JP2008279791A - Vehicle air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle air conditioner capable of enhancing efficiency in cooling and heating in an outside air introducing mode simultaneously, improving initial cooling performance when starting cooling in a strong sunlight situation, and reducing the consumption of energy. <P>SOLUTION: This vehicle air conditioner for taking outside air into it through an outside air inlet formed in the vehicle when the outside air introducing mode is selected has a first cowl outside air inlet 14 and a second cowl outside air inlet 13 formed in a cowl duct 4 in a sunlight reaching region and a fender outside air inlet 17 formed in a fender duct 24 in a sunlight non-reaching region as the outside air inlet. This air conditioner is provided with a first switching door 11 and a second switching door 16 capable of selecting one of the outside air inlets 13, 14 and 17 when the outside air introducing mode is selected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner that takes in outside air from an outside air inlet set in the vehicle when the outside air introduction mode is selected.

Conventionally, for the purpose of achieving both heating efficiency and cooling efficiency, a heat insulation duct has been set up inside the cowl duct having an outside air inlet and an outside air outlet, and the heat from the engine room is used when passing through the cowl duct. There is known a vehicle air conditioner equipped with a derived outside air adjusting means for adjusting a derived amount of a high temperature outside air having a temperature higher than the outside air and a low temperature outside air having a temperature lower than the high temperature outside air by passing through a heat insulation duct ( For example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-96197 A

  However, since the conventional vehicle air conditioner has a structure in which all of the outside air to be introduced is introduced through the outside air inlet at the upper end of the cowl, the intake temperature to the air conditioning unit during parking in hot weather in summer, etc. As a result, the initial cooling performance cannot be improved, and it takes a long time to reduce the temperature to a comfortable cabin temperature, resulting in a problem that the cooling load increases and the energy consumption increases. there were.

  That is, for example, when parking in hot weather in summer, the upper end of the cowl is heated by sunlight and rises to about 80 ° C. As a result, even if outside air is taken in from the outside air inlet at the upper end of the cowl, the intake temperature to the air conditioning unit rises due to the heated cowl duct, which makes it impossible to improve the initial cooling performance. It takes a long time to lower the vehicle interior temperature. In addition, the cooling load increases, the driving torque for operating the compressor increases, and as a result, the energy consumption increases.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and can improve both the cooling efficiency and the heating efficiency in the outside air introduction mode, and improve the initial cooling performance at the start of cooling in a high solar radiation situation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner that can achieve a reduction in energy consumption.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, when selecting an outside air introduction mode, in a vehicle air conditioner that takes in outside air from an outside air inlet set in the vehicle,
The outside air inlet has at least a first outside air inlet set in an irradiation area of sunlight and a second outside air inlet set in a non-irradiation area of sunlight,
An intake port switching structure is provided that allows selection of either the first outside air inlet or the second outside air inlet when the outside air introduction mode is selected.

Therefore, in the vehicle air conditioner of the present invention, when the outside air introduction mode is selected and the temperature-controlled air is generated from the sucked outside air, the first outside air inlet and the second outside air are cooled during cooling by the suction port switching structure. Outside air having a low temperature can be sucked out of the inlet, and outside air having a higher temperature can be sucked out of the first outside air inlet and the second outside air inlet during heating.
For example, when cooling in a vehicle parked and parked under high solar radiation conditions, selecting the first outside air inlet set in the sunlight irradiation area not only becomes hot outside air at the start of inhalation, Even after the start of inhalation, the high temperature outside air continues due to the heat held by the inhalation route.
On the other hand, if the second outside air intake port set in the non-irradiated area of sunlight is selected, it is not affected by solar radiation, so the temperature is much higher than the outside air temperature from the first outside air intake port at the start of inhalation. The air temperature is low and the air temperature does not rise due to the effects of solar radiation even after the start of inhalation.
Therefore, compared with the case where the first outside air intake port set in the sunlight irradiation area is selected, the temperature range to be reduced from the intake outside air temperature to the set temperature in the passenger compartment is narrowed, and the response is good immediately after the start of cooling. Comfort can be improved by lowering the passenger compartment temperature. Further, the cooling load is reduced by the narrow temperature range to be lowered.
As a result, it is possible to achieve both a cooling efficiency increase and a heating efficiency increase in the outside air introduction mode, and an improvement in initial cooling performance and a reduction in energy consumption can be achieved at the start of cooling in a high solar radiation situation.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for realizing the vehicle air conditioner of the present invention will be described based on Examples 1 to 4 shown in the drawings.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an automobile to which the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an automobile to which the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment is applied.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automobile 1 to which the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment is applied includes a hood 2, an engine room 3 (power unit room), a cowl duct 4, a dash panel 5, and an engine. 6, the cowl top 9, the heat insulating material 12, the second cowl outside air inlet 13 (first outside air inlet), the first cowl outside air inlet 14 (first outside air inlet), and the fender outside air inlet 17 (Second outside air inlet) and a fender duct 24 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the rear part of the engine room 3 in which the engine 6 at the front part of the automobile 1 is mounted, the vehicle width direction is close to the rear end part below the rear end part of the bonnet 2. A cowl duct 4 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, a first cowl outside air inlet 14 and a second cowl outside air inlet 13 are set in the cowl top 9 (upper end portion) of the cowl duct 4.

  At one end of the cowl duct 4 where the first cowl outside air inlet 14 and the second cowl outside air inlet 13 are set, along the inner surface of the side fender, which is a region where the air temperature does not rise due to the influence of solar radiation when parking. A fender duct 24 extending downward is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a fender outside air inlet 17 is set at a lower position of the fender duct 24.

  Of the cowl duct 4 and the fender duct 24, the heat insulating material 12 is set only on the inner surface of the fender duct 24 and the second cowl outside air inlet 13 from the fender outside air inlet 17 to the outside air inlet 25 (see FIG. 4). ing. That is, the heat insulating material 12 is set in a part of both the ducts 4 and 24, thereby dividing the region into a heat insulating region and a non-heat insulating region. The heat insulation region that blocks the heat influence from the engine room 3 is a region from the entire fender duct 24 to the second cowl outside air inlet 13 of the cowl duct 4. On the other hand, the non-insulated region that positively allows and receives the heat effect from the engine room 3 is a region in the cowl duct 4 from the first cowl outside air inlet 14 to the front of the second cowl outside air inlet 13. .

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first cowl outside air inlet, a second cowl outside air inlet, and a fender inlet in the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating the vehicle air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment includes an engine room 3, a cowl duct 4, a dash panel 5, a partition plate 7, a blower unit 8, a cowl top 9, Air conditioning unit 10, first switching door 11 (suction port switching structure), heat insulating material 12, second cowl outside air suction port 13, first cowl outside air suction port 14, and second switching door 16 (suction port switching) Structure), a fender outside air inlet 17, a fender duct 24, and an outside air inlet 25.

  The outside air introduction port 25 is a common introduction port regardless of the selection of the outside air intake port when introducing outside air into an air conditioner (HVAC). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cowl duct 4 and the fender duct 24 are used. It is provided in the connection position. The outside air inlet 25 set on the engine room 3 side is connected to an air conditioner set in the vehicle compartment via the opening of the dash panel 5. The air conditioner includes a partition plate 7, a blower unit 8, an air conditioner unit 10 including an evaporator, a heater core, an air mix door, and the like (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first cowl outside air inlet 14 is set at a position of the cowl top 9 away from the outside air inlet 25 of the cowl duct 4 extending in the vehicle width direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is set at the position of the cowl top 9 close to the outside air inlet 25 of the cowl duct 4 extending in the vehicle width direction.

  When the outside air introduction mode is selected, the first switching door 11 and the second switching that can select any one of the first cowl outside air inlet 14, the second cowl outside air inlet 13, and the fender outside air inlet 17 are selectable. The doors 16 are set as doors each having a rotation shaft at the upper end at both side positions sandwiching the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the outside air inlet 25 (see FIG. 5).

  FIG. 5 is a control block diagram illustrating an intake air temperature control system in the vehicle air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the intake air temperature control system of the first embodiment includes a suction port switch 26, a temperature adjustment dial 27 (air conditioning temperature setting means), an outside air temperature sensor 28 (outside air temperature detection means), An outside air inlet temperature sensor 29 (first outside air inlet temperature detecting means), a second outside air inlet temperature sensor 30 (second outside air inlet temperature detecting means), a solar radiation amount sensor 31 (a solar radiation amount detecting means), An air conditioning controller 32, a first switching door actuator 33 (suction port switching structure), and a second switching door actuator 34 (suction port switching structure) are provided.

  The first outside air inlet temperature sensor 29 is provided at the position of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and detects the first outside air inlet temperature T1 (see FIG. 8). The second outside air inlet temperature sensor 30 is provided at the position of the fender outside air inlet 17 and detects the second outside air inlet temperature T2 (see FIG. 8).

  The air conditioning controller 32 inputs signals from the suction port switch 26, the temperature adjustment dial 27, the outside air temperature sensor 28, the first outside air inlet temperature sensor 29, the second outside air inlet temperature sensor 30, the solar radiation amount sensor 31, and the like. . Then, according to a predetermined control logic using the input information, one outside air suction port is selected by arithmetic processing or judgment processing, and the first switching door actuator 33 is connected to communicate the selected outside air suction port with the outside air introduction port 25. A drive command is output to the second switching door actuator 34. The first switching door actuator 33 operates the first switching door 11, and the second switching door actuator 34 operates the second switching door 16. In addition, the 1st switching door 11 and the 2nd switching door 16 let the position of the continuous line of FIG. 5 be (1), and let the position which block | closes the 2nd cowl external air inlet 13 be (2).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the outside air inlet selection control process executed by the air conditioning controller 32 of the first embodiment. Each step will be described below (intake air temperature control means).

In step S1, it is determined whether the mode selected by operating the suction port switch 26 is the outside air introduction mode (FRESH) or the inside air circulation mode (REC).
In step S1, when it is determined that the inside air circulation mode (REC) is selected, the process proceeds to return, and when it is determined that the outside air introduction mode (FRESH) is determined, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, following the determination that the outside air introduction mode (FRESH) is selected in step S1, the temperature difference T between the air conditioner set temperature by the temperature adjustment dial 27 and the outside air temperature (AMB) by the outside air temperature sensor 28 is calculated. It is calculated and it is determined whether or not this temperature difference T is larger than the set temperature (= 0 ° C.). Here, an example in which the set temperature is 0 ° C. has been described, but an appropriate temperature may be set.

In step S3, following the determination that T> 0 in step S2, the first switching door 11 is set to a position (2) where the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is closed. From step S3, the process proceeds to return.
That is, during heating in winter when the air conditioner set temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, the second switching door 16 remains at the solid line position (1) in FIG. 5 and the first switching door 11 closes the second cowl outside air inlet 13. By setting the position (2), the first cowl outside air inlet 14 is selected as the outside air inlet (HOT).

  In step S4, following the determination that T ≦ 0 in step S2, the first switching door 11 remains at the solid line position (1) in FIG.

  In step S5, following the setting of the position (1) of the first switching door 11 in step S4, from the first outside air inlet temperature T1 from the first outside air inlet temperature sensor 29 and from the second outside air inlet temperature sensor 30. The temperature difference T ′ from the second outside air inlet temperature T2 is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the temperature difference T ′ is greater than the set temperature (= 0 ° C.). Here, an example in which the set temperature is 0 ° C. has been described, but an appropriate temperature may be set.

In step S6, following the determination that T ′> 0 in step S5, the second switching door 16 is set to a position (2) where the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is closed. From step S6, the process proceeds to return.
That is, when the air conditioner set temperature is lower than the outside air temperature and the temperature of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is higher than the temperature of the fender outside air inlet 17 and the temperature of the cowl duct 4 is increased, the first switching door is used. 5 is kept at the solid line position (1) in FIG. 5, and the second switching door 16 is set to a position (2) that closes the second cowl outside air inlet 13 so that the fender outside air inlet 17 becomes the outside air inlet. Select (FENDER).

In step S7, following the determination in step S5 that T ′ ≦ 0, the second switching door 16 remains at the solid line position (1) in FIG. From step S7, the process proceeds to return.
That is, when the air conditioner set temperature is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature, the temperature of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is equal to or lower than the temperature of the fender outside air inlet 17, and the temperature of the cowl duct 4 does not increase, the first switching door 11 is cooled. The second switching door 16 is left at the solid line position (1) in FIG. 5 to select the second cowl outside air inlet 13 as the outside air inlet (COWL TOP).

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 7 shows a test apparatus used for performance evaluation of an air conditioner system. (A) shows a vehicle thermal test state, and (b) shows a vehicle interior state.

  In a general sedan type vehicle, the temperature of the roof panel 19 is about 100 ° C. and the air temperature between the roof panel 19 and the headlining 21 is about 80 ° C. under a thermal load of 40 ° C., humidity 50%, and solar radiation 1024 W. The member temperature of the head lining 21 is about 70 ° C., the air temperature in the passenger compartment is about 60 ° C., the temperature of the door panel 23 is about 50 ° C., and the temperature at the bottom of the vehicle is about 45 ° C.

That is, when a thermal load of 1024 W of solar radiation is applied to the vehicle, the temperature of the roof panel 19 is the highest temperature (about 100 ° C.) and the temperature of the lower portion of the vehicle is the lowest temperature (about 45 ° C.). It becomes almost equal to the temperature of the outside air.
This is because heat flows into the upper end of the vehicle due to the effects of solar radiation, and this heat travels down the vehicle through the metal panel with high heat transfer properties of the vehicle. And in the vehicle lower end part which is not influenced by solar radiation, it will thermally radiate toward a road surface. That is, at the upper end of the vehicle, the panel temperature at the lower end of the vehicle becomes low (substantially outside air temperature level) due to the heat dissipation action, although it becomes high due to solar radiation heat input.

  The inventor of the present invention pays attention to the fact that the upper end portion of the vehicle becomes high temperature due to solar heat, but the lower end portion of the vehicle becomes low temperature due to heat radiation, and the outside air inlet is set at least in the sunlight irradiation area. A first outside air inlet and a second outside air inlet set in a non-irradiation area of sunlight, and when the outside air introduction mode is selected, one of the first outside air inlet and the second outside air inlet is A configuration provided with a selectable inlet switching structure was adopted.

  Therefore, when the outside air introduction mode is selected and temperature-controlled air is created from the sucked outside air, the cool air is sucked from the first outside air suction port and the second outside air suction port at the time of cooling by the suction port switching structure. During heating, outside air having a higher temperature can be sucked out of the first outside air inlet and the second outside air inlet.

  For example, when cooling in a vehicle parked and parked under high solar radiation conditions, if the first outside air intake port set in the sunlight irradiation region (the vehicle upper end region) is selected, In addition, after the start of inhalation, high-temperature outside air continues due to the heat held by the inhalation route.

  On the other hand, if the second outside air inlet set in the non-irradiated area of sunlight (vehicle lower end area) is selected, it will not be affected by solar radiation, so the temperature of the outside air from the first outside air inlet will be changed at the start of inhalation. Compared with the start of inhalation, the temperature of the air does not rise due to the influence of solar radiation, and therefore the low temperature outside air continues.

  Therefore, compared with the case where the first outside air inlet set in the sunlight irradiation area is selected, the temperature range to be lowered from the sucked outside air temperature to the set temperature in the passenger compartment becomes narrow, and the response is good immediately after the start of cooling. Comfort can be improved by lowering the passenger compartment temperature. Further, the cooling load is reduced by the narrow temperature range to be lowered.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the outside air inlet selection action in the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment. (A) shows the cooling action in summer 1, (b) shows the cooling action in summer 2, and (c) Shows the heating effect in winter.
Hereinafter, the “air-conditioning operation in winter”, “the air-cooling effect in summer 1”, and “the air-cooling effect in summer 2” in the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment will be described separately.

[Winter heating effect]
At the time of heating in the outdoor air introduction mode in winter, the flow of step S1, step S2, step S3, and return is repeated in the flowchart of FIG.
That is, during heating in winter when the air conditioner set temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, in step S3, the second switching door 16 is left at the solid line position (1) in FIG. 5, and the first switching door 11 is in the second cowl outside air inlet. By setting the position 13 to block (2), the first cowl outside air inlet 14 is selected as the outside air inlet.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the outside air is sucked from the first cowl outside air inlet 14 by the suction force generated by the operation of the blower unit 8, and the sucked outside air passes through the cowl duct 4 and passes through the engine 6. In response to the heat from the air, the temperature rises, passes through the blower unit 8 from the outside air inlet 25 and is introduced into the air conditioning unit 10, and the outside air is warmed by the heater core in the air conditioning unit 10, so Hot air is sent into the room.

  Thus, it is desirable that the temperature of the air introduced from the cowl duct 4 is high during heating (warm-up) in the outdoor air introduction mode in winter. In contrast, the exhaust heat of the engine room 3 can be adjusted to a temperature considerably higher than the outside air temperature. As a result, the vehicle interior temperature can be raised with good response in a short time from the start of heating, and the heat load can be reduced by raising the temperature of the outside air introduced into the air conditioning unit 10.

[Cooling action in summer 1]
In the case of rainy weather driving that is not affected by solar radiation but during the cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer, the flow of step S1, step S2, step S4, step S5, step S7, and return in the flowchart of FIG. Repeated.
That is, when the air conditioner set temperature is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature, the temperature of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is equal to or lower than the temperature of the fender outside air inlet 17, and the temperature of the cowl duct 4 does not increase, the first switching door 11 is cooled. When the second switching door 16 is kept at the solid line position (1) in FIG. 5, the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is selected as the outside air inlet.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the outside air is sucked from the second cowl outside air inlet 13 by the suction force by the operation of the blower unit 8, and the sucked outside air immediately passes through the outside air inlet 25 through the blower unit 8. Then, the air is introduced into the air conditioning unit 10, the outside air is cooled in the air conditioning unit 10 by an evaporator, and cold air is sent into the vehicle interior from a vent outlet or the like in the vehicle interior.

  Thus, it is desirable that the air temperature introduced from the cowl duct 4 is low during cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer (cooling down). On the other hand, compared with the case where the outside air is introduced from the fender outside air suction port 17, the outside air having the same temperature or a lower temperature can be introduced from the second cowl outside air suction port 13. As a result, the vehicle interior temperature can be lowered with good response in a short time from the start of cooling, and the thermal load is reduced by introducing the low temperature outside air out of the two outside airs that can be introduced into the air conditioning unit 10. be able to.

[Cooling action in summer 2]
During cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer and when parking under hot weather that is greatly affected by solar radiation, the flow of step S1 → step S2 → step S4 → step S5 → step S6 → return in the flowchart of FIG. Is repeated.
That is, when the air conditioner set temperature is lower than the outside air temperature and the temperature of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is higher than the temperature of the fender outside air inlet 17 and the temperature of the cowl duct 4 is increased, the first switching door is used. 5 is maintained at the solid line position (1) in FIG. 5, and the second switching door 16 is set to a position (2) that closes the second cowl outside air inlet 13 so that the fender outside air inlet 17 is sucked into the outside air. Will be selected as a mouth.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the outside air at the outside air temperature level is sucked from the fender outside air suction port 17 by the suction force by the operation of the blower unit 8, and the sucked outside air passes through the fender duct 24. Also, the heat effect from the engine 6 is blocked by the heat insulating material 12, and the temperature rise is suppressed. Then, the blower unit 8 passes through the outside air introduction port 25 and is introduced into the air conditioning unit 10. The sucked outside air passes through the blower unit 8 from the outside air introduction port 25 and is introduced into the air conditioning unit 10. The outside air is cooled by the evaporator, and cold air is sent into the vehicle interior from a vent outlet or the like in the vehicle interior.

  Thus, it is desired that the air temperature introduced into the air conditioning unit 10 is low during cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer (during cool down). On the other hand, when parking in the hot weather when the air is sucked from the cowl duct 4, the air temperature introduced into the air conditioning unit 10 can be reduced by sucking outside air from the fender outside air inlet 17 existing in the heat dissipation area. It can be adjusted to a temperature close to the temperature. As a result, even when parking under hot weather, the cabin temperature can be lowered with good response in a short time from the start of cooling, and the air temperature introduced into the air conditioning unit 10 is adjusted to a temperature close to the outside air temperature. By doing so, the thermal load can be reduced.

For example, in summer, when the outside air temperature is 41.4 ° C, the cowl top generates heat due to exhaust heat from the engine and solar radiation, and if the air is sucked from the cowl duct, the temperature of the intake air rises to 58.4 ° C. There is data.
On the other hand, in Example 1, the intake air temperature can be adjusted to a temperature close to the outside air temperature by inhaling outside air from the fender outside air inlet 17. Therefore, when the temperature immediately after the evaporator is set to 6 ° C. during cooling, if the intake air temperature can be made equal to the outside air temperature of 41.4 ° C. by inhaling outside air from the fender outside air intake port 17, Compared to the air temperature of 58.4 ° C), the amount of energy used for cooling is reduced by about 32%, and the energy used for cooling can be saved significantly.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.

  (1) In a vehicle air conditioner that takes in outside air from an outside air inlet set in the vehicle when the outside air introduction mode is selected, the outside air inlet is at least a first outside air inlet set in a sunlight irradiation area. , Having a second outside air intake port set in a non-irradiation area of sunlight, and when selecting the outside air introduction mode, the intake port switching which can select either the first outside air intake port or the second outside air intake port Since the structure is provided, it is possible to achieve both higher cooling efficiency and higher heating efficiency in the outside air introduction mode, and at the same time, it is possible to improve initial cooling performance and reduce energy consumption at the start of cooling in high solar radiation conditions. it can.

(2) The first outside air inlets are cowl outside air inlets 13 and 14 set at the upper end portion of the cowl duct 4 disposed in the rear part of the engine room 3 and extending in the vehicle width direction. The mouth is a fender outside air intake port 17 set at a lower position of the side fender where the air temperature does not increase due to the influence of solar radiation during parking, the cowl duct 4 in which the cowl outside air intake ports 13 and 14 are set, and the fender An outside air inlet 25 is provided at a position where the outside air inlet 17 is connected to the fender duct 24, and the inlet switching structure is provided at the position of the outside air inlet 25. When the outside air introduction mode is selected, cowl outside air is sucked. Since it has the switching doors 11 and 16 for selecting one of the mouths 13 and 14 and the fender outside air intake port 17, it gets into a vehicle parked under high sunlight conditions. When cooling only, by selecting the fender outside air inlet 17 set in the fender duct 24 at the lower end of the vehicle, the vehicle interior temperature can be lowered with good response immediately after the start of cooling, and comfort can be improved. The cooling load can be reduced by the amount of temperature range to be reduced.

  (3) The cowl outside air inlet includes a first cowl outside air inlet 14 set at a position of the cowl top 9 away from the outside air inlet 25 of the cowl duct 4 extending in the vehicle width direction, and a cowl extending in the vehicle width direction. And a second cowl outside air inlet 13 set at a position of the cowl top 9 adjacent to the outside air inlet 25 of the duct 4, and the switching door is configured to select the first cowl outside air inlet 14 when the outside air introduction mode is selected. And the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air inlet 17 are provided with a first switching door 11 and a second switching door 16 which can be selected, and the intake air temperature is selected as the degree of freedom in selecting the outside air inlet. A first cowl outside air inlet 14 suitable for heating in winter and a second cowl outside air inlet 13 capable of sucking outside air without being affected by heat from the engine 6 and suitable for shade cooling in summer, It is possible to provide three degrees of freedom for selection of the fender outside air intake port 17 that can inhale outside air without being affected by solar radiation or the heat of the engine 6 and that is suitable for parking cooling in the summer.

  (4) Among the cowl duct 4 and the fender duct 24, the heat insulating material 12 is set only on the inner surface of the fender duct 4 from the fender outside air inlet 17 to the outside air inlet 25, so that heat from the engine 6 is positively applied during heating. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the promotion of the increase in the intake air temperature by taking in the air and the suppression of the increase in the air temperature by shutting off the heat from the engine 6 during cooling.

  (5) a first outside air inlet temperature sensor 29 for detecting the temperature of the second cowl outside air inlet 13; a second outside air inlet temperature sensor 30 for detecting the temperature of the fender outside air inlet 17; When selecting the solar radiation amount sensor 31 to be detected and the outside air introduction mode, if the temperature difference T ′ between the first outside air inlet temperature T1 and the second outside air inlet temperature T2 is higher than the set temperature, the fender outside air inlet 17 is selected. Control command to be output to the door actuators 33 and 34, and when the difference temperature T ′ between the first outside air inlet temperature T1 and the second outside air inlet temperature T2 is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is selected. Since the intake air temperature control means (FIG. 6) for outputting a control command to the door actuators 33 and 34 is provided, the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air inlet 17 are compared by comparing the outside air inlet temperature. Thus, selection control of an appropriate outside air inlet that can reduce the heat load can be performed.

  (6) A temperature adjustment dial 27 for setting the air conditioning temperature and an outside air temperature sensor 28 for detecting the outside air temperature are provided, and the first outside air inlet extends in the vehicle width direction disposed at the rear part of the engine room 3. The first cowl outside air intake port 14 set at the upper end of the cowl duct 4 and set at the position of the cowl top 9 away from the outside air inlet 25 and the position of the cowl top 9 set near the outside air inlet 25. The second outside air inlet is a fender outside air inlet 17 set at a lower position of the side fender, and the intake air temperature control means (FIG. 6) is an air conditioner setting. When the temperature difference T between the temperature and the outside air temperature is higher than the set temperature, a control command for selecting the first cowl outside air inlet 14 is output to the door actuators 33 and 34, and the temperature difference between the air conditioner set temperature and the outside air temperature is output. When T is lower than the set temperature, selection control of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air inlet 17 is performed according to at least one of the inlet temperature condition and the solar radiation amount condition. The first cowl outside air inlet 14 that can increase the temperature can be selected, and the second cowl outside air inlet 13 that can inhale outside air without being affected by heat from the engine 6 during cooling in summer, An optimum outside air inlet can be selected from the fender outside air inlet 17 that can inhale outside air without being affected by heat.

  Example 2 is an example in which fins that promote heat absorption from the engine are set in the non-insulated region of the cowl duct.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a cowl duct and a fender duct for explaining the outside air introduction action during heating in the outside air introduction mode in winter in the vehicle air conditioner of the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle air conditioner of the second embodiment includes a cowl duct 4, a cowl top 9, a first switching door 11, a heat insulating material 12, a second cowl outside air inlet 13, and a first A cowl outside air inlet 14, a fin 15, a second switching door 16, a fender outside air inlet 17, a fender duct 24, and an outside air inlet 25 are provided.

  That is, among the cowl duct 4 and the fender duct 24, fins 15 that promote heat absorption by the uneven structure are set on the outer surface of the cowl duct 4 from the first cowl outside air inlet 14 to the outside air inlet 25 on the engine 6 side. Yes. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation will be described. During heating in the outside air introduction mode in winter when the first cowl outside air inlet 14 is selected as the outside air inlet, as shown in FIG. 9, due to the suction force by the operation of the blower unit 8, Outside air is sucked from the first cowl outside air inlet 14, and the sucked outside air receives heat from the engine 6 by the fins 15 while passing through the cowl duct 4, and rises in temperature from the outside air inlet 25. After that, the air is introduced into the air conditioning unit 10, the outside air is warmed by the heater core in the air conditioning unit 10, and warm air is sent into the vehicle interior from a foot outlet in the vehicle interior.

  That is, in this second embodiment, in order to absorb the heat from the engine room 3, the fins 15 are attached to the portion that is the non-warming region, and the surface area of the cowl duct 4 is increased, so that compared to the first embodiment, Further, it is intended to promote endotherm. Since other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the vehicle air conditioner of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (6) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (7) Of the cowl duct 4 and the fender duct 24, the fin 15 for promoting heat absorption is set on the outer surface of the cowl duct 4 from the first cowl outside air inlet 14 to the outside air inlet 25. The temperature can be further increased compared to Example 1, and further power saving can be achieved during heating.

  In the third embodiment, the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air inlet 17 are selectively controlled according to the outside air inlet temperature in the first embodiment, whereas the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air are sucked according to the amount of solar radiation. This is an example in which the selection control of the mouth 17 is performed.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the outside air inlet selection control process executed by the air conditioning controller 32 of the third embodiment, and each step will be described below (intake air temperature control means).
Steps S31 to S34, S36, and S37 are steps that perform the same processing as Steps S1 to S4, Step S6, and Step S7 in FIG.

In step S38, following the setting of the position (1) of the first switching door 11 in step S34, the A / C solar radiation amount sensor value Qs is calculated based on the sensor signal from the solar radiation sensor 31, and this A / C It is determined whether the solar radiation amount sensor value Qs is larger than a specified value (for example, 700 W).
If it is determined in this step S38 that Qs> the specified value, the process proceeds to step S36, and the fender outside air inlet 17 is selected as the outside air inlet, and if it is determined that Qs ≦ the specified value, the process proceeds to step S37. The second cowl outside air inlet 13 is selected as the outside air inlet.

Next, the operation will be described. Although it is during cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer, the A / C solar radiation amount sensor value Qs becomes a value equal to or less than a specified value during rainy weather travel that is not affected by solar radiation. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the flow of step S31 → step S32 → step S34 → step S38 → step S37 → return is repeated.
In addition, when cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer and parking under hot weather that is greatly affected by solar radiation, the A / C solar radiation amount sensor value Qs is larger than the specified value, so that FIG. In the flowchart, the flow of step S31 → step S32 → step S34 → step S38 → step S36 → return is repeated.
Thus, in Example 3, the selection control of an outside air inlet can be performed using the existing solar radiation amount sensor 31 in the vehicle-mounted air conditioning system.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the vehicle air conditioner of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (4) and (6) of the first embodiment and the effect (7) of the second embodiment, the following effects are obtained. be able to.

  (8) When the solar radiation sensor 31 for detecting the solar radiation amount and the outside air introduction mode are selected, when the A / C solar radiation sensor value Qs is higher than the specified value, a control command for selecting the fender outside air inlet 17 is issued. Intake air temperature control means for outputting to the actuators 33 and 34 a control command for selecting the second cowl outside air intake port 13 when the A / C solar radiation amount sensor value Qs is equal to or less than a specified value. Since (FIG. 10) is provided, the selection control of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air inlet 17 can be performed while reducing the cost by using the existing solar radiation amount sensor 31 in the in-vehicle air conditioning system.

  The fourth embodiment is an example in which selection control of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air inlet 17 is performed by using both the outside air inlet temperature and the amount of solar radiation.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the outside air inlet selection control process executed by the air conditioning controller 32 of the fourth embodiment. Each step will be described below (intake air temperature control means).
Steps S41 to S44, S46, and S47 are steps for performing the same processing as Steps S1 to S4, Step S6, and Step S7 in FIG.

In step S45, following the position (1) setting of the first switching door 11 in step S44, from the first outside air inlet temperature T1 from the first outside air inlet temperature sensor 29 and from the second outside air inlet temperature sensor 30. The temperature difference T ′ from the second outside air inlet temperature T2 is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the temperature difference T ′ is greater than the set temperature (= 0 ° C.).
When it is determined in this step S45 that T ′ ≦ 0, the process proceeds to step S47, and the second cowl outside air inlet 13 is selected as the outside air inlet. In addition, although the example which sets preset temperature to 0 degreeC was shown, you may set to appropriate temperature.

In step S48, following the determination that T ′> 0 in step S45, the A / C solar radiation amount sensor value Qs is calculated based on the sensor signal from the solar radiation amount sensor 31, and this A / C solar radiation amount sensor value is calculated. It is determined whether or not Qs is larger than a specified value (for example, 700 W).
When it is determined in this step S48 that Qs> the specified value, the process proceeds to step S46, and the fender outside air inlet 17 is selected as the outside air inlet, and when it is determined that Qs ≦ the specified value, the process proceeds to step S47. The second cowl outside air inlet 13 is selected as the outside air inlet.

Next, the operation will be described. During the air-cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer, the first outdoor air inlet temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the second outdoor air inlet temperature T2 during rainy weather driving that is not affected by solar radiation. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the flow of step S41 → step S42 → step S44 → step S45 → step S47 → return is repeated.
In addition, during the cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer, when the vehicle travels in the rain without being affected by solar radiation, even if the first outdoor air inlet temperature T1 is higher than the second outdoor air inlet temperature T2, the A / C Since the solar radiation amount sensor value Qs becomes a value equal to or less than the specified value, the flow of step S41 → step S42 → step S44 → step S45 → step S48 → step S47 → return is repeated in the flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, at the time of cooling in the outdoor air introduction mode in summer, and when parking under a hot sun that is greatly affected by solar radiation, the first outside air inlet temperature T1 is higher than the second outside air inlet temperature T2, and A / Since the C solar radiation amount sensor value Qs is larger than the specified value, the flow of step S41 → step S42 → step S44 → step S45 → step S48 → step S46 → return is repeated in the flowchart of FIG.
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to control the selection of the second cowl outside air inlet 13 and the fender outside air inlet 17 with high accuracy by using both the outside air inlet temperature and the amount of solar radiation.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the vehicle air conditioner of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (4) and (6) of the first embodiment and the effect (7) of the second embodiment, the following effects are obtained. be able to.

  (9) a first outside air inlet temperature sensor 29 for detecting the temperature of the second cowl outside air inlet 13; a second outside air inlet temperature sensor 30 for detecting the temperature of the fender outside air inlet 17; When the solar radiation amount sensor 31 to be detected and the outside air introduction mode are selected, the difference temperature T ′ between the first outside air inlet temperature T1 and the second outside air inlet temperature T2 is higher than the set temperature, and the A / C solar radiation amount When the sensor value Qs is higher than the specified value, a control command for selecting the fender outside air inlet 17 is output to the door actuators 33 and 34, and the temperature difference T ′ between the first outside air inlet temperature T1 and the second outside air inlet temperature T2. Is lower than the set temperature, or when the difference temperature T ′ between the first outside air inlet temperature T1 and the second outside air inlet temperature T2 is higher than the set temperature, but the A / C solar radiation amount sensor value Qs is below the specified value. The second cowl outside air inlet 13 is selected. Since the intake air temperature control means (FIG. 11) for outputting a control command to the door actuators 33 and 34 is provided, a highly accurate second cowl outside air inlet that prevents misjudgment by using both the outside air inlet temperature and the amount of solar radiation. 13 and fender outside air inlet 17 can be selected and controlled.

  As mentioned above, although the vehicle air conditioner of this invention has been demonstrated based on Example 1- Example 4, it is not restricted to these Examples about concrete structure, Each claim of a claim Design changes and additions are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which one outside air inlet is selected from the first cowl outside air inlet 14, the second cowl outside air inlet 13, and the fender outside air inlet 17 has been described. An example of selecting one outside air inlet from the fender outside air inlet may be used. Furthermore, an example in which three or more outside air inlets are selected may be used. In short, the outside air inlet has at least a first outside air inlet set in the sunlight irradiation area and a second outside air inlet set in the sunlight non-irradiation area, and when the outside air introduction mode is selected, The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment as long as an inlet switching structure capable of selecting either the first outside air inlet or the second outside air inlet is provided.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the example in which the outside air inlet is automatically selected and controlled according to at least one of the outside air inlet temperature condition and the solar radiation amount condition has been described. However, the outside air inlet is selected by a manual selection operation. It may be a thing.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which at least one of the outdoor air inlet temperature condition and the solar radiation amount condition is used as the intake air temperature control means in automatically selecting and controlling the outdoor air inlet is shown. Automatic selection control of the outside air inlet may be performed using a load condition or the like.

  In Examples 1-4, although the example which applies a vehicle air conditioner to the motor vehicle carrying an engine was shown, it is applicable also to the vehicle air conditioner of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. In short, the present invention can be applied to any vehicle air conditioner that takes in outside air from the outside air inlet set in the vehicle when the outside air introduction mode is selected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an automobile to which a vehicle air conditioner of Example 1 is applied. It is a schematic side view which shows the motor vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioner of Example 1 was applied. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st cowl outside air inlet, the 2nd cowl outside air inlet, and the fender inlet in the vehicle air conditioner of Example 1. 1 is a schematic side view showing a vehicle air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a control block diagram which shows the intake air temperature control system in the vehicle air conditioner of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an outside air inlet selection control process executed by an air conditioning controller 32 according to the first embodiment. It is a test device used for performance evaluation of an air conditioner system. (A) shows a thermal test state of the vehicle, and (b) shows a vehicle interior state. It is explanatory drawing of the external air inlet selection effect | action in the vehicle air conditioner of Example 1, (a) shows the air_conditioning | cooling effect | action of the summer field 1, (b) shows the air_conditioning | cooling effect | action of the summer field 2, (c) is heating in winter Shows the effect. It is a perspective view which shows the cowl duct and fender duct for demonstrating the external air introduction effect | action at the time of the heating in the external air introduction mode of the winter in the vehicle air conditioner of Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the external air inlet selection control process performed in the air-conditioning controller 32 of Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the external air inlet selection control process performed in the air-conditioning controller 32 of Example 4. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Car 2 Bonnet 3 Engine room (Power unit room)
4 Cowl duct 5 Dash panel 6 Engine 7 Partition plate 8 Blower unit 9 Cowl top 10 Air conditioning unit 11 First switching door (suction port switching structure)
12 Insulation 13 Second cowl outside air inlet (first outside air inlet)
14 First cowl outside air inlet (first outside air inlet)
15 Fin 16 Second switching door (suction port switching structure)
17 Fender outside air inlet (second outside air inlet)
24 Fender duct 25 Outside air inlet 26 Suction port switch 27 Temperature adjustment dial (air conditioning temperature setting means)
28 Outside air temperature sensor (outside air temperature detection means)
29 first outside air inlet temperature sensor (first outside air inlet temperature detecting means)
30 Second outside air inlet temperature sensor (second outside air inlet temperature detecting means)
31 Solar radiation sensor (radiation detection means)
32 Air-conditioning controller 33 First switching door actuator (suction port switching structure)
34 Second switching door actuator (suction port switching structure)

Claims (9)

When selecting the outside air introduction mode, in the vehicle air conditioner for taking outside air from the outside air inlet set in the vehicle,
The outside air inlet has at least a first outside air inlet set in an irradiation area of sunlight and a second outside air inlet set in a non-irradiation area of sunlight,
An air conditioner for vehicles, comprising an intake port switching structure capable of selecting one of a first external air intake port and a second external air intake port when the external air introduction mode is selected. In the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1,
The first outside air suction port is a cowl outside air suction port set at an upper end portion of a cowl duct extending in the vehicle width direction disposed at a rear portion of the power unit room,
The second outside air inlet is a fender outside air inlet set at a lower position of the side fender where the air temperature does not increase due to the influence of solar radiation during parking,
An outside air inlet is provided at a connection position between the cowl duct in which the cowl outside air inlet is set and the fender duct in which the fender outside air inlet is set,
The intake port switching structure is provided at a position of the outside air introduction port, and has a switching door that selects one of a cowl outside air intake port and a fender outside air intake port when an outside air introduction mode is selected. Air conditioner. In the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 2,
The cowl outside air inlet is close to the first cowl outside air inlet set at a cowl top position away from the outside air inlet of the cowl duct extending in the vehicle width direction and the outside air inlet of the cowl duct extending in the vehicle width direction. A second cowl outside air inlet set at the cowl top position to
The switching door includes a first switching door and a second switching door that can select one of a first cowl outside air inlet, a second cowl outside air inlet, and a fender outside air inlet when the outside air introduction mode is selected. An air conditioner for a vehicle. In the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 3,
A vehicle air conditioner characterized in that, of the cowl duct and the fender duct, a heat insulating material is set only on the inner surface of the fender duct extending from the fender outside air inlet to the outside air inlet and the second cowl outside air inlet. In the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 3 or 4,
An air conditioner for vehicles, wherein a fin for promoting heat absorption is set on an outer surface of a cowl duct extending from a first cowl outside air inlet to an outside air inlet among the cowl duct and the fender duct. In the vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
First outside air inlet temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the first outside air inlet;
Second outside air inlet temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the second outside air inlet;
When the outside air introduction mode is selected, if the difference between the first outside air inlet temperature detected value and the second outside air inlet temperature detected value is higher than the set temperature, a control command for selecting the second outside air inlet is given to the inlet switching structure. When the difference between the detected value of the first outside air inlet temperature and the detected value of the second outside air inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the intake air temperature for outputting a control command for selecting the first outside air inlet to the inlet switching structure A vehicle air conditioner characterized in that a control means is provided. In the vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A solar radiation amount detecting means for detecting the solar radiation amount;
When the outside air introduction mode is selected, when the detected amount of solar radiation is higher than a specified value, a control command for selecting the second outside air intake port is output to the intake port switching structure, and when the detected amount of solar radiation is less than the specified value, 1. An air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising an intake air temperature control means for outputting a control command for selecting one outside air intake port to an intake port switching structure. In the vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
First outside air inlet temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the first outside air inlet;
Second outside air inlet temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the second outside air inlet;
A solar radiation amount detecting means for detecting the solar radiation amount;
When the outside air introduction mode is selected, if the difference between the first outside air inlet temperature detection value and the second outside air inlet temperature detection value is higher than the set temperature and the solar radiation amount detection value is higher than the specified value, the second outside air inhalation is performed. When a difference between the first outside air inlet temperature detection value and the second outside air inlet temperature detection value is equal to or lower than a set temperature, or a first outside air inlet temperature detection Air temperature at which the control command for selecting the first outside air inlet is output to the inlet switching structure when the difference between the value and the second outside air inlet temperature detected value is higher than the set temperature but the detected amount of solar radiation is less than the specified value A vehicle air conditioner characterized in that a control means is provided. The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
Air conditioning temperature setting means for setting the air conditioning temperature;
An outside air temperature detecting means for detecting the outside air temperature,
The first outside air intake port is set at the upper end of a cowl duct extending in the vehicle width direction disposed at the rear part of the power unit room, and a first cowl outside air inlet port set at a cowl top position away from the outside air introduction port; A second cowl outside air inlet set at a cowl top position close to the outside air inlet;
The second outside air inlet is a fender outside air inlet set at a lower position of the side fender,
When the difference between the air conditioning set temperature and the outside air temperature is higher than the set temperature, the intake air temperature control means outputs a control command for selecting the first cowl outside air inlet to the inlet switching structure, and sets the air conditioning set temperature and the outside air temperature. When the difference is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the vehicle air conditioner performs selection control of the second cowl outside air inlet and the fender outside air inlet according to at least one of the inlet temperature condition and the solar radiation amount condition.

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