the process of passing through the evaporator and becomes cool air, and then a part of the cool air is heated in the process of passing through the heater core to warm the air. It becomes wind, and the warm air and the remaining cool air are mixed to adjust to a comfortable temperature.

[0004]

By the way, in a conventional vehicle air conditioner, dust and dirt contained in the inside and outside air are reduced.
Foreign substances such as exhaust gas, cigarette smoke, and small insects adhere to the surface of the evaporator, which may cause an unpleasant odor in the air supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0005] In addition, dust and dirt, small insects and the like adhere to the evaporator, so that the cooling capacity of the evaporator is reduced, and as a result, the performance of the air conditioner for a vehicle may not be sufficiently exhibited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a vehicle air conditioner in which an unpleasant odor hardly occurs in a vehicle interior and which can always exhibit stable performance. I have.

[0007]

As means for solving the above-mentioned problems, an air conditioner for a vehicle having the following structure is employed. In other words, the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 is an inside / outside air box having an inside air inlet and an outside air inlet, and a blower that takes air into the inside / outside air box through the inside air inlet and the outside air inlet and sends out the air downstream. Fans and
It is characterized by comprising an evaporator for cooling the air sent by the blower fan to produce cool air, a heater core for heating the cool air produced by the evaporator, and a washer for spraying a cleaning liquid to the evaporator.

In this vehicle air conditioner, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the evaporator is washed away by spraying the cleaning liquid on the evaporator. This makes it possible to prevent generation of an unpleasant odor and a decrease in the cooling capacity of the evaporator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle,
The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: an odor sensor installed behind the evaporator; and a control unit that activates the cleaning device based on a detection result of the odor sensor.

In this vehicle air conditioner, when an odor sensor installed behind the evaporator and detecting an odor detects an unpleasant odor, a cleaning device is activated based on the detection result to clean the evaporator. Will be Thus, the evaporator is always kept in a clean state. If the sensitivity of the odor sensor is increased, frequent cleaning can be performed, and no odor is sensed in the vehicle interior.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle,
The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,
A switch for arbitrarily operating the cleaning device is provided.

In this air conditioner for a vehicle, the evaporator can be washed as required by operating a switch. Therefore, for example, if the occupant feels an unpleasant odor and operates the switch to perform the cleaning, the efficiency of the cleaning operation can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle,
An inside / outside air box having an inside air introduction port and an outside air introduction port, a housing connected to the inside / outside air box, and a blower fan for taking air into the inside / outside air box through the inside air introduction port and the outside air introduction port and sending the air to the housing. An air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: an evaporator installed in the housing to cool the air sent out by the blower fan to generate cool air; and a heater core heating the cool air generated by the evaporator. The body is provided with an opening / closing unit for cleaning the evaporator.

In this vehicle air conditioner, if the opening / closing part is opened, the evaporator can be manually cleaned as required. According to this, it is undeniable that human labor is required, but it is possible to prevent the generation of unpleasant odor and the decrease in the cooling capacity of the evaporator with a simple device configuration.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle,
The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising a cleaning device that sprays a cleaning liquid to the evaporator.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle,
The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 5, further comprising: an odor sensor installed behind the evaporator to detect an odor; and a control unit that operates the cleaning device based on a detection result of the odor sensor. Features.

In this air conditioner for a vehicle, the evaporator is usually cleaned by a cleaning device, and is manually cleaned through an opening / closing unit at an occasion of periodic inspection or the like, so that the evaporator is further cleaned. Is kept.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. An air conditioner for a vehicle mainly includes an air conditioning unit that performs air conditioning such as cooling and heating, a refrigerant system that supplies a refrigerant to the air conditioning unit during a cooling operation, and engine cooling water that is a heat source to the air conditioning unit during a heating operation. It is composed of a heating source system to be supplied and a control system for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air-conditioning unit includes an inside / outside air box 10, a blower unit 20, a cooler unit 30, and a heater unit 40, which are integrally connected. It is located at the rear of the engine room, located below the dashboard on the passenger side. Hereinafter, this air conditioning unit will be described in the order of air flow.

The inside / outside air box 10 has a function of selectively switching the air introduced into the air conditioning unit to either outside air (air outside the vehicle compartment) a or inside air (air inside the vehicle compartment) b. Here, an outside air introduction port 11a communicating with the outside of the vehicle compartment and an inside air introduction port 11b communicating with the inside of the vehicle compartment are provided. One of the two introduction ports 11a and 11b is closed by the inside / outside air switching damper 12, and the introduction is performed. To be introduced (hereinafter referred to as introduction air).

The blower unit 20 is provided to be connected downstream of the inside / outside air box 10 and has a function of selectively sucking outside air a or inside air b by the operation of the blower fan 21 and sending the air to the cooler unit 30 described later. are doing. The blower fan 21 uses an electric motor 22 as a drive source, and can switch the air volume. When the outside air a is introduced while the vehicle is traveling, the outside air a, which is the traveling wind, is supplied to the cooler unit 30 even when the blower fan 21 is stopped.
Can be drained to

The cooler unit 30 has a function of cooling the introduced air blown from the blower unit 20 to dehumidify it. The cooler unit 30 includes an evaporator 31 that is a heat exchanger, and a cooler unit case 32 that stores the evaporator 31.

The evaporator 31 receives the supply of the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant during the cooling operation, and exchanges heat between the introduced air blown from the blower unit 20 and passing through the evaporator 31 and the liquid refrigerant. As a result, the introduced air is deprived of heat by the refrigerant and becomes cooled and dehumidified cold air, which is guided to the heater unit 40 described later.

The cooler unit case 32 has an upstream end connected to the blower unit 20, a downstream end connected to the heater unit 40, and an air-conditioning duct (housing) AD serving as a flow path for the introduced air. Form a part of. The cooler unit case 32 is provided with the evaporator 3.
The upper and lower parts are divided into upper and lower parts to facilitate the installation of the unit. A drain pan 33 for collecting and discharging condensed water generated on the surface of the evaporator 31 is formed on the lower surface of the cooler unit case 32.

The heater unit 40 has a function of selectively heating the introduced air sent from the cooler unit 30 and a function of blowing out conditioned air from an outlet corresponding to the operation mode. The heater unit 40 includes a heater core 42 installed inside the heater unit case 41, an air mix damper 43 for adjusting the flow rate of introduced air passing through the heater core 42, and an opening / closing operation for the heater unit case 41, each of which is opened. Outlet 4 with possible dampers 44a, 45a, 46a
4, 45, and 46.

The heater unit case 41 has an upstream end connected to the cooler unit 30 and forms a part of the air conditioning duct AD. The heater unit case 41 is provided with a defroster outlet 44, a face outlet 45, and a foot outlet 46, and a defroster damper 44a, a face damper 45a, and a foot damper 46a are attached to each outlet. The heater core 42 is a heat exchanger that receives the supply of engine cooling water, which has become hot due to heat exchange with the engine during a heating operation, and heats the introduced air blown from the cooler unit 30. The introduced air sent to the heater unit 40 is divided into those that pass through the heater core 42 and those that do not pass through the heater core 42 according to the opening degree of the air mix damper 43.

In this air conditioning unit, an evaporator 31 is used as a cleaning device 50 for cleaning the evaporator 31.
A cleaning nozzle 51 for spraying the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle, a storage tank 52 for storing the cleaning liquid and supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning nozzle 51, and further, an odor sensor 53 for detecting an odor contained in the cold air generated by the evaporator 31, A switch 54 for arbitrarily operating the cleaning nozzle 51 and a control unit 55 for controlling the operation of the cleaning nozzle 51 are provided.

The cleaning nozzle 51 employs an electrically operated pressurizing pump mechanism. The cleaning nozzle 51 is disposed between the blower fan 21 and the evaporator 31 so that the jetting direction is attached to the front of the evaporator 31. I have. In addition,
As the cleaning liquid, caustic soda, alkaline liquid mainly composed of caustic potash + surfactant and the like can be used. The storage tank 52 is installed outside the air conditioning duct AD, and is connected to the cleaning nozzle 51 via a supply pipe 52a.

The odor sensor 53 is disposed behind the evaporator 31, and is connected to the control unit 55 and the signal cable 53.
a. The switch 54 is provided on an operation panel on which an occupant performs air conditioning setting, and is connected to the control unit 55 via a signal cable 54a.

The control unit 55 is provided as a function of a control system for controlling the operation of the entire air conditioner for a vehicle. When the odor sensor 53 detects an unpleasant odor, the cleaning nozzle is controlled based on the detection signal. 51 is activated (automatic cleaning function). When the switch 54 is
The N operation also activates the cleaning nozzle 51 (manual cleaning function).

In the vehicle air conditioner configured as described above, foreign substances such as dust and dust contained in the inside and outside air, exhaust gas, cigarette smoke, and small insects adhere to the surface of the evaporator. When the unpleasant odor is generated in the air supplied to the vehicle interior, the odor sensor 53 detects the odor, and the control unit 55 that receives the detection signal activates the cleaning nozzle 51 to operate the evaporator. A cleaning liquid is sprayed on 31. As a result, foreign substances adhering to the surface of the evaporator 31 are automatically washed away. The foreign matter removed from the evaporator 31 flows down to the drain pan 33 together with the cleaning liquid, and is discharged from the drain pipe (not shown) to the outside of the vehicle.

If the odor sensor 53 does not detect an odor and the occupant feels unpleasant odor even if the automatic cleaning function does not operate, when the switch 54 on the operation panel is turned ON, the ON signal is output. The received control unit 55 activates the cleaning nozzle 51 to spray the cleaning liquid on the evaporator 31 to perform cleaning.

According to the vehicle air conditioner, by providing the automatic cleaning function and the manual cleaning function as described above, it is possible to prevent generation of unpleasant odor and to obtain a comfortable indoor environment for occupants in the vehicle cabin. Can be. In addition, it is possible to prevent the cooling capacity of the evaporator from being reduced due to the adhesion of foreign matter, and to sufficiently exhibit the performance of the air conditioner for a vehicle. If the sensitivity of the odor sensor is increased, frequent cleaning can be performed, and no odor is sensed in the vehicle interior.

In this embodiment, both the automatic cleaning function and the manual cleaning function are provided, but it is also possible to provide only one of the functions.

Further, in this embodiment, a pressure pump mechanism or the like which electrically operates the cleaning nozzle 51 is employed, but the mechanism of the cleaning nozzle 51 may be of any type. Further, a mechanism such as a manual pump may be employed.

The second embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention.
An embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The components already described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a cooler unit case 32 forming a part of the air conditioning duct AD is provided with a cleaning door (opening / closing unit) 60 for cleaning the evaporator 31. In the case of a general passenger car, the air-conditioning unit is arranged at the rear of the engine room located below the dashboard on the passenger side, so that the cleaning door 60 is located inside the glove box provided on the dashboard. It is provided in.

In the vehicle air conditioner configured as described above, if an unpleasant odor is generated in the air supplied into the vehicle cabin due to the foreign matter adhering to the surface of the evaporator, FIG. As shown in (2), after opening the door D of the glove box, further opening the cleaning door 60 at the back of the glove box to expose the evaporator 31 to the cabin side, the cleaning operation is manually performed using a cleaning liquid, a brush or the like. The foreign matter removed from the evaporator 31 flows down to the drain pan 33 as in the case of the first embodiment, and is discharged outside the vehicle from a drain pipe (not shown).

According to the air conditioner for a vehicle, it is undeniable that human labor is required. However, it is possible to prevent the generation of unpleasant odors and the reduction of the cooling capacity of the evaporator while maintaining a simple device configuration, thereby providing a comfortable environment. An indoor environment can be obtained. Also,
The cost advantage in manufacturing is also great.

In the present embodiment, the cleaning door 60 is provided inside the dashboard so that the cleaning operation can be performed in the vehicle interior. However, if the cleaning door 60 is located near the evaporator 31 and the cleaning operation can be easily performed. It may be provided in any other place regardless of inside and outside of the vehicle such as an engine room.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the swing type door as in the case of the cleaning door 60, and may employ an opening and closing structure such as a removable lid or a sliding door.

The third embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention.
An embodiment is shown in FIG. The vehicle air conditioner according to the present embodiment is provided with both a cleaning device 50 having a manual cleaning function and a cleaning door 60. In the vehicle air conditioner, the evaporator 31 is usually cleaned by the cleaning device 50, and the cleaning operation is manually performed through the cleaning door 60 at regular inspection occasions. Thus, the evaporator 31 can be kept in a cleaner state.

[0041]

As described above, according to the vehicle air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cleaning liquid is sprayed on the evaporator, so that the foreign substances adhering to the surface of the evaporator are washed away. It is possible to prevent the generation of an unpleasant odor and obtain a comfortable indoor environment for the occupants in the vehicle interior. In addition, it is possible to prevent the cooling capacity of the evaporator from being reduced due to the adhesion of foreign matter, and to sufficiently exhibit the performance of the air conditioner for a vehicle.

According to the vehicle air conditioner of the second aspect, when the odor sensor installed behind the evaporator detects an unpleasant odor, the cleaning device is operated based on the detection result to clean the evaporator. Therefore, the evaporator can always be kept in a clean state. If the sensitivity of the odor sensor is increased, frequent cleaning can be performed, and no odor is sensed in the vehicle interior.

According to the vehicle air conditioner of the third aspect, the evaporator can be washed as required by operating the switch, so that, for example, when the occupant feels an unpleasant odor, the switch is turned off. If the cleaning is performed by the operation, the cleaning liquid can be used without waste and the cleaning operation can be performed efficiently.

According to the vehicle air conditioner of the fourth aspect, the evaporator can be manually cleaned by opening the opening / closing part as needed. According to this, it is undeniable that human labor is required, but it is possible to obtain a comfortable indoor environment by preventing the generation of unpleasant odor and the decrease in the cooling capacity of the evaporator with a simple device configuration. Further, there is a great cost advantage in manufacturing.

According to the vehicle air conditioner of the fifth or sixth aspect, the evaporator is usually cleaned by the cleaning device, and the cleaning operation is manually performed through the opening / closing unit at the occasion of periodic inspection. Since the evaporator is kept in a cleaner state, it is possible to obtain a comfortable indoor environment for the occupants in the vehicle interior. In addition, it is possible to prevent the cooling capacity of the evaporator from being reduced due to the adhesion of foreign matter, and to sufficiently exhibit the performance of the air conditioner for a vehicle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the interior of the vehicle, showing an arrangement of a cleaning door.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 inside / outside air box 11a outside air introduction port 11b inside air introduction port 21 blower fan 31 evaporator 42 heater core 50 cleaning device 51 cleaning nozzle 52 storage tank 53 odor sensor 54 switch 55 control unit 60 cleaning door (opening / closing unit) AD air conditioning duct (housing) )

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An inside / outside air box having an inside air introduction port and an outside air introduction port, a blower fan that takes air into the inside / outside air box through the inside air introduction port and the outside air introduction port and sends out the air downstream, and a blower fan sent out by the blower fan. An air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: an evaporator for cooling cold air to produce cold air; a heater core for heating the cold air produced by the evaporator; and a cleaning device for blowing a cleaning liquid to the evaporator. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an odor sensor installed behind the evaporator to detect an odor; and a control unit that activates the cleaning device based on a detection result of the odor sensor. Vehicle air conditioner. 3. The air conditioner for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a switch for arbitrarily operating the cleaning device. 4. An inside / outside air box having an inside air introduction port and an outside air introduction port, a housing connected to the inside / outside air box, and a case where air is taken into the inside / outside air box through the inside air introduction port and the outside air introduction port. A blower fan that sends out air to the vehicle, an evaporator that is installed in the housing and cools the air sent out by the blower fan to produce cool air, and a heater core that heats the cool air created by the evaporator. An air conditioner for a vehicle, wherein an opening / closing unit for cleaning the evaporator is provided in the housing. 5. The air conditioner for a vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising a cleaning device that sprays a cleaning liquid onto the evaporator. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: an odor sensor installed behind the evaporator for detecting odor, and a control unit for operating the cleaning device based on a detection result of the odor sensor. Vehicle air conditioner.