JPH11245644A - Air conditioner for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To exhibit the maximum capacity of an evaporator while evening the passing air flow of the evaporator in an air conditioner for automobile having an evaporator in a ventilation passage thereof by providing a means for adjusting the flow ratio to a plurality of air passing areas in the inlet cross section of the evaporator in the upstream side of the evaporator. SOLUTION: In an air conditioner 1 for automobile, an evaporator 3 is arranged in a ventilation passage 2 so as to cross the whole of the ventilation passage 2, and a heater 4 is arranged in the downstream side of this evaporator 3 so as to partially cross the ventilation passage 2, and a blower 5 for sucking a feeding the inside and outside air is provided in the upstream side of the evaporator 3. In this case, a flow ratio adjusting means 6 formed of a rotary damper is provided between the blower 5 and the evaporator 3. A partitioning wall 8 is provided between a pivotal support shaft 7 of the flow ratio adjusting means 6 and an inlet side of the evaporator 3 in parallel with a circular ventilation passage forming side wall 9 extended between the blower 5 and the evaporator 3. With this structure, flow ratio to a plurality of air passing areas can be adjusted at the inlet of the evaporator 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner for an automobile having an evaporator, and more particularly, to equalizing the velocity of air passing through a cross section on the inlet side of the evaporator or intentionally giving a specific distribution. The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle that can perform the operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The structure of a conventional automotive air conditioner is, for example, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, 10
Reference numeral 1 denotes an air conditioning duct, in which a blower 102, an evaporator 103 as a cooler, and a heater 104 as a heater are arranged in this order in a duct 101, and a rotary air mix damper is provided upstream of the heater 104. 105 is provided. The air sucked from the inlet 106 is supplied to the evaporator 10.
3, the air flow ratio between the air passing through the heater 104 and the air bypassing the heater 104 is adjusted by the air mix damper 105, and the hot air is supplied to the DEF outlet 107, VEN.
The air is sent into the passenger compartment through an air outlet selected from among the air outlets including the T air outlet 108 and the FOOT air outlet 109.

In such a vehicle air conditioner,
The evaporator 103 is disposed so as to traverse substantially the entire cross-section of the ventilation passage. However, in order to maximize the capacity of the evaporator 103, the evaporator 103 is configured so that air passes through the evaporator 103. It is preferable to make the air volume (wind speed) as uniform as possible for each area of the vessel 103.

The air flow distribution of the air passing through the evaporator 103 changes depending on the selection mode on the downstream side of the evaporator 103. Therefore, the evaporator 103 is selected according to this selection mode.
It is difficult to equalize the air volume in each area. However, on the inlet side of the evaporator 103, the evaporator 103
It is possible to some extent to make the air volume of the air flowing into the evaporator 103 as uniform as possible by the shape of the duct leading to the inlet of the evaporator 103, and from the viewpoint of maximizing the performance of the evaporator 103 as described above, It is desirable to perform such uniformization.

However, since the specifications and arrangement after the evaporator 103 differ depending on the vehicle type, the evaporator 1 to be corrected is
The inlet-side airflow distribution 03 also differs depending on the vehicle type. Therefore, in the above-described uniformization method, the shape of the duct on the upstream side of the evaporator 103, the arrangement position of the blower, and the like must be optimized according to the vehicle type.

In such a situation, for example, the evaporator 1
03, for example, at least the blower 10
It is difficult to make the duct section including the second unit a common unit for each vehicle type. If this part is formed as a common unit, it becomes difficult to make the air volume passing through the evaporator 103 uniform when the vehicle type changes.

In addition to the above-described problem, the distribution of the airflow passing through the evaporator 103 is intentionally changed, for example, in a bi-level mode in which the upper and lower sides of the vehicle compartment have different temperature control modes. Sometimes you want to give it. Conventionally, there is no adjusting means capable of responding to such a demand.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the problem of the air flowing into the evaporator upstream of the evaporator even if the specifications after the evaporator are changed in response to changes in the vehicle type. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to optimally adjust the air volume as uniformly as possible, thereby enabling a common unit upstream of the evaporator.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily satisfy the demand even if there is a demand to make the air flow passing through the evaporator have a distribution, such as in the bilevel mode. It is in.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an air conditioner for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises an air conditioner for a vehicle having an evaporator in a ventilation path, wherein the air conditioner is provided upstream of the evaporator.
The apparatus is characterized in that means for adjusting the ratio of air flow to a plurality of air passage areas in the inlet cross section of the evaporator is provided.

An air blower is provided on the upstream side of the ventilation path, and the air flow rate adjusting means is arranged between the blower and the evaporator.

The air flow rate adjusting means may be disposed immediately upstream of the evaporator, but between the air flow rate adjusting means and the evaporator, the inside of the ventilation path corresponding to the plurality of air passage areas is provided. It is preferable that a partition wall in a ventilation passage to be partitioned is provided, and the partition wall be provided at an upstream end of the partition wall.

Downstream of the evaporator, for example, a heater that partially crosses the ventilation path is provided. Between the evaporator and the heater, the wind passing through the evaporator is
It is preferable to provide a damper (air mix damper) capable of adjusting the ratio of the wind passing through the heater and the wind not passing therethrough. Preferably, a damper, particularly a slide damper, is provided immediately upstream of the heater. Is desirable.

[0014] As a typical embodiment of the plurality of air passage areas and the air flow rate adjusting means, the evaporator has two air passage areas, and the air flow rate adjustment means operates the air flow rate to the two air passage areas. The aspect of the present invention includes a mode in which a rotary damper capable of adjusting the ratio of. The arrangement of the two air passage areas is, for example, when a ventilation path forming side wall extending in an arc toward the evaporator is provided between the blower and the evaporator, the two air passage areas at the entrance cross section of the evaporator are provided. It is possible to adopt a structure in which a partition wall in the ventilation path that partitions the inside of the ventilation path corresponding to the air passage area is arranged in parallel with the side wall extending in the arc shape. Alternatively, a structure may be adopted in which a partition wall in the ventilation passage that partitions the inside of the ventilation passage corresponding to the two air passage regions in the inlet cross section of the evaporator extends substantially perpendicularly to the arc-shaped side wall. . Further, it is preferable that a minimum opening degree in the closing direction in at least one of the directions of the rotary damper is regulated.

If at least the blower and the air flow rate adjusting means, which are located upstream of the evaporator, are incorporated in one unit, the unit can be made a common unit regardless of the type of vehicle. Becomes

In the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention as described above, the air flow rate adjusting means is provided on the upstream side of the evaporator, so that the air flow rate of the air flowing into the evaporator can be adjusted by adjusting the means. Can be adjusted to an optimum ratio in accordance with the plurality of air passage areas in the inlet cross section of the evaporator.

Therefore, even if the specification after the evaporator changes depending on the type of vehicle and the air passage pressure loss of the evaporator changes depending on the location of the evaporator, it is corrected to reduce the air flow passing through the evaporator as much as possible. It is possible to make adjustments so that the portions are uniform. As a result, even if the upstream side of the evaporator is formed as a common unit, the above-mentioned effect of equalizing the air volume can be obtained only by initially setting the air volume ratio adjusting means to optimal conditions according to the type of vehicle. The initial setting conditions may be obtained in advance by a test.

If it is desired to intentionally have a distribution in the air flow passing through the evaporator even under the initially set conditions, the air flow rate adjusting means can be adjusted or controlled as required. Often, it is possible to extremely easily respond to a request in a bilevel mode or the like. After canceling such a request, the initial setting conditions may be restored.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG.
1 shows an automotive air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an entire vehicle air conditioner, and an evaporator 3 is disposed in a ventilation path 2 so as to substantially cross the entire ventilation path 2. A heater 4 is disposed downstream of the evaporator 3 so as to partially cross the ventilation path 2.

On the upstream side of the evaporator 3, there is provided a blower 5 for sucking and sending the inside and outside air. Blower 5 and evaporator 3
Is provided with an air volume ratio adjusting means 6. In the present embodiment, the air volume ratio adjusting means 6 comprises a rotary damper. A partition wall 8 is provided between the rotation center shaft 7 of the air volume ratio adjusting means 6 and the inlet side of the evaporator 3. In the present embodiment, the partition wall 8 has a curved structure of the flow path. It is curved along the shape. That is, between the blower 5 and the evaporator 3, the ventilation path forming side wall 9 extending in the direction toward the evaporator 3 is provided, and the partition wall 8 in the ventilation path is parallel to the side wall 9 extending in the arc shape. Are located in This partition 8
Defines the inside of the ventilation path 2 on the upstream side of the evaporator 3 into flow paths 2a and 2b corresponding to a plurality of (two in this embodiment) air passage areas 3a and 3b in the inlet cross section of the evaporator 3. ing. Therefore, the rotary damper 6 provided at the upstream end of the partition wall 8 adjusts the ratio of the air volume to the flow paths 2a and 2b reaching the two air passage areas 3a and 3b in the inlet cross section of the evaporator 3. A possible air volume ratio adjusting means is constituted.

The opening degree of the damper 6 (opening degree in the closing direction) is equal to or less than the minimum opening degree (δ) so that air flows through the flow passages 2a and 2b under any conditions and frost formation in the evaporator 3 can be prevented. It is preferable to regulate so that it does not become. The minimum opening degrees δ ₁ and δ ₂ in both directions in FIG. 1 may be the same or different.

The heater 4 is located immediately upstream of the heater 4.
The damper 10 can be opened when used, adjust the ratio between the amount of air passing through the heater 4 and the amount of air not passing therethrough, and when the heater 4 is not used, the damper 10 can block the adverse effect of the heat of the heater 4. Is preferably provided. This damper 10 is preferably a sliding damper in order to save installation space.

In the automotive air conditioner configured as described above, the specifications after the evaporator 3 including the heater 4 and each of the outlets (not shown) change according to the vehicle type and the like. Even if the distribution of the passing air volume at the inlet cross section changes, the rotation position of the air volume ratio adjusting means 6 can be adjusted so that the flow path 2 on the inlet side of the evaporator 3 can be adjusted.
The ratio of the air volume to a and 2b can be adjusted. By adjusting the air volume ratio, each air passage area 3 at the entrance cross section of the evaporator 3 is adjusted.
The air volume (wind speed) at a and 3b is corrected in the direction of uniformity. The adjustment of the air volume ratio adjusting means 6 may be initialized.

By equalizing the amount of air passing through the inlet section of the evaporator 3, the capacity of the evaporator 3 is maximized, which leads to an improvement in the performance of the entire vehicle air conditioner 1.

When it is desired to intentionally provide a difference in the air flow to the flow paths 2a and 2b, the air flow ratio adjusting means 6
Can be adjusted or controlled, and such a demand can be easily met.

As described above, on the upstream side of the evaporator 3, it is possible to equalize the amount of air passing through the evaporator 3 and conversely make the amount of air flowing through the evaporator 3 have a distribution. Even if it is changed to, it becomes possible to satisfy the above requirements. As a result, even if the specifications after the evaporator 3 change depending on the type of vehicle, etc.,
For example, a portion including the duct, the blower 5, the air volume ratio adjusting means 6, and the partition wall 8 can be configured as a common unit. The use of a common unit not only facilitates parts management, but also facilitates vehicle assembly and reduces the manufacturing cost of an air conditioner.

FIG. 2 shows a vehicle air conditioner 21 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and particularly shows a structure which can easily cope with a bi-level mode. In the first embodiment, the two air passage areas 3a and 3b in the inlet cross section of the evaporator 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction.
In the second embodiment, 2 in the inlet section of the evaporator 23
The two air passage areas 23a and 23b are arranged in a vertical direction. The heater 24 is partially disposed below the ventilation path 22. A blower 25 is provided on the upstream side of the evaporator 23, and the ventilation passage 22 on the upstream side of the evaporator 23 is defined by a partition wall 28 into an upper passage 22 b and a lower passage 22 a. The partition wall 28 includes the blower 25 and the evaporator 2.
3 and extends substantially perpendicularly to a ventilation path forming side wall 29 which extends in an arc toward the evaporator 23 in a direction toward the evaporator 23. At an upstream end of the partition wall 28, a damper 26 is provided as an air flow rate adjusting means that rotates about a central shaft 27.

The air conditioner 2 for a vehicle configured as described above
In (1), by adjusting the rotary damper 26, not only the air flow rate to the upper flow path 22b and the lower flow path 22a are made uniform, but also the air flow to the flow paths 22b and 22a is forcibly reduced. Can have a difference. Therefore, for example, in the bilevel mode or the like, the flow paths 22b, 2b
By giving a difference in the air flow to 2a, it is possible to adjust the mix temperature control in the air mix chamber to an optimum state.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the partition wall is provided between the blower and the evaporator. However, no special partition wall is provided, and the inlet of the evaporator is provided immediately upstream of the evaporator. It is also possible to provide a means for adjusting the ratio of the air flow to the plurality of air passage areas in the cross section.

For example, as shown in FIG.
Immediately upstream, one or a plurality of individually controllable or simultaneously controllable air flow rate adjusting means 36 that is rotated around a fulcrum 37, or as shown in FIG.
Immediately upstream of the evaporator 43, one or a plurality of individually controllable or simultaneously controllable air flow rate adjusting means 4 rotated around a rotation fulcrum 47 different in position from FIG.
6 can be provided. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
It is preferable to provide the slide dampers 40 and 50 immediately upstream of the slide dampers 4 and 44. Such air volume ratio adjusting means 3
Even in the case of 6, 46, it is possible to adjust the ratio of the flow rate of the passing air at the entrance cross section of the evaporators 33, 43.

[0031]

As described above, according to the automotive air conditioner of the present invention, the means for adjusting the air volume ratio of each air passage area in the inlet cross section of the evaporator is provided upstream of the evaporator. In addition, it is possible to maximize the capacity of the evaporator by making the amount of air passing through the evaporator uniform, thereby improving the capacity of the air conditioner as a whole.

Also, since the above adjustment can be performed on the upstream side of the evaporator, even if the specifications after the evaporator are changed depending on the type of the vehicle, etc., the optimum initial setting can be performed by the air flow rate adjusting means. Become. As a result, the upstream part of the evaporator can be made a common unit, facilitating parts management,
It is possible to facilitate the assembly of the vehicle and reduce the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner for the vehicle.

Further, the air conditioner for a vehicle according to the present invention can be easily adjusted or controlled even when it is desired to intentionally give a distribution to the air flow passing through the evaporator, such as in a bi-level mode. is there.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic configuration diagram of an automotive air conditioner showing another air flow rate adjusting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioner showing still another air volume ratio adjusting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional automotive air conditioner.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,21 Automotive air conditioner 2,22 Ventilation path 3,23,33,43 Evaporator 3a, 3b, 23a, 23b Air passage area 4,24,34,44 Heater 5,25 Blower 6,26,36,46 Air volume ratio adjusting means (rotary damper) 7, 27, 37, 47 Rotation center axis (rotation fulcrum) 8, 28 Partition wall 9, 29 Side wall 10, 40, 50 Sliding damper

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner for a vehicle having an evaporator in a ventilation path, wherein means is provided upstream of the evaporator for adjusting the ratio of air flow to a plurality of air passage areas in an inlet cross section of the evaporator. An air conditioner for an automobile. 2. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a blower is provided on an upstream side of the ventilation path, and said air flow rate adjusting means is arranged between said blower and an evaporator. 3. An air passage partition wall dividing said air passage corresponding to said plurality of air passage areas is provided between said air flow rate adjusting means and said evaporator.
Automotive air conditioner. 4. The automotive air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a heater that partially crosses the ventilation path is provided downstream of the evaporator. 5. The evaporator has two air passage areas in an inlet cross section, and the air volume ratio adjusting means comprises a rotary damper capable of adjusting a ratio of an air volume to the two air passage regions. An automotive air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. A ventilation path forming side wall extending in an arc toward the evaporator is provided between the blower and the evaporator, and corresponds to two air passage areas in an inlet cross section of the evaporator. The automotive air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein a partition wall in the ventilation path that partitions the inside of the ventilation path is arranged in parallel with the side wall extending in the arc shape. 7. A ventilation path forming side wall extending in an arc toward the evaporator is provided between the blower and the evaporator, and corresponds to two air passage areas in an inlet cross section of the evaporator. A ventilation path partition wall that partitions the ventilation path extends substantially perpendicularly to the arc-shaped extending side wall,
An automotive air conditioner according to claim 5. 8. The automotive air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein a minimum opening of the rotary damper in a closing direction in at least one direction is restricted. 9. The automotive air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein at least the blower and the air volume ratio adjusting means located upstream of the evaporator are incorporated in one unit. 10. The automotive air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein a slide damper is provided immediately upstream of said heater.