JP2021032105A - Foreign matter discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a foreign matter discharge device which can suppress the lowering of the performance of a heater core caused by the clogging of foreign matters in the heater core.SOLUTION: A foreign matter discharge device 1A comprises: inlet-side piping 4 in which a thermal medium circulates toward a heater core 2; outlet-side piping 6 in which the thermal medium circulates toward the opposite side; a first connecting pipe 8 for connecting a first opening part 16 of the inlet-side piping 4 and a fourth opening part 22 of the outlet-side piping 6; a second connecting pipe 10 for connecting a third opening part 20 at the heater core 2 side rather than the first opening part 16 and a second opening part 18 formed at a side opposite to the heater core 2 side rather than the fourth opening part 22; a first switching unit 12 arranged at the first opening part 16, and constituted so as to be switchable so that the thermal medium circulates in the first connecting pipe 8, or circulates in the inlet-side piping 4 as it is; and a second switching unit 14 arranged at the second opening part 18, and constituted so as to be switchable so that the thermal medium circulates in the second connecting pipe 10, or circulates in the outlet-side piping 6 as it is.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to a foreign matter discharging device that discharges foreign matter stuck in the heater core to the outside of the heater core.

Conventionally, a heating device installed in a vehicle equipped with a water-cooled engine causes the cooling water of the engine to flow into a heater core, which is a heat exchanger, and uses the exhaust heat of the engine to heat the air supplied to the vehicle interior. ing. However, foreign matter such as rust may be mixed in the cooling water of the engine, and this foreign matter may adhere to and accumulate inside the heater core, resulting in deterioration of heating performance. On the other hand, for example, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that a joint portion is provided in a hose portion connected to the inlet side of the heater core, and a strainer for adhering foreign matter to the joint portion is detachably incorporated. Has been done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-178941

However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to suppress the inflow of foreign matter into the heater core, it is difficult to attach all the foreign matter to the strainer. Therefore, foreign matter not adhered by the strainer may flow into the heater core, and the foreign matter may be clogged in the heater core, which may deteriorate the performance of the heater core.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a foreign matter discharging device capable of suppressing deterioration of the performance of the heater core due to clogging of foreign matter in the heater core.

(1) The foreign matter discharging device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a foreign matter discharging device that discharges foreign matter stuck in the heater core to the outside of the heater core, and is connected to the heater core so that the heat medium faces the heater core. The inlet side pipe that flows through the pipe, the outlet side pipe that is connected to the heater core and the heat medium flows toward the side opposite to the heater core, and the first opening and the outlet side that are formed in the inlet side pipe. The first connecting pipe connecting the fourth opening formed in the pipe, the third opening formed in the inlet side pipe on the heater core side from the first opening, and the fourth opening in the outlet side pipe. A second connecting pipe for connecting the second opening formed on the side opposite to the heater core side from the opening and the heat medium provided in the first opening so as to flow through the first connecting pipe. The first switching device, which is configured to be switchable so as to flow through the inlet side pipe, and the second opening so that the heat medium can flow through the second connecting pipe, or A second switching device configured to be switchable so that the pipe can be distributed as it is on the outlet side is provided.

According to the configuration of (1) above, the direction in which the heat medium circulates in the heater core is switched so that the heat medium circulates in the inlet side pipe by the first switching device, and the heat medium is circulated by the second switching device. The state in which the outlet side pipe is switched to circulate as it is (hereinafter, normal mode) and the heat medium is switched to circulate through the first connecting pipe by the first switching device, and the heat medium is switched by the second switching device. It can be different from the state in which the second connecting pipe is switched to circulate (hereinafter, backflow mode). Therefore, even if foreign matter is clogged in the heater core while the heat medium is circulating in the heater core in the normal mode, the heat medium is switched to the backflow mode so that the direction in which the heat medium flows in the heater core is the same as in the normal mode. Will be different and foreign matter can be expelled out of the heater core. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the heater core due to the clogging of foreign matter in the heater core.

(2) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in (1) above, a flow velocity acquisition unit for acquiring the flow velocity of the heat medium is further provided, and the flow velocity of the heat medium acquired by the flow velocity acquisition unit is predetermined. When it is equal to or less than the determined first threshold value, the heat medium is switched so as to flow through the first connecting pipe by the first switching device, and the heat medium is switched to the second connecting pipe by the second switching device. Is switched to circulate.

When the heater core is clogged with foreign matter, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heater core decreases, and the flow velocity of the heat medium flowing through the inlet-side piping and the outlet-side piping decreases. Therefore, by monitoring the flow velocity of the heat medium, the current performance of the heater core can be known. According to the configuration of (2) above, when the flow velocity of the heat medium is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the heat medium is switched so as to flow through the first connecting pipe by the first switching device, and heat is switched by the second switching device. The medium is switched to flow through the second connecting tube. That is, when the flow velocity of the heat medium is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the normal mode is switched to the backflow mode, and the foreign matter clogged in the heater core can be discharged to the outside of the heater core. Therefore, even if the performance of the heater core deteriorates, the performance of the heater core can be recovered, so that the performance of the heater core can be maintained at high performance, and the product life and maintenance period of the heater core can be extended.

(3) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in (2) above, the heat medium is switched by the first switching device so as to flow through the first connecting pipe, and the second switching device is used to switch the heat medium so as to flow through the first connecting pipe. After the heat medium is switched to flow through the second connecting pipe, if the flow velocity of the heat medium acquired by the flow velocity acquisition unit is equal to or higher than the second threshold value exceeding the first threshold value, the first switching The device switches the heat medium to circulate as the inlet side pipe, and the second switching device switches the heat medium to circulate as the outlet side pipe.

According to the configuration of (3) above, when the performance of the heater core deteriorates in the normal mode, the mode is switched to the backflow mode, and when the heater core recovers to have a certain performance (the flow velocity of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the second threshold value), The normal mode can be switched again, and the product life and maintenance period of the heater core can be extended.

(4) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in (2) above, the heat medium is switched by the first switching device so as to flow through the first connecting pipe, and the second switching device is used to switch the heat medium so as to flow through the first connecting pipe. After the heat medium is switched to flow through the second connecting pipe, if the flow velocity of the heat medium acquired by the flow velocity acquisition unit is equal to or less than the third threshold value equal to or lower than the first threshold value, the first switching is performed. The device switches the heat medium so that the heat medium flows as the inlet side pipe, and the second switching device switches the heat medium so that the heat medium flows as the outlet side pipe.

Even if the flow velocity of the heat medium is restored by switching from the normal mode to the backflow mode, if the backflow mode continues for a long time, foreign matter may be clogged in the heater core and the flow velocity of the heat medium may decrease again. According to the configuration of (4) above, if the performance of the heater core deteriorates in the backflow mode (the flow velocity of the heat medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value), the mode is switched to the normal mode, and the direction in which the heat medium flows through the heater core is backflow. It is different from the mode, and foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the heater core. Therefore, the performance of the heater core can be maintained with high performance, and the product life and maintenance period of the heater core can be extended.

(5) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the heat medium is provided in the third opening and the heat medium flows through the second connecting pipe. A third switching device, which is configured to be switchable so as to circulate as the inlet side pipe, and a third switching device provided at the fourth opening so that the heat medium circulates through the first connecting pipe. Alternatively, a fourth switching device configured to be switchable so that the pipe can be distributed as it is on the outlet side is further provided.

According to the configuration (5) above, the third opening is provided with the third switching device, and the fourth opening is provided with the fourth switching device. Therefore, as compared with the configuration of (1) above, When the backflow mode is switched, the heat medium can smoothly flow into the second connection pipe, and can smoothly flow into the heater core side portion of the outlet side pipe from the fourth opening. , The performance of the heater core can be ensured more reliably.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, even if the heater core is clogged with foreign matter, the heat medium can change the direction of circulation in the heater core and the foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the heater core, so that the foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the heater core. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the heater core due to clogging with.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic the internal structure of the vehicle which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the case where the foreign matter discharge device operates in a normal mode. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the case where the foreign matter discharge device operates in the backflow mode. It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the 1st modification of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the operation flow of the foreign body discharge device. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the 2nd modification of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the operation flow of the foreign body discharge device. It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and shows the case where the foreign matter discharge device operates in a normal mode. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the foreign matter discharge device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and shows the case where the foreign matter discharge device operates in the backflow mode.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to this, but are merely explanatory examples. Absent.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 is provided with a vehicle air conditioner 102 that air-conditions the inside of the vehicle interior 101. The vehicle air conditioner 102 is called an HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) device, and has a heater core 2 as one of the constituent devices. The heater core 2 is an air pipe 103 through which the inside air, the outside air, or the air-fuel mixture in which the inside air and the outside air are mixed (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as the introduction air G) introduced into the vehicle air conditioner 102 flows. It is arranged inside.

A circulation system 105 may be formed between the heater core 2 and the engine 104 to circulate the cooling water C (LLC: Long Life Coolant) discharged from the engine 104. In this circulation system 105, the cooling water C flowing into the heater core 2 heats the introduced air G by exchanging heat with the introduced air G.

By the way, if the cooling water C continues to circulate in the circulation system 105, foreign matter may gradually adhere and accumulate in the heater core 2 and the foreign matter may be clogged in the heater core 2. When the heater core 2 is clogged with foreign matter, the flow rate of the cooling water C flowing in the heater core 2 decreases, and the heat exchange capacity between the cooling water C and the introduced air G decreases. When the heat exchange capacity is reduced, the introduced air G is not sufficiently warmed, and the vehicle air conditioner 102 cannot air-condition the inside of the vehicle interior 101 as desired by the occupant. The foreign matter adhering to and accumulating in the heater core 2 is, for example, an oxide obtained by corroding and peeling off the inner surface of the pipe connected between the heater core 2 and the engine 104.

The foreign matter discharging device according to the embodiment of the present invention discharges the foreign matter stuck in the heater core 2 to the outside of the heater core 2. Hereinafter, the foreign matter discharging device according to the first to third embodiments will be described. The case where the cooling water C circulates in the circulation system 105 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a heat medium other than the cooling water C may circulate in the heater core 2. , The heat medium discharged from the device other than the engine 104 may circulate in the heater core 2.

(First Embodiment)
The configuration of the foreign matter discharging device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the foreign matter discharging device 1A includes an inlet side pipe 4, an outlet side pipe 6, a first connecting pipe 8, a second connecting pipe 10, a first switching device 12, and a second switching device. 14 and.

The inlet side pipe 4 is a pipe in which one end 4a is connected to the heater core 2 and the other end 4b is connected to the engine 104, so that the cooling water C flows toward the heater core 2. A first opening 16 and a third opening 20 are formed in the inlet-side pipe 4. The third opening 20 is located closer to the heater core 2 than the first opening 16. In the present disclosure, the cooling water C before heat exchange flowing into the heater core 2 is discharged from the engine 104 into the inlet side pipe 4 through the other end 4b of the inlet side pipe 4.

The outlet side pipe 6 is a pipe different from the inlet side pipe 4, one end 6a is connected to the heater core 2 and the other end 6b is connected to the engine 104. Further, in the outlet side pipe 6, the cooling water C circulates toward the side opposite to the heater core 2. A second opening 18 and a fourth opening 22 are formed in the outlet-side pipe 6. The fourth opening 22 is located closer to the heater core 2 than the second opening 18. In the present disclosure, the cooling water C after heat exchange flowing out from the heater core 2 passes through the other end 6b of the outlet side pipe 6 and returns to the engine 104 from the outlet side pipe 6.

Further, each of the inlet side pipe 4 and the outlet side pipe 6 may be made of a metal material such as a metal pipe, may be made of a rubber material such as a rubber hose, or may be made of a metal pipe. And a rubber hose may be combined. Further, in the following, the cross-sectional shape of each of the inlet-side pipe 4 and the outlet-side pipe 6 is not limited to a circular shape with respect to the direction in which the cooling water C flows, but is a cross-sectional shape other than the circular shape such as a rectangular shape. You may.

The first connection pipe 8 is a pipe that connects the first opening 16 and the fourth opening 22. The second connection pipe 10 is a pipe that connects the second opening 18 and the third opening 20. The first connecting pipe 8 and the second connecting pipe 10 are provided independently of each other.

The first switching device 12 is provided in the first opening 16 and is configured to be switchable so that the cooling water C circulates through the first connecting pipe 8 or circulates as the inlet side pipe 4. is there. The first switching device 12 is, for example, an electromagnetic three-way valve, and opens the first opening 16 according to a signal transmitted from the control device 24 described later. At this time, the first switching device 12 closes the entrance on the engine 104 side of the portion of the inlet-side pipe 4 between the first opening 16 and the third opening 20.

The second switching device 14 is provided in the second opening 18 and is configured to be switchable so that the cooling water C circulates through the second connecting pipe 10 or circulates as the outlet side pipe 6. is there. The second switching device 14 is, for example, an electromagnetic three-way valve, and opens the second opening 18 according to a signal transmitted from the control device 24 described later. At this time, the second switching device 14 closes the outlet on the engine 104 side of the portion of the outlet-side pipe 6 between the second opening 18 and the fourth opening 22.

The foreign matter discharging device 1A may be further provided with a control device 24. The control device 24 is electrically connected to each of the first switching device 12 and the second switching device 14. Such a control device 24 is composed of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including a processor, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an I / O interface, and the like. Further, the control device 24 may be configured so that the performance (heat exchange capacity) of the heater core 2 can be acquired, calculated or estimated, and the first switching device 12 and the second switching device 14 may be configured based on the heat exchange capacity. It is configured to transmit a signal.

The operation of the foreign matter discharging device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, the first switching device 12 switches the cooling water C to circulate as the inlet side pipe 4, and the second switching device 14 switches the cooling water C to circulate as the outlet side pipe 6. It is in a state of being. That is, the first opening 16 and the second opening 18 are in a closed state, and this state will be hereinafter referred to as a "normal mode".

On the other hand, in FIG. 3B, the first switching device 12 switches the first connecting pipe 8 to circulate, and the second switching device 14 switches the cooling water C to circulate the second connecting pipe 10. It has become. That is, the first opening 16 and the second opening 18 are in a state of being opened, and this state will be hereinafter referred to as a "backflow mode". Further, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the distribution path of the cooling water C until the cooling water C discharged from the engine 104 flows into the heater core 2 is indicated by a solid line arrow, and the cooling water C flowing out from the heater core 2 is the engine 104. The flow path of the cooling water C until it returns to is shown by a alternate long and short dash line.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the normal mode, the cooling water C discharged from the engine 104 flows through the inlet side pipe 4 from the other end 4b of the inlet side pipe 4 to one end 4a of the inlet side pipe 4 on the inlet side. It flows into the heater core 2 through one end 4a of the pipe 4. The cooling water C that has flowed into the heater core 2 flows through the heater core 2 and exchanges heat with the introduced air G, and then flows out from the heater core 2 through one end 6a of the outlet side pipe 6. Then, the cooling water C flowing out from the heater core 2 flows through the outlet side pipe 6 from one end 6a of the outlet side pipe 6 to the other end 6b of the outlet side pipe 6 and passes through the other end 6b of the outlet side pipe 6. Return to engine 104.

As described above, in the normal mode, one end 4a of the inlet side pipe 4 functions as an inflow port for the cooling water C to flow into the heater core 2, and one end 6a of the outlet side pipe 6 causes the cooling water C to flow out from the heater core 2. It functions as an outlet for.

As described above, when the cooling water C continues to circulate in the circulation system 105, foreign matter is clogged in the heater core 2, and the heat exchange capacity is reduced. However, when the heat exchange capacity acquired, calculated or estimated by the control device 24 is reduced to, for example, a preset low heat exchange capacity lower than the rated heat exchange capacity, the control device 24 closes the first opening 16. A signal is transmitted to the first switching device 12 so as to open, and a signal is transmitted to the second switching device 14 so as to open the second opening 18. That is, when the heater core 2 is clogged with foreign matter, the foreign matter discharging device 1A is switched to operate in the backflow mode.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in the backflow mode, the cooling water C discharged from the engine 104 flows into the first connecting pipe 8 through the first opening 16 and flows through the first connecting pipe 8. The cooling water C flowing through the first connecting pipe 8 flows into the outlet side pipe 6 through the fourth opening 22. The cooling water C that has flowed into the outlet-side pipe 6 flows toward one end 6a of the outlet-side pipe 6, passes through one end 6a of the outlet-side pipe 6, and flows into the heater core 2. The cooling water C that has flowed into the heater core 2 circulates in the heater core 2 in the direction opposite to that in the normal mode, passes through one end 4a of the inlet side pipe 4, and flows out from the heater core 2. At this time, the foreign matter clogged in the heater core 2 also flows out from the heater core 2 through one end 4a of the inlet side pipe 4.

The cooling water C flowing out of the heater core 2 flows into the second connecting pipe 10 through the third opening 20 and flows through the second connecting pipe 10. The cooling water C flowing through the second connecting pipe 10 flows into the outlet side pipe 6 through the second opening 18. The cooling water C that has flowed into the outlet-side pipe 6 flows toward the other end 6b of the outlet-side pipe 6, passes through the other end 6b of the outlet-side pipe 6, and returns to the engine 104.

As described above, in the backflow mode, one end 4a of the inlet side pipe 4 functions as an outlet for the cooling water C to flow out from the heater core 2, and one end 6a of the outlet side pipe 6 allows the cooling water C to flow into the heater core 2. It functions as an inlet for the water.

The operation and effect of the foreign matter discharging device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. According to the first embodiment, the direction in which the cooling water C flows in the heater core 2 (flow direction D) can be different from each other in the normal mode and the backflow mode, for example, in opposite directions (FIG. 3A). And FIG. 3B). Therefore, even if foreign matter is clogged in the heater core 2 while the cooling water C is flowing in the heater core 2 in the normal mode, the cooling water C can be circulated in the heater core 2 by switching to the backflow mode. The direction is opposite to that in the normal mode, and in the normal mode, foreign matter clogged in the heater core 2 can be discharged to the outside of the heater core 2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the performance (heat exchange capacity) of the heater core 2 due to foreign matter clogging in the heater core 2.

(Second Embodiment)
The foreign matter discharging device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the flow velocity acquisition unit 25 is further provided, but the other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The configuration of the foreign matter discharging device 1B according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the foreign matter discharging device 1B may further include a flow velocity acquisition unit 25. The flow velocity acquisition unit 25 acquires the flow velocity of the cooling water C, and is, for example, a current meter or a flow velocity sensor. Further, the flow velocity acquisition unit 25 is electrically connected to the control device 24 so that the control device 24 can acquire the flow velocity of the cooling water C. Further, the flow velocity acquisition unit 25 is provided so as to be located on the engine 104 side of the second opening 18, and acquires the flow velocity of the cooling water C flowing between the second opening 18 and the engine 104.

The control device 24 may be provided with a storage unit 26 for storing the first threshold value. The first threshold value is a predetermined value, for example, a value slower than the flow velocity of the cooling water C when the heater core 2 is exchanging heat with the introduced air G at the rated heat exchange capacity, for example. It is a value of 90% with respect to the flow velocity of the cooling water C.

The operation of the foreign matter discharging device 1B according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the operation in each of the normal mode and the backflow mode is the same as the operation described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The operation of switching from the normal mode to the backflow mode will be described.

When the cooling water C continues to circulate in the circulation system 105, foreign matter adheres to and accumulates in the heater core 2, and the flow velocity of the cooling water C flowing in the inlet side pipe 4 and the outlet side pipe 6 decreases. .. When the flow velocity of the cooling water C acquired by the flow velocity acquisition unit 25 is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the control device 24 transmits a signal to the first switching device 12 and the second switching device 14, and the first opening 16 and The second opening 18 is opened to switch from the normal mode to the backflow mode.

The operation / effect of the foreign matter discharging device 1B according to the second embodiment will be described. When the heater core 2 is clogged with foreign matter and the heat exchange capacity is reduced, the flow rate of the cooling water C flowing in the heater core 2 is reduced, and the cooling water C flowing in the inlet side pipe 4 and the outlet side pipe 6 is reduced. The flow velocity is decreasing. Therefore, the current heat exchange capacity can be known by monitoring the flow velocity of the cooling water C.

According to the second embodiment, when the flow velocity of the cooling water C is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the normal mode is switched to the backflow mode, and the foreign matter clogged in the heater core 2 can be discharged to the outside of the heater core 2. Therefore, since the reduced heat exchange capacity can be recovered, the heat exchange capacity can be maintained at a high capacity, and the product life and maintenance period of the heater core 2 can be extended. In the second embodiment, the flow velocity acquisition unit 25 is provided so as to be located on the engine 104 side of the second opening 18, but the present invention is not limited to the second embodiment. For example, the flow velocity acquisition unit 25 may be provided in the inlet side pipe 4.

<First modification>
A first modification of the foreign matter discharging device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The first modification has the same configuration as that described in the second embodiment, but in the operation described in the second embodiment, an operation of switching from the backflow mode to the normal mode is added. In the first modification, the same components as those of the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The storage unit 26 may further store the second threshold value. The second threshold value is a predetermined value that exceeds the first threshold value, and is, for example, equal to or less than the flow velocity of the cooling water C when the heater core 2 is exchanging heat with the introduced air G at the rated heat exchange capacity, and the second threshold value. It is a value larger than one threshold value.

When the vehicle air conditioner 102 starts air-conditioning the inside of the vehicle interior 101, the foreign matter discharge device 1B operates in the normal mode as shown in FIG. 5 (step S1). As described in the second embodiment, when the flow velocity of the cooling water C is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the normal mode is switched to the backflow mode (step S2: Yes), and the foreign matter discharging device 1B operates in the backflow mode (step S2: Yes). Step S3). On the other hand, when the flow velocity of the cooling water C is larger than the first threshold value (step S2: No), the normal mode is maintained (step S1).

The first modification is different from the second embodiment in that step S4 is added to steps S1 to S3. Specifically, when the flow velocity of the cooling water C is equal to or higher than the second threshold value after being switched to the backflow mode, the backflow mode is switched to the normal mode (step S4: Yes), and the foreign matter discharging device 1B is in the normal mode. It operates (step S1). On the other hand, if the flow velocity of the cooling water C is smaller than the second threshold value after being switched to the backflow mode (step S4: No), the backflow mode is maintained (step S3).

According to the first modification, when the heat exchange capacity decreases in the normal mode, the mode is temporarily switched to the backflow mode, and when the flow velocity of the cooling water C recovers to the second threshold value or more, the mode is returned to the normal mode. There is. In this way, when the heater core 2 recovers to the extent that the heat exchange capacity can be secured, the normal mode is promptly returned, and the product life and maintenance period of the heater core 2 can be extended.

Further, according to the first modification, since the flow velocity acquisition unit 25 is provided so as to be located on the engine 104 side from the second opening 18, the heater core 2 is used in both the normal mode and the backflow mode. The flow velocity of the cooling water C after the outflow heat exchange can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the timing of returning to the backflow mode.

<Second modification>
A second modification of the foreign matter discharging device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The second modification has the same configuration as that described in the second embodiment, but in the operation described in the second embodiment, the operation of switching from the backflow mode to the normal mode in an operation different from that of the first modification. Has been added. In the second modification, the same components as those of the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The storage unit 26 may further store the third threshold value. The third threshold value is a predetermined value equal to or lower than the first threshold value, and is, for example, 85 with respect to the flow velocity of the cooling water C when the heater core 2 is exchanging heat with the introduced air G at the rated heat exchange capacity. It is a value of%.

In the operation of the second modification, the operations from step S1 to step S3 are the same as the operations described in the first modification, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. In the second modification, step S5 is added to step S1 to step S3 instead of step S4. Specifically, after switching to the backflow mode (step S3), if the flow velocity of the cooling water C is equal to or less than the third threshold value, the backflow mode is switched to the normal mode (step S5: Yes), and the foreign matter discharging device 1B Operates in the normal mode (step S1). On the other hand, if the flow velocity of the cooling water C is larger than the third threshold value after switching to the backflow mode (step S5: No), the backflow mode is maintained (step S3).

In the first modification, when the heater core 2 is clogged with foreign matter, the mode is temporarily switched to the backflow mode, and when the heat exchange capacity is recovered, the mode is returned to the normal mode. However, in the second modification, when the heater core 2 is clogged with foreign matter, the mode is switched to the backflow mode and maintained in the backflow mode, and when the heater core 2 is clogged with foreign matter in the backflow mode, the mode is switched to the normal mode. It has become.

Even if the flow velocity of the cooling water C is restored by switching from the normal mode to the backflow mode, if the backflow mode continues for a long time, foreign matter is clogged in the heater core 2, the flow velocity of the cooling water C is lowered again, and the heat exchange capacity is lowered. It may end up. According to the second modification, when the flow velocity of the cooling water C is equal to or less than the third threshold value in the backflow mode, the mode is switched to the normal mode, and the direction in which the cooling water C flows in the heater core 2 is the backflow mode. Is in the opposite direction, and foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the heater core 2. As described above, since the flow velocity of the cooling water C is secured at a value larger than the third threshold value, the product life and the maintenance period of the heater core 2 can be extended. The third threshold value may be the same value as the first threshold value.

(Third Embodiment)
The foreign matter discharging device 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the third switching device 28 and the fourth switching device 30 are further provided, but the other configurations are the same as the configurations described in the second embodiment. Is. In the third embodiment, the same components as those of the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The configuration of the foreign matter discharging device 1C according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the foreign matter discharging device 1C may further include a third switching device 28 and a fourth switching device 30. The third switching device 28 is provided in the third opening 20 and is configured to be switchable so that the cooling water C circulates through the second connecting pipe 10 or circulates as the inlet side pipe 4. is there. The third switching device 28 is, for example, an electromagnetic three-way valve, which is electrically connected to the control device 24 and opens the third opening 20 according to a signal transmitted from the control device 24. At this time, the third switching device 28 closes the outlet of the inlet side pipe 4 between the first opening 16 and the third opening 20 on the side opposite to the engine 104.

The fourth switching device 30 is configured to be switchable so that the cooling water C circulates through the first connecting pipe 8 or circulates as the outlet side pipe 6. The fourth switching device 30 is, for example, an electromagnetic three-way valve, which is electrically connected to the control device 24 and opens the fourth opening according to a signal transmitted from the control device 24. At this time, the fourth switching device 30 closes the inlet of the outlet side pipe 6 between the second opening 18 and the fourth opening 22 on the side opposite to the engine 104.

The operation, action, and effect of the foreign matter discharging device 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the operation of the third embodiment, the operations other than the third switching device 28 and the fourth switching device 30 are the same as the operations described in the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8A, in the normal mode, the cooling water C is switched by the third switching device 28 so that the cooling water C flows as it is in the inlet side pipe 4, and the cooling water C is switched by the fourth switching device 30 in the outlet side pipe 6. It has been switched to be distributed as it is. That is, in the normal mode, the third opening 20 and the fourth opening 22 are closed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the backflow mode, the cooling water C is switched so as to flow through the second connecting pipe 10 by the third switching device 28, and the cooling water C is first connected by the fourth switching device 30. It has been switched to circulate the pipe 8. That is, in the backflow mode, the third opening 20 and the fourth opening 22 are open.

According to the third embodiment, in the normal mode, the third switching device 28 prevents the cooling water C from flowing into the second connecting pipe 10 from the third opening 20. Further, in the backflow mode, the third switching device 28 guides the cooling water C so as to flow into the second connecting pipe 10, and also with the third opening 20 of the inlet side pipe 4 with the first opening 16. It prevents the cooling water C from flowing into the portion between the two.

Similarly, in the normal mode, the fourth switching device 30 prevents the cooling water C from flowing into the first connecting pipe 8 from the fourth opening 22. Further, in the backflow mode, the fourth switching device 30 guides the cooling water C so as to flow into the portion of the outlet side pipe 6 closer to the heater core 2 than the fourth opening 22, and also guides the cooling water C so that it flows into the portion of the outlet side pipe 6 that is closer to the heater core 2. It prevents the cooling water C from flowing into the portion between the second opening 18 and the fourth opening 22.

As described above, the third opening 20 is provided with the third switching device 28, and the fourth opening 22 is provided with the fourth switching device 30, so that the backflow mode can be set as compared with the second embodiment. When the switching is performed, the cooling water C can smoothly flow into the second connecting pipe 10 and smoothly flow into the portion of the outlet side pipe 6 on the heater core 2 side from the fourth opening 22. Therefore, the heat exchange capacity can be secured more reliably.

Although the foreign matter discharging device according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the object of the present invention. It is possible.

1A Foreign matter discharge device (first embodiment)
1B Foreign matter discharge device (second embodiment)
1C Foreign matter discharge device (third embodiment)
2 Heater core 4 Inlet side piping 6 Outlet side piping 8 1st connection pipe 10 2nd connection pipe 12 1st switching device 14 2nd switching device 16 1st opening 18 2nd opening 20 3rd opening 22 4th opening 24 Control device 25 Flow velocity acquisition unit 26 Storage unit 28 Third switching device 30 Fourth switching device 100 Vehicle 102 Vehicle air conditioning device 104 Engine 105 Circulation system C Cooling water G Introduced air

Claims (5)

A foreign matter discharging device that discharges foreign matter stuck in the heater core to the outside of the heater core.
An inlet side pipe connected to the heater core and a heat medium flowing toward the heater core,
An outlet-side pipe that is connected to the heater core and through which the heat medium flows toward the side opposite to the heater core.
A first connection pipe connecting the first opening formed in the inlet side pipe and the fourth opening formed in the outlet side pipe, and
A third opening formed in the inlet side pipe on the heater core side from the first opening, and a second opening formed in the outlet side pipe on the side opposite to the heater core side from the fourth opening. With the second connection pipe to connect
A first switching device provided in the first opening and capable of switching such that the heat medium flows through the first connecting pipe or flows as the inlet side pipe.
Foreign matter including a second switching device provided in the second opening and capable of switching such that the heat medium flows through the second connecting pipe or flows as the outlet side pipe. Discharge device. A flow velocity acquisition unit for acquiring the flow velocity of the heat medium is further provided.
When the flow velocity of the heat medium acquired by the flow velocity acquisition unit is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold value,
The first aspect of claim 1 is that the heat medium is switched to flow through the first connecting pipe by the first switching device, and the heat medium is switched to flow through the second connecting pipe by the second switching device. The foreign matter discharging device described. The flow velocity after the heat medium is switched to flow through the first connecting pipe by the first switching device and the heat medium is switched to flow through the second connecting pipe by the second switching device. When the flow velocity of the heat medium acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or higher than the second threshold value exceeding the first threshold value,
The second aspect of claim 2 is that the first switching device switches the heat medium to circulate as the inlet side pipe, and the second switching device switches the heat medium to circulate as the outlet side pipe. The foreign matter discharging device described. The flow velocity after the heat medium is switched to flow through the first connecting pipe by the first switching device and the heat medium is switched to flow through the second connecting pipe by the second switching device. When the flow velocity of the heat medium acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or less than the third threshold value which is equal to or less than the first threshold value,
The second aspect of claim 2, wherein the first switching device switches the heat medium so that the heat medium flows as the inlet side pipe, and the second switching device switches the heat medium so that the heat medium flows as the outlet side pipe. Foreign matter discharge device. A third switching device provided in the third opening and capable of switching the heat medium so as to circulate through the second connecting pipe or as circulated as the inlet side pipe.
A fourth switching device provided in the fourth opening and capable of switching the heat medium so as to flow through the first connecting pipe or to flow as the outlet side pipe is further provided. The foreign matter discharging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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