US20060162350A1 - Air-conditioning unit - Google Patents
Air-conditioning unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060162350A1 US20060162350A1 US11/340,194 US34019406A US2006162350A1 US 20060162350 A1 US20060162350 A1 US 20060162350A1 US 34019406 A US34019406 A US 34019406A US 2006162350 A1 US2006162350 A1 US 2006162350A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- grommet
- air
- cylindrical
- bellows
- conditioning unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
- F25B39/02—Evaporators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2265/00—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction
- F28F2265/30—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction for preventing vibrations
Definitions
- This invention relates to a sensor assembly structure for an air-conditioning unit having an evaporator or a similar heat exchanger built therein or, in particular, to a sensor assembly structure used for an air-conditioning system for vehicle use.
- an air-conditioning system for vehicle use employs a configuration in which a heat exchanger such as an evaporator is supported afloat with respect to the case of the air-conditioning unit, through a buffer member.
- FIG. 5 shows an outline of a prior art for supporting a heat exchanger in floated position.
- This structure includes a buffer member 13 arranged between an evaporator 12 making up a heat exchanger for the cooling operation and the inner wall surface of a case 11 of the air-conditioning unit.
- the buffer member 13 is made of a flexible material such as foamed resin.
- the vibration of the vehicle engine is transmitted to the evaporator 12 through a refrigerant pipe (not shown) coupled to a pipe joint portion 20 of the evaporator 12 .
- This vibration of the evaporator 12 is absorbed by the buffer member 13 to suppress the transmission of the vibration to the case 11 . In this way, the propagation of the vibration noise from the case 11 into the passenger compartment is suppressed.
- a temperature sensor 14 is assembled on the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 .
- the temperature sensor 14 is for detecting the surface temperature of the fins of the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 and, as shown in FIG. 6 , includes a sensor holder 14 a formed of resin.
- the sensor holder 14 a is formed integrally with an engaging piece 14 b having a plurality of engaging pawls 14 c , and assembled on the core 12 a using the engaging piece 14 b.
- a cylindrical sensor element unit 14 d is fixedly held on the sensor holder 14 a .
- This sensor element unit 14 d includes a sensor element (thermistor element) accommodated in a cylindrical heat transfer case formed of a metal.
- Two lead wires 14 g are led from the sensor element of the sensor element unit 14 d and are passed out of the case 11 through a fitting hole 15 of the case 11 thereby to connect the lead wires 14 g to a connector 21 arranged on the outer wall surface of the case 11 .
- a grommet 22 is fixedly fitted on the lead wires 14 g and assembled in the fitting hole 15 of the case 11 .
- the grommet 22 as shown in FIG. 7 , is cylindrically formed of a rubber foamed material, and exhibits the functions of a buffer for absorbing vibrations and of a means for sealing the fitting hole 15 .
- the outer diameter of the grommet 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the fitting hole 15 , and the outer peripheral surface of the grommet 22 is fitted under pressure on the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 15 while forming a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the grommet 22 and the lead wires 14 g .
- the part of the lead wires 14 g located outside the case 11 is fixedly fitted with a heat-shrinkable tube 23 , which is fixedly bonded at an outer end of the grommet outside the case.
- Reference numeral 24 in FIG. 7 designates the fixedly bonded part.
- the vibration from the engine, etc. is transmitted to the evaporator 12 , which is then displaced relatively to the case 11 .
- the sensor holder 14 a is also displaced integrally with the evaporator 12 .
- the flexibility and displacement of the lead wires 14 g prevents the displacement of the sensor holder 14 a from being transmitted to the case 11 .
- the vibration of the evaporator 12 tends to be transmitted to the case 11 through the lead wires 14 g .
- the part of the grommet 22 shown in FIG. 7 which is projected out of the case exhibits a buffer function and absorbs the tension from the lead wires 14 g thereby to suppress vibration transmission to the case 11 .
- FIG. 8 shows the relation between the deformation resistance of the grommet 22 and the projection size L of the grommet 22 out of the case 11 with the evaporator 12 (sensor holder 14 a ) displaced by a predetermined small amount.
- the deformation resistance of the grommet 22 is decreased as indicated by dashed line X.
- the leg of an occupant comes into contact with the lead wires 14 g or the part of the grommet 22 projected out of the case 11 and the lead wires 14 g or the grommet 22 , as the case may be, may be damaged.
- the present inventors have studied a configuration in which, as shown in FIG. 9 , an elongate grommet 25 is set between the sensor holder 14 a and the case 11 , so that the part of the grommet 25 located within the case 11 absorbs the vibration of the sensor holder 14 a and the projection size L of the grommet 25 out of the case 11 can be reduced.
- This configuration has the disadvantage that condensed water w is liable to attach to the cylindrical part of the grommet 25 located within the case 11 and, by travelling along the surface of the grommet 25 , leak out of the case 11 by way of the fitting hole 15 .
- This invention has been achieved in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object thereof is to provide a sensor assembly structure for an air-conditioning unit which can absorb the vibration sufficiently even in the case where the projection size of the grommet, out of the case, is reduced.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a sensor assembly structure for an air-conditioning unit which can secure the water leakage prevention effect.
- Still another object of the invention is to provide a sensor assembly structure for the air-conditioning unit having a high sensor assembly workability.
- an air-conditioning unit comprising a heat exchanger ( 12 ) supported afloat through a buffer member ( 13 ) in a case ( 11 ) forming an air path, and a sensor ( 14 ) for detecting a physical value indicating the condition of the heat exchanger ( 12 ),
- the senor ( 14 ) includes a sensor element ( 14 f ), at least a lead wire ( 14 g ) electrically connected to the sensor element ( 14 f ) and a sensor holder ( 14 a ) assembled on the heat exchanger ( 12 ) for holding the sensor element ( 14 f ),
- case ( 11 ) includes a hole portion ( 15 ) for leading the lead wire ( 14 g ) out of the case ( 11 ),
- a cylindrical seal portion ( 16 a ) is fitted in the hole portion ( 15 ) and pressed against the wall surface of the case ( 11 ) at an end of the grommet ( 16 ),
- lead wire ( 14 g ) is fitted relatively displaceably on the cylindrical seal portion ( 16 a ) on'the inner periphery of the cylindrical seal portion ( 16 a ),
- portion of the grommet ( 16 ) between the cylindrical seal portion ( 16 a ) and the fixed portion ( 16 d ) is formed as a bellows ( 16 b ).
- a bellows ( 16 b ) formed between the fixed portion ( 16 d ) and the cylindrical seal portion ( 16 a ) expands/shrinks and can sufficiently absorb the vibratory displacement of the lead wires ( 14 g ).
- the vibratory displacement of the lead wires ( 14 g ) can be sufficiently prevented from being transmitted to the case ( 11 ) through the grommet ( 16 ).
- the case ( 11 ) is configured by integrally fastening a plurality of division cases ( 11 a , 11 b ), and
- hole portion ( 15 ) is formed in the fitting coupling surface of the plurality of the division cases ( 11 a , 11 b ).
- the sensor holder ( 14 a ) includes a projection ( 14 i ) extending to the fixed portion ( 16 d ), and wherein the fixed portion ( 16 d ) and the lead wire ( 14 g ) are fixed on the projection ( 14 i ).
- the projection ( 14 i ) can be configured as a rigid member integrally with the sensor holder ( 14 a ). In the state where the grommet ( 16 ) is assembled on the sensor ( 14 ), the projection ( 14 i ) naturally sets the grommet ( 16 ) in position with respect to the sensor holder ( 14 a ). As a result, the grommet ( 16 ) can be easily assembled automatically in the fitting hole ( 15 ) of the case ( 11 ).
- the fixed portion ( 16 d ) is cylindrical and the projection ( 14 i ) is inserted into the cylinder of the fixed portion ( 16 d ).
- the fixed portion ( 16 d ) is easily, positively fixed on the projection ( 14 i ) together with the lead wires ( 14 g ).
- the outer diameter of the cylinder of the fixed portion ( 16 d ) is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical seal portion ( 16 a ).
- a bell-shaped enlarged portion ( 16 e ) having a progressively increasing diameter is formed at the end of the cylindrical fixed portion ( 16 e ) nearer to the sensor holder ( 14 a ).
- the heat exchanger ( 12 ) is a cooling heat exchanger for cooling and dehumidifying the air
- the sensor ( 14 ) is arranged downstream of the cooling heat exchanger ( 12 ) in the air flow, so that the condensed water generated by the cooling heat exchanger ( 12 ) is attached to the fixed portion ( 16 d ), and wherein the portion of the grommet ( 16 ) nearer to the cylindrical seal portion ( 16 a ) than the fixed portion ( 16 d ) is formed with a weather board ( 16 c ) for catching and drops the condensed water due to its own weight.
- the bellows ( 16 b ) is formed as a circle when viewed in axial direction of the cylindrical grommet ( 16 ).
- the bellows ( 16 b ) is formed as a polygon when viewed in axial direction of the cylindrical grommet ( 16 ).
- the cross section of the bellows ( 16 b ) along the axial direction of the grommet ( 16 ) is smoothly-expanded in a curved form radially outward of the grommet ( 16 ).
- the cross section of the bellows ( 16 b ) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet ( 16 ) is linearly expanded as a flat surface radially outward of the grommet ( 16 ).
- the cross section of the bellows ( 16 b ) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet ( 16 ) is reduced to a narrowed root at the expansion making up the bellows ( 16 b ).
- the cross section of the bellows ( 16 b ) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet ( 16 ) is so configured that one side of the expansion making up the bellows ( 16 b ) in the axial direction of the grommet ( 16 ) is a flat surface, and the other side of the expansion is a Z-shaped bend.
- the cross section of the bellows ( 16 b ) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet ( 16 ) includes an expansion making up the bellows ( 16 b ) having a Z-shaped bend on both axial sides thereof.
- a plurality of the bellows ( 16 b ) are formed successively in the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet ( 16 ).
- the plurality of the bellows ( 16 b ) each have an independent annular form.
- the plurality of the bellows ( 16 b ) have a continuous spiral form.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the essential parts of the air-conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken in line A-A in FIG. 1
- FIG. 2B a front view of the grommet bellows in FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in line B-B in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken in line C-C in FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing the essential parts of the sensor assembly structure for the conventional air-conditioning unit.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a general layout of a temperature sensor, a vibration-proof grommet and a connector according to the prior art.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing the essential parts of the vibration-proof grommet assembly structure according the prior art.
- FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relation between the projection size of the vibration-proof grommet and the deformation resistance.
- FIG. 9 is a general sectional view showing the essential parts of the sensor assembly structure for the air-conditioning unit studied by the inventor.
- FIGS. 10A to 10 K are diagrams for explaining modifications of the bellows of the vibration-proof grommet according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the essential parts of the air-conditioning unit 10 using the sensor assembly structure according to the invention.
- FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken in line A-A in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2B is a front view of the grommet bellows shown in FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in line C-C in FIG. 2A .
- the vertical, horizontal and longitudinal directions in FIGS. 1, 2A are those of the vehicle.
- the case 11 of the air-conditioning unit 10 has the two functions of forming an air path of the air-conditioning air on the one hand and accommodating the devices including a heat exchanger such as the evaporator 12 and a door (not shown) for opening/closing the air path on the other hand.
- the case 11 is formed of resin and divided into a plurality of division cases 11 a , 11 b for the convenience of releasing the resin-molding dies and assembling the accommodated devices.
- the fit coupling surfaces of the plurality of the division cases 11 a , 11 b are integrally fastened thereby to construct the case 11 .
- the case 11 is configured of the two cases 11 a , 11 b divided along the vehicle length, i.e. a vehicle front case 11 a and a vehicle rear case 11 b .
- An evaporator 12 is arranged in the case 11 (division cases 11 a , 11 b ).
- the evaporator 12 is arranged in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the tube 12 b of the core 12 a is directed vertically.
- the tube 12 b is a flat tube having a flat cross section as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the fin 12 c is a corrugated fin bent and formed as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the fin 12 c is formed with a plurality of well-known louvers 12 d ( FIG. 3 ) cut obliquely.
- the tube 12 b and the fin 12 c are formed of a metal such as aluminum, and a multiplicity of the tubes 12 b and the fins 12 c are alternately stacked in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 (the horizontal direction of the vehicle).
- the tubes 12 b and the fins 12 c are coupled integrally with each other by brazing.
- the air-conditioning air (internal or external air) is blown by a blower not shown from the vehicle front rearward as indicated by arrow a in FIG. 2A in the case 11 (division cases 11 a , 11 b ), and passed through the gap between the fins 12 c and the tubes 12 b of the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 .
- FIG. 1 shows only the configuration for coupling the lower end of the tubes 12 b to the lower tank 12 e , the upper end (not shown) of the tubes 12 b is also coupled to an upper tank portion (not shown).
- a side plate 12 f is arranged at an end of the tubes 12 b and the fins 12 c along the stacking direction (horizontal direction).
- the outermost fin 12 c is coupled to the side plate 12 f
- the longitudinal ends of the side plate 12 f are coupled to a lower tank portion 12 e and an upper tank portion (not shown).
- the side plate 12 f has a cross section shown in FIG. 3 , which is bent with a protrusion 12 g formed at the central portion along the width (longitudinally of the vehicle).
- the central protrusion 12 g is the highest projection from the bottom of the side plate 12 f .
- a side plate (not shown) having the same configuration is arranged also at the right end of the core 12 a.
- a vibration-proof buffer member 13 is wound and fixedly bonded over the whole periphery of the central protrusion 12 g of the left and right side plates 12 f and the central portion along the width (longitudinal direction of the vehicle) of the upper and lower tanks 12 e of the evaporator 12 .
- the buffer member 13 is interposed between the outer surface of the evaporator 12 and the inner wall surface of the case 11 .
- This buffer member 13 is formed of an elastic material, high in flexibility, such as foamed resin.
- the temperature sensor 14 for detecting the temperature of the evaporator 12 is explained.
- the temperature sensor 14 is arranged on the surface of the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 downstream in the air flow to detect the fin surface temperature of the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 directly.
- the fin surface temperature thus detected is used for various air-conditioning control operations including the outlet air temperature control and the compressor capability control for the air-conditioning control system for vehicle use.
- the temperature sensor 14 specifically includes a sensor holder 14 a formed of resin.
- the sensor holder 14 a is a substantially rectangular frame member.
- a tabular engaging piece 14 b extending as an elongate member in the direction perpendicular to the rectangular contour of the sensor holder 14 a (direction longitudinal of the vehicle) is formed integrally with the sensor holder 14 a , and a plurality of engaging pawls 14 c are formed integrally on both the obverse and reverse surfaces of the engaging piece 14 b.
- the width b of the engaging piece 14 b is smaller than the interval between the adjacent tubes 12 b of the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 , so that the engaging piece 14 b can be inserted between the tubes 12 b .
- the plurality of the engaging pawls 14 c of the engaging piece 14 b are engaged with the louvers 12 d of the fins 12 , thereby making it possible to fix the sensor holder 14 a on the core 12 a.
- the elongate sensor element unit 14 d extending in parallel to the engaging piece 14 b is fixedly held on the sensor holder 14 a .
- the sensor element unit 14 d accommodates a sensor element (thermistor element) 14 f in the cylindrical heat transfer case 14 e with the forward end thereof closed by a metal such as aluminum.
- the sensor element portion 14 d is inserted between the tubes 12 b of the core 12 a , so that the outer surface of the metal heat transfer case 14 e of the sensor element unit 14 d is in contact with the surface of the fins 12 c , and the surface temperature of the fins 12 c can be detected by the sensor element 14 f.
- the two lead wires 14 g electrically connected to the sensor element 14 f of the sensor element unit 14 d are led out from the end of the metal heat transfer case 14 e and, being guided by a depression 14 h ( FIG. 1 ) formed on the sensor holder 14 a , are led toward the fitting hole 15 of the case 11 .
- the lead wires 14 g are led out of the case 11 through the interior of the cylindrical grommet 16 and are electrically connected to a connector (not shown, corresponding to the connector 21 shown in FIGS. 5, 6 ) arranged outside the case 11 .
- the grommet 16 exhibits the function of a buffer to absorb vibration while sealing the fitting hole 15 .
- the grommet 16 is formed of an elastic material having a high flexibility (i.e. low hardness).
- the grommet 16 which is arranged downstream of the evaporator core 12 a in the air flow and used in an environment in which the condensed water is attached, is preferably waterproof.
- a preferred specific example of the material satisfying these requirements is ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM).
- the grommet 16 has a cylindrical seal portion 16 a fitted and held in the fitting hole 15 of the case 11 .
- the fitting hole 15 is formed on the fitting coupling surface of the two division cases 11 a , 11 b . Specifically, therefore, the semicircular depressions formed on the division cases 11 a , 11 b are combined into a single circular fitting hole 15 .
- the outer diameter D 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 in free state is a predetermined amount larger than the inner diameter of the fitting hole 15 . If, for example, the outer diameter D 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 is 10 mm and the inner diameter of the fitting hole 15 is 8 mm, when the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 fitted in the fitting hole 15 , the cylindrical seal portion 16 a is compressed and deformed as shown in FIG. 1 into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 15 , and therefore the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 15 can be sealed.
- the inner diameter of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a is set, on the other hand, in such a manner that the lead wires 14 g can be freely displaced relatively to the cylindrical seal portion 16 a while maintaining a predetermined gap between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a and the lead wires 14 g.
- a bellows 16 b is formed adjacent to the end, in the case 11 , of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 .
- the bellows 16 b which functions as a buffer to absorb the vibrations, has a radial thickness sufficiently smaller than the radial thickness of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a and expands smoothly in a curved form radially outward from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a .
- the contour of the bellows 16 b is circular as shown in FIG. 1 ( b ) according to this embodiment.
- the outer diameter of the bellows 16 b is equal to the outer diameter D 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a.
- a weather board 16 c and a cylindrical fixed portion 16 d are formed sequentially inward of the bellows in the case 11 .
- the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d forms a small-diameter cylindrical portion having an outer diameter D 2 smaller than the outer diameter D 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a .
- the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d is an elongate cylinder having a larger axial length than the outer diameter D 2 .
- the radial thickness of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d is as small as that of the bellows 16 d , and the inner diameter of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d is equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a , the smallest inner diameter of the bellows 16 b and the inner diameter of the weather board 16 c.
- the weather board 16 c is an annular plate projected radially outward perpendicularly from the outer peripheral surface of an axial end (the end near to the bellows 16 b ) of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d .
- the outer diameter of the weather board 16 c is equal to the outer diameter of the bellows 16 b and the outer diameter of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a.
- a bell-shaped enlarged portion 16 e having a progressively increased diameter is formed at the other axial end (the end nearer to the sensor holder 14 a ) of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d .
- the grommet 16 can be easily fitted on the lead wires 14 g of the temperature sensor 14 from the enlarged end of the bell-shaped enlarged portion 16 e.
- the side surface of the sensor holder 14 a of resin nearer to the case 11 is formed integrally with a projected stay 14 i inserted in a part of the bell-shaped enlarged portion 16 e and the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d of the grommet 16 .
- the projected stay 14 i is a rod-shaped member having a semicircular cross section as shown in FIG. 4 .
- Two lead wires 14 g are arranged in juxtaposition on the flat surface of the projected stay 14 i .
- a heat-shrinkable tube 14 j is fitted on the outside of the lead wires 14 g and the projected stay 14 i.
- the lead wires 14 g can be fixed on the projected stay 14 i .
- the outer diameter the heat-shrinkable tube 14 j after shrinkage is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d , and therefore the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d can be fixed under pressure in the heat-shrinkable tube 14 j .
- the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d of the grommet 16 is fixed on the projected stay 14 i together with the lead wires 14 g .
- the grommet 16 is fixed on the projected stay 14 i while the enlarged end of the bell-shaped enlarged portion 16 e is kept in contact with the side surface of the sensor holder 14 a.
- the operation and effects of this embodiment are explained.
- the transmission of the vibration of the vehicle engine, etc. to the evaporator 12 through the refrigerant pipe displaces the evaporator 12 relative to the case 11 .
- the sensor holder 14 a of resin assembled on the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 is a substantially rigid material and therefore displaced (vibrated) integrally with the evaporator 12 .
- the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d of the grommet 16 and the lead wires 14 g which are fixed on the projected stay 14 i of the sensor holder 14 a , are also displaced (vibrated) integrally with the sensor holder 14 a.
- the bellows 16 b which is easy to deform (expand/shrink) in axial direction of the grommet 16 , is formed between the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d and the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 , however, the displacement (vibration) of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d and the lead wires 14 g is absorbed by the expansion/shrinkage of the bellows 16 b.
- the lead wires 14 g are fitted relatively displaceably (fitted loosely) through a predetermined gap on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 , the displacement (vibration) of the sensor holder 14 a is not transmitted to the case 11 through the lead wires 14 g and the cylindrical seal portion 16 a.
- the bellows 16 b is formed on the portion of the grommet 16 located inside the case 11 , and therefore the projection size L of the grommet 16 out of the case 11 contributes nothing to the vibration absorption.
- the projection size L of the grommet 16 is not required to be as long as not less than 10 mm unlike in the prior art and may be set to a minimum value of not more than 5.5 mm, for example.
- the projection size L of even substantially zero poses no problem.
- the risk of the grommet 16 or the lead wires 14 g being damaged is remarkably reduced, which otherwise might be caused by the leg of an occupant coming into contact with the portion of the grommet 16 projected out of the case 11 .
- the bell-shaped enlarged portion 16 e progressively increased in diameter is formed at an axial end (the end nearer to the sensor holder 14 a ) of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d .
- the grommet 16 can be easily fitted on the lead wires 14 g of the temperature sensor 14 from the enlarged end of the bell-shaped enlarged portion 16 e . This improves the workability of assembling the grommet 16 on the temperature sensor 14 .
- the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d is fixed on the projected stay 14 i of the sensor holder 14 a with the enlarged end of the bell-shaped enlarged portion 16 e kept in contact with the side surface of the sensor holder 14 a .
- the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 can be naturally set in position at a predetermined distance from the sensor holder 14 a.
- the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 can be naturally set in position in the semicircular depression forming the fitting hole 15 of the vehicle front case 11 a .
- the temperature sensor 14 and the grommet 15 can be assembled easily by an automatic assembler using a robot.
- the evaporator 12 may be first assembled on the vehicle front case 11 a , after which the sensor holder 14 a of the temperature sensor 14 is assembled on the core 12 a of the evaporator 12 so that the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 is arranged in the semicircular depression forming the fitting hole 15 of the vehicle front case 11 a.
- the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d makes up a portion for fixing the lead wires 14 g and the projected stay 14 i of the sensor holder 14 a , and has the outer diameter D 2 smaller than the outer diameter D 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a . Therefore, a gap is formed between the small-diameter cylindrical portion of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d and the surface of the core, 12 a of the evaporator 12 , thereby making it possible to avoid direct contact between the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d and the surface of the core 12 a.
- Still another advantage of the invention is that the outer diameter D 2 of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d is smaller than the outer diameter d 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a , and therefore the condensed water attached to the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d can be reduced in amount.
- the bellows 16 b of the grommet 16 is circular in shape. Nevertheless, the bellows 16 b of the grommet 16 may alternatively be a polygon such as a rectangle as shown in FIG. 10B , a pentagon as shown in FIG. 10C , or a hexagon as shown in FIG. 10D to exhibit a buffer function and to absorb vibration with equal effect.
- FIG. 10A shows a cross section of the polygonal bellows 16 b shown in FIGS. 10B to 10 D.
- the bellows 16 b of the grommet 16 has a curved cross section smoothly expanding radially outward as shown in FIG. 10A according to the embodiment described above, the cross section of the bellows 16 b may alternatively be expanded linearly as a flat surface radially outward of the grommet 16 as shown in FIG. 10E .
- the cross section of the bellows 16 b may be so shaped that the root of the expansion is reduced in size as shown in FIG. 10F .
- the cross section of the bellows 16 b may be formed as shown in FIG. 10G in such a manner that one axial side of the expansion is a flat surface and the other axial side thereof a Z-shaped bend.
- the cross section of the bellows 16 b may alternatively be so formed that, as shown in FIG. 10H , a Z-shaped bend is formed on both axial sides of the expansion.
- a plurality of the bellows 16 b are each formed as an independent circle (ring). Instead, a plurality of bellows 16 may be successively formed spirally as shown in FIG. 10K .
- the temperature sensor 14 is arranged downstream of the evaporator 12 in the air flow, and therefore the condensed water attaches to the grommet 16 .
- the weather board 16 c is formed on the grommet 16 .
- the temperature sensor 14 is arranged upstream of the evaporator 12 in the air flow, however, no condensed water attaches to the grommet 16 and therefore the weather-board 16 c is not needed.
- the outer diameter D 2 of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d is smaller by a predetermined amount than the outer diameter D 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a of the grommet 16 , so that the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d is kept out of direct contact with the surface of the core 12 a .
- the outer diameter D 2 of the cylindrical fixed portion 16 d may be equal to the outer diameter D 1 of the cylindrical seal portion 16 a.
- the metal heat-transfer case 14 e of the sensor element unit 14 d of the temperature sensor 14 is brought into contact with the surface of the fins 12 c of the core 12 a thereby to detect the surface temperature of the fins 12 c .
- the sensor element unit 14 d of the temperature sensor 14 may be arranged at the portion of the core 12 a immediately after the air outlet to detect the air temperature (cold air temperature) immediately after the air outlet.
- This invention may be applied to an air-conditioning control unit having a pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the evaporator 12 , or an air-conditioning control unit having a temperature sensor included in the heat exchanger for the heating operation such as a hot water radiator instead of the heat exchanger for the cooling operation such as the evaporator 12 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
An air-conditioning unit, in which at least a lead wire (14 g) of a temperature sensor (14) is inserted in a cylindrically formed grommet (16), is disclosed. A cylindrical seal portion (16 a) fitted in a hole portion (15) of a case (11) is formed at an end of the grommet (16). The lead wire (14 g) is fitted relatively displaceably on the inner periphery of the cylindrical seal portion (16 a). A cylindrical fixed portion (16 d) fixed with the lead wire (14 g) is formed at the other end of the grommet (16). A bellows (16 b) is formed between the cylindrical seal portion (16 a) and the cylindrical fixed portion (16 d).
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to a sensor assembly structure for an air-conditioning unit having an evaporator or a similar heat exchanger built therein or, in particular, to a sensor assembly structure used for an air-conditioning system for vehicle use.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In recent years, demand has increased for improved quietness in a vehicle compartment, and an air-conditioning system for vehicle use employs a configuration in which a heat exchanger such as an evaporator is supported afloat with respect to the case of the air-conditioning unit, through a buffer member.
-
FIG. 5 shows an outline of a prior art for supporting a heat exchanger in floated position. This structure includes abuffer member 13 arranged between anevaporator 12 making up a heat exchanger for the cooling operation and the inner wall surface of acase 11 of the air-conditioning unit. Thebuffer member 13 is made of a flexible material such as foamed resin. - The vibration of the vehicle engine is transmitted to the
evaporator 12 through a refrigerant pipe (not shown) coupled to apipe joint portion 20 of theevaporator 12. This vibration of theevaporator 12 is absorbed by thebuffer member 13 to suppress the transmission of the vibration to thecase 11. In this way, the propagation of the vibration noise from thecase 11 into the passenger compartment is suppressed. - A
temperature sensor 14 is assembled on thecore 12 a of theevaporator 12. Thetemperature sensor 14 is for detecting the surface temperature of the fins of thecore 12 a of theevaporator 12 and, as shown inFIG. 6 , includes asensor holder 14 a formed of resin. Thesensor holder 14 a is formed integrally with an engaging piece 14 b having a plurality of engaging pawls 14 c, and assembled on thecore 12 a using the engaging piece 14 b. - A cylindrical
sensor element unit 14 d is fixedly held on thesensor holder 14 a. Thissensor element unit 14 d includes a sensor element (thermistor element) accommodated in a cylindrical heat transfer case formed of a metal. - Two lead wires 14 g are led from the sensor element of the
sensor element unit 14 d and are passed out of thecase 11 through afitting hole 15 of thecase 11 thereby to connect the lead wires 14 g to aconnector 21 arranged on the outer wall surface of thecase 11. - A
grommet 22 is fixedly fitted on the lead wires 14 g and assembled in thefitting hole 15 of thecase 11. Thegrommet 22, as shown inFIG. 7 , is cylindrically formed of a rubber foamed material, and exhibits the functions of a buffer for absorbing vibrations and of a means for sealing thefitting hole 15. - For this purpose, the outer diameter of the
grommet 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of thefitting hole 15, and the outer peripheral surface of thegrommet 22 is fitted under pressure on the inner peripheral surface of thefitting hole 15 while forming a gap between the inner peripheral surface of thegrommet 22 and the lead wires 14 g. As shown inFIG. 7 , the part of the lead wires 14 g located outside thecase 11 is fixedly fitted with a heat-shrinkable tube 23, which is fixedly bonded at an outer end of the grommet outside the case.Reference numeral 24 inFIG. 7 designates the fixedly bonded part. - The vibration from the engine, etc. is transmitted to the
evaporator 12, which is then displaced relatively to thecase 11. Then, thesensor holder 14 a is also displaced integrally with theevaporator 12. In the case where thesensor holder 14 a is displaced in such a direction as to compress the lead wires 14 g, the flexibility and displacement of the lead wires 14 g prevents the displacement of thesensor holder 14 a from being transmitted to thecase 11. - In the case where the
sensor holder 14 a is displaced in such a direction as to tension the lead wires 14 g, on the other hand, the vibration of theevaporator 12 tends to be transmitted to thecase 11 through the lead wires 14 g. In the prior art, the part of thegrommet 22 shown inFIG. 7 which is projected out of the case (the portion having the projection size L) exhibits a buffer function and absorbs the tension from the lead wires 14 g thereby to suppress vibration transmission to thecase 11. -
FIG. 8 shows the relation between the deformation resistance of thegrommet 22 and the projection size L of thegrommet 22 out of thecase 11 with the evaporator 12 (sensor holder 14 a) displaced by a predetermined small amount. With the increase in the projection size L, the deformation resistance of thegrommet 22 is decreased as indicated by dashed line X. - A study by the present inventors has revealed that, in the case where the projection size L of the
grommet 22 is set to not less than 10 mm, the deformation resistance of thegrommet 22 can be reduced to less than a predetermined level Y. As a result, it has been discovered that the vibration transmission to thecase 11 through the lead wires 14 g can be suppressed satisfactorily. - In the case where the projection size L of the
grommet 22 out of thecase 11 is set to not less than 10 mm, the leg of an occupant comes into contact with the lead wires 14 g or the part of thegrommet 22 projected out of thecase 11 and the lead wires 14 g or thegrommet 22, as the case may be, may be damaged. - In view of this, the present inventors have studied a configuration in which, as shown in
FIG. 9 , anelongate grommet 25 is set between thesensor holder 14 a and thecase 11, so that the part of thegrommet 25 located within thecase 11 absorbs the vibration of thesensor holder 14 a and the projection size L of thegrommet 25 out of thecase 11 can be reduced. This configuration, however, has the disadvantage that condensed water w is liable to attach to the cylindrical part of thegrommet 25 located within thecase 11 and, by travelling along the surface of thegrommet 25, leak out of thecase 11 by way of thefitting hole 15. - This invention has been achieved in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object thereof is to provide a sensor assembly structure for an air-conditioning unit which can absorb the vibration sufficiently even in the case where the projection size of the grommet, out of the case, is reduced.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a sensor assembly structure for an air-conditioning unit which can secure the water leakage prevention effect.
- Still another object of the invention is to provide a sensor assembly structure for the air-conditioning unit having a high sensor assembly workability.
- In order to accomplish the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air-conditioning unit comprising a heat exchanger (12) supported afloat through a buffer member (13) in a case (11) forming an air path, and a sensor (14) for detecting a physical value indicating the condition of the heat exchanger (12),
- wherein the sensor (14) includes a sensor element (14 f), at least a lead wire (14 g) electrically connected to the sensor element (14 f) and a sensor holder (14 a) assembled on the heat exchanger (12) for holding the sensor element (14 f),
- wherein the case (11) includes a hole portion (15) for leading the lead wire (14 g) out of the case (11),
- wherein the lead wire (14 g) is inserted into the cylindrical interior of a grommet (16) cylindrically formed of an elastic material having a high flexibility,
- wherein a cylindrical seal portion (16 a) is fitted in the hole portion (15) and pressed against the wall surface of the case (11) at an end of the grommet (16),
- wherein the lead wire (14 g) is fitted relatively displaceably on the cylindrical seal portion (16 a) on'the inner periphery of the cylindrical seal portion (16 a),
- wherein a fixed portion (16 d) fixed with the lead wire (14 g) is formed at the other end of the grommet (16), and
- wherein the portion of the grommet (16) between the cylindrical seal portion (16 a) and the fixed portion (16 d) is formed as a bellows (16 b).
- When the heat exchanger (12) is displaced relatively to the case (11) by the vibration applied to the heat exchanger (12), the sensor holder (14 a) and the lead wires (14 g) are displaced integrally with the heat exchanger (12), and therefore the displacement of the lead wires (14 g) is transmitted to a fixed portion (16 d) at the other end of the grommet (16).
- In this process, according to the invention, a bellows (16 b) formed between the fixed portion (16 d) and the cylindrical seal portion (16 a) expands/shrinks and can sufficiently absorb the vibratory displacement of the lead wires (14 g). As a result, the vibratory displacement of the lead wires (14 g) can be sufficiently prevented from being transmitted to the case (11) through the grommet (16).
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, the case (11) is configured by integrally fastening a plurality of division cases (11 a, 11 b), and
- wherein the hole portion (15) is formed in the fitting coupling surface of the plurality of the division cases (11 a, 11 b).
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, the sensor holder (14 a) includes a projection (14 i) extending to the fixed portion (16 d), and wherein the fixed portion (16 d) and the lead wire (14 g) are fixed on the projection (14 i).
- The projection (14 i) can be configured as a rigid member integrally with the sensor holder (14 a). In the state where the grommet (16) is assembled on the sensor (14), the projection (14 i) naturally sets the grommet (16) in position with respect to the sensor holder (14 a). As a result, the grommet (16) can be easily assembled automatically in the fitting hole (15) of the case (11).
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the fixed portion (16 d) is cylindrical and the projection (14 i) is inserted into the cylinder of the fixed portion (16 d).
- By doing so, the fixed portion (16 d) is easily, positively fixed on the projection (14 i) together with the lead wires (14 g).
- According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the outer diameter of the cylinder of the fixed portion (16 d) is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical seal portion (16 a).
- According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a bell-shaped enlarged portion (16 e) having a progressively increasing diameter is formed at the end of the cylindrical fixed portion (16 e) nearer to the sensor holder (14 a).
- According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the heat exchanger (12) is a cooling heat exchanger for cooling and dehumidifying the air, wherein the sensor (14) is arranged downstream of the cooling heat exchanger (12) in the air flow, so that the condensed water generated by the cooling heat exchanger (12) is attached to the fixed portion (16 d), and wherein the portion of the grommet (16) nearer to the cylindrical seal portion (16 a) than the fixed portion (16 d) is formed with a weather board (16 c) for catching and drops the condensed water due to its own weight.
- Consequently, the condensed water attached to the fixed portion (16 d) is prevented from being transferred to the cylindrical seal portion (16 a), which in turn prevents water leakage from the hole (15) of the case (11).
- According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bellows (16 b) is formed as a circle when viewed in axial direction of the cylindrical grommet (16).
- According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bellows (16 b) is formed as a polygon when viewed in axial direction of the cylindrical grommet (16).
- According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the cross section of the bellows (16 b) along the axial direction of the grommet (16) is smoothly-expanded in a curved form radially outward of the grommet (16).
- According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the cross section of the bellows (16 b) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet (16) is linearly expanded as a flat surface radially outward of the grommet (16).
- According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the cross section of the bellows (16 b) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet (16) is reduced to a narrowed root at the expansion making up the bellows (16 b).
- According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the cross section of the bellows (16 b) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet (16) is so configured that one side of the expansion making up the bellows (16 b) in the axial direction of the grommet (16) is a flat surface, and the other side of the expansion is a Z-shaped bend.
- According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the cross section of the bellows (16 b) along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet (16) includes an expansion making up the bellows (16 b) having a Z-shaped bend on both axial sides thereof.
- According to an fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the bellows (16 b) are formed successively in the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet (16).
- According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of the bellows (16 b) each have an independent annular form.
- According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of the bellows (16 b) have a continuous spiral form.
- Incidentally, the reference numerals in parentheses, to denote the above means, are intended to show the relationship of the specific means which will be described later in an embodiment of the invention.
- The present invention may be more fully understood from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention set forth below, together with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the essential parts of the air-conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken in line A-A inFIG. 1 , andFIG. 2B a front view of the grommet bellows inFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in line B-B inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken in line C-C inFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing the essential parts of the sensor assembly structure for the conventional air-conditioning unit. -
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a general layout of a temperature sensor, a vibration-proof grommet and a connector according to the prior art. -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing the essential parts of the vibration-proof grommet assembly structure according the prior art. -
FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relation between the projection size of the vibration-proof grommet and the deformation resistance. -
FIG. 9 is a general sectional view showing the essential parts of the sensor assembly structure for the air-conditioning unit studied by the inventor. -
FIGS. 10A to 10K are diagrams for explaining modifications of the bellows of the vibration-proof grommet according to the invention. - An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the essential parts of the air-conditioning unit 10 using the sensor assembly structure according to the invention.FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken in line A-A inFIG. 1 .FIG. 2B is a front view of the grommet bellows shown inFIG. 2A .FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in line C-C inFIG. 2A . The vertical, horizontal and longitudinal directions inFIGS. 1, 2A are those of the vehicle. - The
case 11 of the air-conditioning unit 10 has the two functions of forming an air path of the air-conditioning air on the one hand and accommodating the devices including a heat exchanger such as theevaporator 12 and a door (not shown) for opening/closing the air path on the other hand. Thecase 11 is formed of resin and divided into a plurality ofdivision cases 11 a, 11 b for the convenience of releasing the resin-molding dies and assembling the accommodated devices. The fit coupling surfaces of the plurality of thedivision cases 11 a, 11 b are integrally fastened thereby to construct thecase 11. - According to this embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2A , thecase 11 is configured of the twocases 11 a, 11 b divided along the vehicle length, i.e. avehicle front case 11 a and a vehicle rear case 11 b. Anevaporator 12 is arranged in the case 11 (division cases 11 a, 11 b). According to this embodiment, theevaporator 12 is arranged in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of thetube 12 b of the core 12 a is directed vertically. - The
tube 12 b is a flat tube having a flat cross section as shown inFIG. 3 . Thefin 12 c, on the other hand, is a corrugated fin bent and formed as shown inFIG. 1 . Thefin 12 c is formed with a plurality of well-knownlouvers 12 d (FIG. 3 ) cut obliquely. - The
tube 12 b and thefin 12 c are formed of a metal such as aluminum, and a multiplicity of thetubes 12 b and thefins 12 c are alternately stacked in the horizontal direction inFIG. 1 (the horizontal direction of the vehicle). Thetubes 12 b and thefins 12 c are coupled integrally with each other by brazing. - The air-conditioning air (internal or external air) is blown by a blower not shown from the vehicle front rearward as indicated by arrow a in
FIG. 2A in the case 11 (division cases 11 a, 11 b), and passed through the gap between thefins 12 c and thetubes 12 b of the core 12 a of theevaporator 12. - The longitudinal ends (in the vertical direction of the vehicle) of the
tubes 12 b are coupled to atank 12 e, and the internal refrigerant path of thetubes 12 b communicates with the refrigerant path in thetank 12 e. AlthoughFIG. 1 shows only the configuration for coupling the lower end of thetubes 12 b to thelower tank 12 e, the upper end (not shown) of thetubes 12 b is also coupled to an upper tank portion (not shown). - A
side plate 12 f is arranged at an end of thetubes 12 b and thefins 12 c along the stacking direction (horizontal direction). Theoutermost fin 12 c is coupled to theside plate 12 f, and the longitudinal ends of theside plate 12 f are coupled to alower tank portion 12 e and an upper tank portion (not shown). - The
side plate 12 f has a cross section shown inFIG. 3 , which is bent with aprotrusion 12 g formed at the central portion along the width (longitudinally of the vehicle). Thecentral protrusion 12 g is the highest projection from the bottom of theside plate 12 f. Although only theside plate 12 f at the left end of thecore 12 is shownFIG. 1 , a side plate (not shown) having the same configuration is arranged also at the right end of the core 12 a. - A vibration-
proof buffer member 13 is wound and fixedly bonded over the whole periphery of thecentral protrusion 12 g of the left andright side plates 12 f and the central portion along the width (longitudinal direction of the vehicle) of the upper andlower tanks 12 e of theevaporator 12. As a result, by assembling theevaporator 12 in thecase 11 and fastening the twodivision cases 11 a, 11 b integrally by fastening means such as a screw or a metal spring clip, thebuffer member 13 is interposed between the outer surface of theevaporator 12 and the inner wall surface of thecase 11. - In this way, the
evaporator 12 is supported afloat on the inner wall surface of thecase 11 by thebuffer member 13, and accommodated relatively displaceably with respect to thecase 11. Thisbuffer member 13 is formed of an elastic material, high in flexibility, such as foamed resin. - Next, the
temperature sensor 14 for detecting the temperature of theevaporator 12 is explained. According to this embodiment, thetemperature sensor 14 is arranged on the surface of the core 12 a of theevaporator 12 downstream in the air flow to detect the fin surface temperature of the core 12 a of theevaporator 12 directly. The fin surface temperature thus detected is used for various air-conditioning control operations including the outlet air temperature control and the compressor capability control for the air-conditioning control system for vehicle use. - The
temperature sensor 14 specifically includes asensor holder 14 a formed of resin. Thesensor holder 14 a is a substantially rectangular frame member. A tabular engaging piece 14 b extending as an elongate member in the direction perpendicular to the rectangular contour of thesensor holder 14 a (direction longitudinal of the vehicle) is formed integrally with thesensor holder 14 a, and a plurality of engaging pawls 14 c are formed integrally on both the obverse and reverse surfaces of the engaging piece 14 b. - The width b of the engaging piece 14 b is smaller than the interval between the
adjacent tubes 12 b of the core 12 a of theevaporator 12, so that the engaging piece 14 b can be inserted between thetubes 12 b. The plurality of the engaging pawls 14 c of the engaging piece 14 b are engaged with thelouvers 12 d of thefins 12, thereby making it possible to fix thesensor holder 14 a on the core 12 a. - The elongate
sensor element unit 14 d extending in parallel to the engaging piece 14 b is fixedly held on thesensor holder 14 a. Thesensor element unit 14 d accommodates a sensor element (thermistor element) 14 f in the cylindricalheat transfer case 14 e with the forward end thereof closed by a metal such as aluminum. - With the
sensor holder 14 a fixed on the core 12 a, thesensor element portion 14 d is inserted between thetubes 12 b of the core 12 a, so that the outer surface of the metalheat transfer case 14 e of thesensor element unit 14 d is in contact with the surface of thefins 12 c, and the surface temperature of thefins 12 c can be detected by thesensor element 14 f. - The two lead wires 14 g electrically connected to the
sensor element 14 f of thesensor element unit 14 d are led out from the end of the metalheat transfer case 14 e and, being guided by adepression 14 h (FIG. 1 ) formed on thesensor holder 14 a, are led toward thefitting hole 15 of thecase 11. - The lead wires 14 g are led out of the
case 11 through the interior of thecylindrical grommet 16 and are electrically connected to a connector (not shown, corresponding to theconnector 21 shown inFIGS. 5, 6 ) arranged outside thecase 11. - The
grommet 16 exhibits the function of a buffer to absorb vibration while sealing thefitting hole 15. Preferably, therefore, thegrommet 16 is formed of an elastic material having a high flexibility (i.e. low hardness). Also, thegrommet 16, which is arranged downstream of theevaporator core 12 a in the air flow and used in an environment in which the condensed water is attached, is preferably waterproof. A preferred specific example of the material satisfying these requirements is ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM). - The
grommet 16 has acylindrical seal portion 16 a fitted and held in thefitting hole 15 of thecase 11. Thefitting hole 15 is formed on the fitting coupling surface of the twodivision cases 11 a, 11 b. Specifically, therefore, the semicircular depressions formed on thedivision cases 11 a, 11 b are combined into a single circularfitting hole 15. - The outer diameter D1 of the
cylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16 in free state is a predetermined amount larger than the inner diameter of thefitting hole 15. If, for example, the outer diameter D1 of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16 is 10 mm and the inner diameter of thefitting hole 15 is 8 mm, when thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16 fitted in thefitting hole 15, thecylindrical seal portion 16 a is compressed and deformed as shown inFIG. 1 into contact with the inner peripheral surface of thefitting hole 15, and therefore the inner peripheral surface of thefitting hole 15 can be sealed. - The inner diameter of the
cylindrical seal portion 16 a is set, on the other hand, in such a manner that the lead wires 14 g can be freely displaced relatively to thecylindrical seal portion 16 a while maintaining a predetermined gap between the inner peripheral surface of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a and the lead wires 14 g. - A bellows 16 b is formed adjacent to the end, in the
case 11, of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16. The bellows 16 b, which functions as a buffer to absorb the vibrations, has a radial thickness sufficiently smaller than the radial thickness of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a and expands smoothly in a curved form radially outward from the inner peripheral surface of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a. The contour of thebellows 16 b is circular as shown inFIG. 1 (b) according to this embodiment. The outer diameter of thebellows 16 b is equal to the outer diameter D1 of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a. - A
weather board 16 c and a cylindrical fixedportion 16 d are formed sequentially inward of the bellows in thecase 11. The cylindrical fixedportion 16 d forms a small-diameter cylindrical portion having an outer diameter D2 smaller than the outer diameter D1 of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a. Also, the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d is an elongate cylinder having a larger axial length than the outer diameter D2. - The radial thickness of the cylindrical fixed
portion 16 d is as small as that of thebellows 16 d, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d is equal to the inner diameter of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a, the smallest inner diameter of thebellows 16 b and the inner diameter of theweather board 16 c. - The
weather board 16 c is an annular plate projected radially outward perpendicularly from the outer peripheral surface of an axial end (the end near to thebellows 16 b) of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d. The outer diameter of theweather board 16 c is equal to the outer diameter of thebellows 16 b and the outer diameter of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a. - A bell-shaped
enlarged portion 16 e having a progressively increased diameter is formed at the other axial end (the end nearer to thesensor holder 14 a) of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d. Thegrommet 16 can be easily fitted on the lead wires 14 g of thetemperature sensor 14 from the enlarged end of the bell-shapedenlarged portion 16 e. - The side surface of the
sensor holder 14 a of resin nearer to thecase 11 is formed integrally with a projectedstay 14 i inserted in a part of the bell-shapedenlarged portion 16 e and the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d of thegrommet 16. - The projected
stay 14 i is a rod-shaped member having a semicircular cross section as shown inFIG. 4 . Two lead wires 14 g are arranged in juxtaposition on the flat surface of the projectedstay 14 i. A heat-shrinkable tube 14 j is fitted on the outside of the lead wires 14 g and the projectedstay 14 i. - By heating, and reducing the diameter of, the heat-shrinkable tube 14 j, the lead wires 14 g can be fixed on the projected
stay 14 i. The outer diameter the heat-shrinkable tube 14 j after shrinkage is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d, and therefore the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d can be fixed under pressure in the heat-shrinkable tube 14 j. As a result, the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d of thegrommet 16 is fixed on the projectedstay 14 i together with the lead wires 14 g. Thegrommet 16 is fixed on the projectedstay 14 i while the enlarged end of the bell-shapedenlarged portion 16 e is kept in contact with the side surface of thesensor holder 14 a. - Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment are explained. In view of the fact that the
evaporator 12 is supported afloat on thecase 11 by thebuffer member 13, the transmission of the vibration of the vehicle engine, etc. to theevaporator 12 through the refrigerant pipe displaces theevaporator 12 relative to thecase 11. In the process, thesensor holder 14 a of resin assembled on the core 12 a of theevaporator 12 is a substantially rigid material and therefore displaced (vibrated) integrally with theevaporator 12. - The cylindrical fixed
portion 16 d of thegrommet 16 and the lead wires 14 g, which are fixed on the projectedstay 14 i of thesensor holder 14 a, are also displaced (vibrated) integrally with thesensor holder 14 a. - In view of the fact that the
bellows 16 b, which is easy to deform (expand/shrink) in axial direction of thegrommet 16, is formed between the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d and thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16, however, the displacement (vibration) of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d and the lead wires 14 g is absorbed by the expansion/shrinkage of thebellows 16 b. - Also, as the lead wires 14 g are fitted relatively displaceably (fitted loosely) through a predetermined gap on the inner peripheral surface of the
cylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16, the displacement (vibration) of thesensor holder 14 a is not transmitted to thecase 11 through the lead wires 14 g and thecylindrical seal portion 16 a. - Further, the
bellows 16 b is formed on the portion of thegrommet 16 located inside thecase 11, and therefore the projection size L of thegrommet 16 out of thecase 11 contributes nothing to the vibration absorption. - As a result, the projection size L of the
grommet 16 is not required to be as long as not less than 10 mm unlike in the prior art and may be set to a minimum value of not more than 5.5 mm, for example. The projection size L of even substantially zero poses no problem. The risk of thegrommet 16 or the lead wires 14 g being damaged is remarkably reduced, which otherwise might be caused by the leg of an occupant coming into contact with the portion of thegrommet 16 projected out of thecase 11. - Also, according to this embodiment, the bell-shaped
enlarged portion 16 e progressively increased in diameter is formed at an axial end (the end nearer to thesensor holder 14 a) of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d. In assembling thegrommet 16 on thetemperature sensor 14, therefore, thegrommet 16 can be easily fitted on the lead wires 14 g of thetemperature sensor 14 from the enlarged end of the bell-shapedenlarged portion 16 e. This improves the workability of assembling thegrommet 16 on thetemperature sensor 14. - According to this embodiment, the cylindrical fixed
portion 16 d is fixed on the projectedstay 14 i of thesensor holder 14 a with the enlarged end of the bell-shapedenlarged portion 16 e kept in contact with the side surface of thesensor holder 14 a. With thegrommet 16 assembled on thetemperature sensor 14, therefore, thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16 can be naturally set in position at a predetermined distance from thesensor holder 14 a. - By assembling the
sensor holder 14 a of thetemperature sensor 14 on the core 12 a of theevaporator 12 and then assembling theevaporator 12 on one of thedivision cases 11 a, 11 b, or on thevehicle front case 11 a, for example, thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16 can be naturally set in position in the semicircular depression forming thefitting hole 15 of thevehicle front case 11 a. As a result, thetemperature sensor 14 and thegrommet 15 can be assembled easily by an automatic assembler using a robot. - As an alternative, the
evaporator 12 may be first assembled on thevehicle front case 11 a, after which thesensor holder 14 a of thetemperature sensor 14 is assembled on the core 12 a of theevaporator 12 so that thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16 is arranged in the semicircular depression forming thefitting hole 15 of thevehicle front case 11 a. - Also, the cylindrical fixed
portion 16 d makes up a portion for fixing the lead wires 14 g and the projectedstay 14 i of thesensor holder 14 a, and has the outer diameter D2 smaller than the outer diameter D1 of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a. Therefore, a gap is formed between the small-diameter cylindrical portion of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d and the surface of the core, 12 a of theevaporator 12, thereby making it possible to avoid direct contact between the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d and the surface of the core 12 a. - As a result, the inconvenience of promoted corrosion on the metal surface is suppressed, which otherwise might be caused by the additive in the component material (rubber-group elastic material) of the
grommet 16 attached on the metal (aluminum) surface of the core 12 a. - Also, in view of the fact that the annular weather-
board 16 c is projected radially outward perpendicularly from the end of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d of thegrommet 16 nearer to thebellows 16 b, the condensed water attached to the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d or the bell-shapedenlarged portion 16 e and reaching theweather board 16 c is caught by the vertical plate surface of theweather board 16 c. This condensed water thus pooled drops due to its own weight. The condensed water attached to the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d never reaches thefitting hole 15 over the weather-board 16 c and therefore the risk of water leakage from thefitting hole 15 is reduced. - Still another advantage of the invention is that the outer diameter D2 of the cylindrical fixed
portion 16 d is smaller than the outer diameter d1 of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a, and therefore the condensed water attached to the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d can be reduced in amount. - Finally, other embodiments will be explained. This invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be variously modified as described below.
- (1) In the embodiment described above, the
bellows 16 b of thegrommet 16 is circular in shape. Nevertheless, thebellows 16 b of thegrommet 16 may alternatively be a polygon such as a rectangle as shown inFIG. 10B , a pentagon as shown inFIG. 10C , or a hexagon as shown inFIG. 10D to exhibit a buffer function and to absorb vibration with equal effect.FIG. 10A shows a cross section of the polygonal bellows 16 b shown inFIGS. 10B to 10D. - (2) Although the
bellows 16 b of thegrommet 16 has a curved cross section smoothly expanding radially outward as shown inFIG. 10A according to the embodiment described above, the cross section of thebellows 16 b may alternatively be expanded linearly as a flat surface radially outward of thegrommet 16 as shown inFIG. 10E . - Also, the cross section of the
bellows 16 b may be so shaped that the root of the expansion is reduced in size as shown inFIG. 10F . - The cross section of the
bellows 16 b may be formed as shown inFIG. 10G in such a manner that one axial side of the expansion is a flat surface and the other axial side thereof a Z-shaped bend. The cross section of thebellows 16 b may alternatively be so formed that, as shown inFIG. 10H , a Z-shaped bend is formed on both axial sides of the expansion. - (3) According to the embodiment described above, only one bellows 16 b of the
grommet 16 is formed. As shown inFIG. 10I or 10J, however, a succession of two or threebellows 16 b, respectively, may be arranged in axial direction. In other words, a plurality ofbellows 16 b of thegrommet 16 may be formed in succession into a multiple bellows structure. - (4) In the examples shown in
FIGS. 10I, 10J , a plurality of thebellows 16 b are each formed as an independent circle (ring). Instead, a plurality ofbellows 16 may be successively formed spirally as shown inFIG. 10K . - (5) According to the embodiment described above, the
temperature sensor 14 is arranged downstream of theevaporator 12 in the air flow, and therefore the condensed water attaches to thegrommet 16. For this reason, theweather board 16 c is formed on thegrommet 16. In the case where thetemperature sensor 14 is arranged upstream of theevaporator 12 in the air flow, however, no condensed water attaches to thegrommet 16 and therefore the weather-board 16 c is not needed. - (6) According to the embodiment described above, the outer diameter D2 of the cylindrical fixed
portion 16 d is smaller by a predetermined amount than the outer diameter D1 of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a of thegrommet 16, so that the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d is kept out of direct contact with the surface of the core 12 a. As long as the material of thegrommet 16 has no effect on corrosion on the metal surface of the core 12 a, however, the outer diameter D2 of the cylindrical fixedportion 16 d may be equal to the outer diameter D1 of thecylindrical seal portion 16 a. - (7) According to the embodiment described above, the metal heat-
transfer case 14 e of thesensor element unit 14 d of thetemperature sensor 14 is brought into contact with the surface of thefins 12 c of the core 12 a thereby to detect the surface temperature of thefins 12 c. As an alternative, thesensor element unit 14 d of thetemperature sensor 14 may be arranged at the portion of the core 12 a immediately after the air outlet to detect the air temperature (cold air temperature) immediately after the air outlet. - (8) This invention may be applied to an air-conditioning control unit having a pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the
evaporator 12, or an air-conditioning control unit having a temperature sensor included in the heat exchanger for the heating operation such as a hot water radiator instead of the heat exchanger for the cooling operation such as theevaporator 12. - While the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments chosen for purposes of illustration, it should be apparent that numerous modifications could be made thereto, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the basic concept and scope of the invention.
Claims (17)
1. An air-conditioning unit comprising a heat exchanger supported afloat through a buffer member in a case forming an air path, and a sensor for detecting a physical value indicating the condition of the heat exchanger,
wherein the sensor includes a sensor element, at least a lead wire electrically connected to the sensor element and a sensor holder assembled on the heat exchanger for holding the sensor element,
wherein the case includes a hole portion for leading the lead wire out of the case,
wherein the lead wire is inserted into the cylindrical interior of a grommet cylindrically formed of an elastic material having a high flexibility,
wherein a cylindrical seal portion is fitted in the hole portion and pressed against the wall surface of the case at an end of the grommet,
wherein the lead wire is fitted relatively displaceably on the cylindrical seal portion on the inner periphery of the cylindrical seal portion,
wherein a fixed portion fixed with the lead wire is formed at the other end of the grommet, and
wherein the portion of the grommet between the cylindrical seal portion and the fixed portion is formed as a bellows.
2. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the case is configured by integrally fastening a plurality of division cases, and
wherein the hole portion is formed in the fitting coupling surface of the plurality of the division cases.
3. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the sensor holder includes a projection extending to the fixed portion, and
wherein the fixed portion and the lead wire are fixed on the projection.
4. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 3 ,
wherein the fixed portion is cylindrical and the projection is inserted into the cylinder of the fixed portion.
5. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 4 ,
wherein the outer diameter of the cylinder of the fixed portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical seal portion.
6. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 4 ,
wherein a bell-shaped enlarged portion having a progressively increasing diameter is formed at the end of the cylindrical fixed portion nearer to the sensor holder.
7. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the heat exchanger is a cooling heat exchanger for cooling and dehumidifying the air,
wherein the sensor is arranged downstream of the cooling heat exchanger in the air flow, so that the condensed water generated by the cooling heat exchanger is attached to the fixed portion, and
wherein the portion of the grommet nearer to the cylindrical seal portion than the fixed portion is formed with a weather-board for catching and removing the condensed water drops due to its own weight.
8. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the bellows is formed as a circle when viewed in axial direction of the cylindrical grommet.
9. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the bellows is formed as a polygon when viewed in axial direction of the cylindrical grommet.
10. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the cross section of the bellows along the axial direction of the grommet is smoothly expanded in a curved form radially outward of the grommet.
11. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the cross section of the bellows along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet is linearly expanded as a flat surface radially outward of the grommet.
12. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the cross section of the bellows along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet is reduced to a narrowed root at the expansion making up the bellows.
13. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the cross section of the bellows along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet is so configured that one side of the expansion making up the bellows in the axial direction of the grommet is a flat surface, and the other side of the expansion is a Z-shaped bend.
14. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the cross section of the bellows along the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet includes an expansion making up the bellows having a Z-shaped bend on both axial sides thereof.
15. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein a plurality of the bellows are formed successively in the axial direction of the cylindrical grommet.
16. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 15 ,
wherein the plurality of the bellows each have an independent annular form.
17. An air-conditioning unit according to claim 15 ,
wherein the plurality of the bellows have a continuous spiral form.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2005019901 | 2005-01-27 | ||
JP2005-019901 | 2005-01-27 | ||
JP2005320519A JP4529873B2 (en) | 2005-01-27 | 2005-11-04 | Air conditioning unit |
JP2005-320519 | 2005-11-04 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060162350A1 true US20060162350A1 (en) | 2006-07-27 |
Family
ID=36695225
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/340,194 Abandoned US20060162350A1 (en) | 2005-01-27 | 2006-01-26 | Air-conditioning unit |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060162350A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4529873B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1828160B (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090011983A1 (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 2009-01-08 | Human Genome Sciences, Inc. | 186 Human Secreted Proteins |
US20090296782A1 (en) * | 2008-06-03 | 2009-12-03 | Keihin Corporation | Temperature detector |
US20130047645A1 (en) * | 2011-08-26 | 2013-02-28 | Bumseup KIM | Ice making apparatus of refrigerator and assembling method thereof |
ES2344876R1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2013-04-29 | Bsh Electrodomesticos Espana | EVAPORATOR PROVISION FOR A COOLING DEVICE |
US20130195144A1 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-08-01 | Denso Corporation | Temperature Sensor Supporting Device And Temperature Sensor Attachment Structure |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE202008006755U1 (en) * | 2008-05-19 | 2009-10-22 | Paul Hettich Gmbh & Co. Kg | damper |
JP5429202B2 (en) * | 2011-01-31 | 2014-02-26 | 株式会社デンソー | Temperature sensor |
CN104155017B (en) * | 2014-08-29 | 2016-09-14 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Temperature-sensitive bag support means and air-conditioner |
KR102268542B1 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2021-06-23 | 상도전기공업 주식회사 | Sheath heater |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1883919A (en) * | 1932-10-25 | Assiqnoe | ||
US2639313A (en) * | 1949-08-09 | 1953-05-19 | Jr Frederick G Street | High-voltage terminal connector |
US4507935A (en) * | 1982-04-12 | 1985-04-02 | Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd. | Overheat detecting device of an air conditioning system for automotive vehicles |
US5300734A (en) * | 1991-09-02 | 1994-04-05 | Yazaki Corporation | Grommet |
US5383342A (en) * | 1992-05-14 | 1995-01-24 | Ontec Ltd. | Method and installation for continuous production of liquid ice |
US5398516A (en) * | 1992-03-31 | 1995-03-21 | Unisia Jecs Corporation | Method and apparatus for detecting an insufficiency of refrigerant in an airconditioning apparatus |
US6058562A (en) * | 1997-07-04 | 2000-05-09 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Grommet |
US6267385B1 (en) * | 1996-09-05 | 2001-07-31 | Kabushiki Kaisha Miyasaka Gomu | Grommet |
US20030000726A1 (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2003-01-02 | Yazaki Corporation | Waterproof structure of electric junction box |
US6649835B2 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2003-11-18 | William J. Gilleran | Sub-exterior electrical box waterproofing system |
US6912866B2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2005-07-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Elastic member for vibration absorption, and vibration absorbing apparatus using the same |
US20050163192A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-07-28 | Denso Corporation | Sensor and temperature sensor capable of automatic installation |
US20050235654A1 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2005-10-27 | Andreas Kaupert | Evaporator arrangement for generating a hydrocarbon vapor/mixed material mixture, especially for a reformer arrangement of a fuel cell system |
US7472561B2 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2009-01-06 | Advanced Distributor Products Llc | Air conditioning evaporator retaining apparatus |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS62187273U (en) * | 1986-05-19 | 1987-11-28 | ||
JPS6343057U (en) * | 1986-09-05 | 1988-03-22 | ||
JPS6426515U (en) * | 1987-08-10 | 1989-02-15 | ||
JP2546639Y2 (en) * | 1992-07-23 | 1997-09-03 | 株式会社ゼクセル | Mounting structure of temperature sensor |
JP3341563B2 (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 2002-11-05 | 株式会社デンソー | Sensor mounting structure |
JP3777815B2 (en) * | 1998-08-11 | 2006-05-24 | 株式会社デンソー | Gas sensor wiring structure |
JP2002303469A (en) * | 2001-04-03 | 2002-10-18 | Mitsubishi Materials Corp | Temperature sensor mounting apparatus |
JP3840948B2 (en) * | 2001-10-17 | 2006-11-01 | 株式会社大泉製作所 | Temperature measuring sensor, method for manufacturing temperature measuring sensor, and mold used for manufacturing temperature measuring sensor |
-
2005
- 2005-11-04 JP JP2005320519A patent/JP4529873B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-01-26 US US11/340,194 patent/US20060162350A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-01-27 CN CN200610073918.4A patent/CN1828160B/en active Active
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1883919A (en) * | 1932-10-25 | Assiqnoe | ||
US2639313A (en) * | 1949-08-09 | 1953-05-19 | Jr Frederick G Street | High-voltage terminal connector |
US4507935A (en) * | 1982-04-12 | 1985-04-02 | Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd. | Overheat detecting device of an air conditioning system for automotive vehicles |
US5300734A (en) * | 1991-09-02 | 1994-04-05 | Yazaki Corporation | Grommet |
US5398516A (en) * | 1992-03-31 | 1995-03-21 | Unisia Jecs Corporation | Method and apparatus for detecting an insufficiency of refrigerant in an airconditioning apparatus |
US5383342A (en) * | 1992-05-14 | 1995-01-24 | Ontec Ltd. | Method and installation for continuous production of liquid ice |
US6267385B1 (en) * | 1996-09-05 | 2001-07-31 | Kabushiki Kaisha Miyasaka Gomu | Grommet |
US6058562A (en) * | 1997-07-04 | 2000-05-09 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Grommet |
US6649835B2 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2003-11-18 | William J. Gilleran | Sub-exterior electrical box waterproofing system |
US20030000726A1 (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2003-01-02 | Yazaki Corporation | Waterproof structure of electric junction box |
US6912866B2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2005-07-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Elastic member for vibration absorption, and vibration absorbing apparatus using the same |
US20050163192A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-07-28 | Denso Corporation | Sensor and temperature sensor capable of automatic installation |
US20050235654A1 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2005-10-27 | Andreas Kaupert | Evaporator arrangement for generating a hydrocarbon vapor/mixed material mixture, especially for a reformer arrangement of a fuel cell system |
US7472561B2 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2009-01-06 | Advanced Distributor Products Llc | Air conditioning evaporator retaining apparatus |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090011983A1 (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 2009-01-08 | Human Genome Sciences, Inc. | 186 Human Secreted Proteins |
ES2344876R1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2013-04-29 | Bsh Electrodomesticos Espana | EVAPORATOR PROVISION FOR A COOLING DEVICE |
US20090296782A1 (en) * | 2008-06-03 | 2009-12-03 | Keihin Corporation | Temperature detector |
US8033718B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2011-10-11 | Keihin Corporation | Temperature detector |
US20130047645A1 (en) * | 2011-08-26 | 2013-02-28 | Bumseup KIM | Ice making apparatus of refrigerator and assembling method thereof |
US9612048B2 (en) * | 2011-08-26 | 2017-04-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice making apparatus of refrigerator and assembling method thereof |
US20130195144A1 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-08-01 | Denso Corporation | Temperature Sensor Supporting Device And Temperature Sensor Attachment Structure |
US8806937B2 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2014-08-19 | Denso Corporation | Temperature sensor supporting device and temperature sensor attachment structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP4529873B2 (en) | 2010-08-25 |
CN1828160B (en) | 2011-01-26 |
JP2006232257A (en) | 2006-09-07 |
CN1828160A (en) | 2006-09-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060162350A1 (en) | Air-conditioning unit | |
CN101093153B (en) | Heat exchanger | |
US20090277606A1 (en) | Heat exchanger support and method of assembling a heat exchanger | |
US9581397B2 (en) | Heat exchanger assembly having a distributor tube retainer tab | |
CN105793663B (en) | Heat exchanger | |
US6408933B2 (en) | Heat exchanger having attachment structure of elastic support member | |
US20070062215A1 (en) | Condenser | |
US20130220585A1 (en) | Tube for heat exchanger | |
US20150233652A1 (en) | Heat exchanger | |
JP5429202B2 (en) | Temperature sensor | |
JP2003336938A (en) | Heat exchanger | |
JP2009270802A (en) | Internal heat exchanger | |
US5325914A (en) | Mounting bracket for a heat exchanger | |
US6276445B1 (en) | Heat exchanger with heat insulating member disposed between condenser and radiator tanks | |
JP2009216151A (en) | Sealing structure and heat exchanger using the same | |
US20070144208A1 (en) | Seal device and sealing structure | |
JP6406065B2 (en) | Vibration suppression apparatus and refrigeration cycle apparatus including the same | |
JP2008281325A (en) | Cooling module | |
JPH11182979A (en) | Flexible tube for refrigerant piping in car air conditioner | |
JP6954075B2 (en) | Pipe structure of radiator for vehicles | |
US20030051858A1 (en) | Front end structure of vehicle preventing short-circuit of cooling air | |
JP7421446B2 (en) | Receiver tank for heat exchanger | |
CN203190720U (en) | Evaporator | |
KR101075166B1 (en) | Combination structure of parts and heat exchanger | |
JP2000280730A (en) | Connecting structure of composite heat exchanger |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DENSO CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHIRAISHI, HIROAKI;USUI, KAZUO;SUGIURA, TAKANAO;REEL/FRAME:017516/0490 Effective date: 20060113 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |