Car air conditioning

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle air conditioner, which is suitable for an autonomous driving vehicle with a console removed, etc. by ensuring a space below a driver's seat in the front of the vehicle, and can prevent condensed water from flowing back to the rear. The vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioner housing, a cooling heat exchanger, and a heating heat exchanger, an air flow path is formed in the air conditioner housing, and the air conditioner housing has a plurality of air outlets, the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air flow path of the air conditioner housing and perform heat exchange with air passing through the air flow path, wherein the air outlet includes a front seat air outlet and a rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat air outlet is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner, and more particularly, to a vehicle air conditioner having a rear seat outlet for performing air conditioning on a rear seat of a vehicle and having an optimized arrangement of components for rear seat air conditioning. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vehicle air conditioner is a vehicle interior component installed for the following purposes: cooling or heating the vehicle interior in summer or winter or ensuring the driver's front and rear vision by removing frost from the windshield during the rainy season or winter. Therefore, the air conditioner is usually equipped with a heating device and a cooling device at the same time to selectively introduce external air or internal air, and then heat or cool the air and blow it into the vehicle interior, thereby cooling, heating or ventilating the vehicle interior.

[0003] Korean Patent No. 1484718 (granted on January 14, 2015) discloses a vehicle air conditioner that adjusts the air volume of the rear seat by controlling the positions of a rear seat temperature door, an auxiliary rear seat temperature door, and a rear seat switch door. Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional vehicle air conditioner. Figure 1 As shown, the conventional vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioner case 10 , an evaporator 20 , a heater core 30 , a front seat temperature door 51 , and a front seat mode door.

[0004] The air conditioning housing 10 includes an air inlet 11, an air outlet, and an air passage formed in the air conditioning housing 10. A blower is connected to the air inlet 11 so that indoor air or outdoor air is selectively introduced into the air passage of the air conditioning housing 10. The air outlet includes a defrost vent 12, a front seat face vent 13, a front seat floor vent 14, a rear seat face vent 15, and a rear seat floor vent 16. The air passage in the air conditioning housing 10 includes a front seat cold air passage P1, a hot air passage P2, and a rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0005] The evaporator 20 is a cooling heat exchanger for cooling the air passing through the evaporator 20. The heater core 30 is a heating heat exchanger for heating the air passing through the heater core 30. The heater core 30 is arranged in a hot air passage P2, which is located on the downstream side of the evaporator 20 in the air flow direction. An electric heater 40 such as a PTC heater may be provided in the hot air passage P2. The front seat temperature door 51 is arranged between the evaporator 20 and the heater core 30 to adjust the opening of the hot air passage P2 passing through the heater core 30 and the opening of the cold air passages P1 and P3 bypassing the heater core 30. The front seat mode door is composed of a defrost door 53, a ventilation door 54, and a floor door 55.

[0006] The rear seat air passage is composed of a rear seat cold air passage P3 (in which the air passing through the evaporator 20 bypasses the heater core 30) and a hot air passage (in which the air passes through the heater core 30). The hot air passage of the rear seat air passage is the hot air passage P2 of the front seat air passage. That is, after the air flowing in the hot air passage P2 passes through the heater core 30, some of the air moves upward and is then discharged to at least one of the defroster vents 12, the front seat face vents 13, and the front seat floor vents 14. The remaining air moves downward and is then discharged to at least one of the console vents 15 and the rear seat floor vents 16. A rear seat mode door 58 that adjusts the opening degrees of the console vents 15 and the rear seat floor vents 16 is provided in the rear seat air passage.

[0007] A rear seat temperature door 52, an auxiliary rear seat temperature door 56, and a rear seat switch door 57 are provided in the air conditioning housing 10. The rear seat temperature door 52 is provided between the evaporator 20 and the heater core 30 to adjust the opening of the passage connected to the hot air passage P2 and the opening of the passage connected to the rear seat cold air passage P3, and the auxiliary rear seat temperature door 56 is arranged on the downstream side of the heater core 30 in the air flow direction to adjust the opening of the passage connected to the rear seat air outlet. The rear seat switch door 57 adjusts the opening of the rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0008] In the front seat rear seat cooling mode, the front seat temperature door 51 closes the hot air passage P2 and opens the front seat cold air passage P1, and the rear seat temperature door 52 closes the hot air passage P2 and opens the rear seat cold air passage P3. The auxiliary rear seat temperature door 56 closes the passage connected to the rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat opening and closing door 57 opens the rear seat cold air passage P3. The air cooled while passing through the evaporator 20 bypasses the heater core 30, and then some of the air is discharged to at least one of the front seat air outlets, and the remaining air is discharged to at least one of the rear seat air outlets after passing through the rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0009] In the front seat and rear seat heating mode, the front seat temperature door 51 closes the front seat cold air passage P1 and opens the hot air passage P2, and the rear seat temperature door 52 closes the rear seat cold air passage P3 and opens the hot air passage P2. The auxiliary rear seat temperature door 56 opens the passage connected to the rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat switch door 57 closes the rear seat cold air passage P3. The air passing through the evaporator 20 is heated while passing through the heater core 30, and then some of the air moves upward and is discharged to at least one of the front seat air outlets, and the rest of the air moves downward and is discharged to at least one of the rear seat air outlets.

[0010] Conventional vehicle air conditioners need to have a predetermined width or more in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In the case of recently developed autonomous vehicles, the volume of the instrument panel has been designed to be minimized in order to ensure the interior space of the vehicle. Therefore, various attempts have been made to reduce the width of the air conditioner in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0011] In particular, some autonomous driving vehicles are actively being developed with the concept of removing a console located between the front seat and the rear seat. Such vehicles require securing a space under the front seat. Summary of the invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] Therefore, the present invention is devoted to solving the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner which can sufficiently ensure the interior space in the instrument panel by reducing the volume of the air conditioner housing in the front direction, and effectively implement various rear seat air conditioning modes and rear seat temperature control.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner which is suitable for an autonomous driving vehicle with a console removed by ensuring a space under a driver's seat and can prevent backflow of condensed water.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a vehicle air conditioner, which includes an air-conditioning housing and a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger, an air passage is formed in the air-conditioning housing and the air-conditioning housing has a plurality of air outlets, the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air passage of the air-conditioning housing to exchange heat with the air passing through the air passage, wherein the air outlet includes a front seat air outlet and a rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat air outlet is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the direction of gravity.

[0017] The rear seat air outlet is arranged at a position extending downward from the air conditioner case.

[0018] The air passage of the air conditioning housing includes a hot air passage formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger passes through the heating heat exchanger, a front seat cold air passage formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger bypasses the heating heat exchanger to be discharged to the front seat of the vehicle, and a rear seat cold air passage formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger bypasses the heating heat exchanger to be discharged to the rear seat of the vehicle. The front seat cold air passage, the hot air passage, and the rear seat cold air passage are formed in sequence from top to bottom.

[0019] The vehicle air conditioner includes: a front seat temperature door for adjusting the opening between the front seat cold air passage and the hot air passage; a first rear seat temperature door for adjusting the opening between the rear seat cold air passage and the hot air passage; a second rear seat temperature door for adjusting the opening between the rear seat cold air passage and the hot air passage; and a rear seat switch door for adjusting the opening of the rear seat cold air passage.

[0020] The front seat mixing section and the rear seat mixing section are vertically arranged side by side in the gravity direction.

[0021] The rear seat air outlet is parallel to the heating heat exchanger and is located inside the parallel extension line that contacts the air conditioning housing.

[0022] The rear seat air outlet, the second rear seat temperature door, and the rear seat switch door are arranged within a width of the heating heat exchanger in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0023] The rear seat air outlet, the second rear seat temperature door and the rear seat switch door are all arranged on the outer side of the vehicle based on the instrument panel.

[0024] The rear seat opening and closing door is arranged downstream of the rear seat mixing section.

[0025] The heating heat exchanger is arranged to be inclined.

[0026] A backflow prevention rib is formed in the air conditioner case to prevent water including condensed water from being discharged to the rear seat air outlet.

[0027] The backflow prevention rib protrudes upward from a floor surface of the air conditioner case and is formed between the cooling heat exchanger and the rear seat mixing portion.

[0028] The second rear seat temperature door and the rear seat switch door are arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction, and the second rear seat temperature door, the rear seat switch door and the rear seat air outlet are arranged in a straight line in the gravity direction.

[0029] A rear seat mixing portion for merging air passing through the hot air passage and air passing through the rear seat cold air passage is formed below the heating heat exchanger, and a rear seat air outlet is formed below the rear seat mixing portion.

[0030] A rear seat air discharge duct is provided below the rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat air discharge duct extends downward to be formed on the floor of the vehicle.

[0031] In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a vehicle air conditioner, the vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioner housing and a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger, an air passage is formed in the air conditioner housing and the air conditioner housing has a plurality of air outlets, the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air passage of the air conditioner housing to perform heat exchange with air passing through the air passage, the air outlet includes a front seat air outlet and a rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat air outlet is arranged below the front seat air outlet in the direction of gravity.

[0032] Beneficial Effects

[0033] By reducing the volume of the air conditioner housing in the front direction, the vehicle air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention can fully ensure the interior space in the instrument panel and effectively implement various rear seat air conditioner modes and rear seat temperature control. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention can be effectively applied to new vehicles (such as autonomous driving vehicles).

[0034] In addition, by optimizing the position of the rear seat outlet, the vehicle air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a vehicle with a console removed, and can effectively solve the problem of condensed water backflow that may occur due to the optimization of the position of the rear seat outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional vehicle air conditioner.

[0036] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing a vehicle air conditioner according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a vehicle air conditioner according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is installed in an instrument panel.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of .

[0039] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing a vehicle air conditioner according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of .

[0041] Figures 7 to 9 It is shown Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a variation of .

[0042] Fig.10 2 is a diagram illustrating a ventilation mode of an air conditioner for a vehicle according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a two-stage mode of the air conditioner for a vehicle according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a floor mode of an air conditioner for a vehicle according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.13 is a sectional view showing a vehicle air conditioner according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig.14 is a perspective view showing a lower portion of an air conditioning case according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, the technical structure of a vehicle air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Reference Figures 2 to 4 According to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioning housing 110 and a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger. An air passage is formed in the air conditioning housing 110. The cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air passage of the air conditioning housing 110 to perform heat exchange with air passing through the air passage.

[0049] The air conditioning housing 110 includes an air inlet and a plurality of air outlets. A blower is connected to the air inlet so that indoor air or outdoor air is selectively introduced into the air passage. The air outlet includes a front seat air outlet and a rear seat air outlet, the front seat air outlet is composed of a defrost vent 112, a front seat face vent 113 and a front seat floor vent 114, and the rear seat air outlet is composed of a rear seat face vent 115 and a rear seat floor vent 116. The rear seat face vent 115 can be a console outlet or a B-pillar outlet.

[0050] The cooling heat exchanger is the evaporator 120. The refrigerant flowing in the evaporator 120 and the air passing through the evaporator 120 perform heat exchange with each other, so that the air is cooled. The heating heat exchanger is the heater core 130. The cooling water flowing in the heater core 130 and the air passing through the heater core 130 perform heat exchange with each other, so that the air is heated. The heater core 130 is arranged in the hot air passage P2, which is located on the downstream side of the evaporator 120 in the air flow direction. An electric heater 140 such as a PTC heater may also be provided in the hot air passage P2.

[0051] The air passage formed in the air conditioning housing 110 includes a front seat cold air passage P1, a hot air passage P2, and a rear seat cold air passage P3. That is, the air passage located on the downstream side of the evaporator 120 is composed of the front seat cold air passage P1, the hot air passage P2, and the rear seat cold air passage P3. The front seat cold air passage P1, the hot air passage P2, and the rear seat cold air passage P3 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the hot air passage P2 is arranged between the front seat cold air passage P1 and the rear seat cold air passage P3 in the vertical direction.

[0052] The hot air passage P2 is configured so that the air passing through the evaporator 120 passes through the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 and flows to the front seat or the rear seat of the vehicle. The front seat cold air passage P1 is configured so that the air passing through the evaporator 120 bypasses the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 and is discharged to the front seat of the vehicle. The rear seat cold air passage P3 is configured so that the air passing through the evaporator 120 bypasses the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 and is discharged to the rear seat of the vehicle. The air passing through the evaporator 120 bypasses the heater core 130 of the hot air passage P2 and flows to the front seat cold air passage P1 and the rear seat cold air passage P3, or passes through the heater core 130 of the hot air passage P2 and merges and flows in the front seat cold air passage P1 or the rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0053] The air conditioning housing 110 includes a front seat air outlet for discharging air toward the front seat of the vehicle, and the opening of the front seat air outlet is controlled by the front seat mode door. The front seat mode door is composed of a defrost door 153 for adjusting the opening of the defrost vent 112, a vent door 154 for adjusting the opening of the front seat face vent 113, and a floor door 155 for adjusting the opening of the front seat floor vent 114. In addition, the air conditioning housing 110 also includes a rear seat air outlet for discharging air toward the rear seat of the vehicle, and the opening of the rear seat air outlet is controlled by the rear seat mode door 158.

[0054] The vehicle air conditioner includes a front seat temperature door 171. The front seat temperature door 171 adjusts the opening between a portion of the hot air passage P2 and the front seat cold air passage P1. The front seat temperature door 171 is adjacent to the downstream side of the evaporator 120 and is located at a boundary area that separates the front seat cold air passage P1 and the hot air passage P2 from each other. The front seat temperature door 171 is formed in a tailgate type with a plate member formed on both sides in a radial direction based on a rotation axis.

[0055] The vehicle air conditioner according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to perform independent three-zone temperature control (including the front driver seat, the front passenger seat and the rear seat), and has three doors for controlling the temperature of the rear seat. That is, the air conditioner includes a first rear seat temperature door 172, a second rear seat temperature door 156 and a rear seat mode door 158.

[0056] The first rear seat temperature door 172 is disposed between the evaporator 120 and the heater core 130 to adjust the opening of another portion of the hot air passage P2. That is, the first rear seat temperature door 172 adjusts the opening of a portion of the inlet of the hot air passage P2 not covered by the front seat temperature door 171.

[0057] The second rear seat temperature door 156 is arranged on the downstream side of the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 to adjust the opening between the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3. The hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3 located on the downstream side of the heater core 130 are configured to communicate with each other. The second rear seat temperature door 156 is arranged in the communication passage between the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3 located on the downstream side of the heater core 130. That is, the second rear seat temperature door 156 adjusts the opening of the rear seat cold air passage P3 and the opening of the communication passage between the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0058] The rear seat mode door 158 is arranged on the downstream side of the second rear seat temperature door 156 to adjust the opening of the rear seat air outlet. The rear seat mode door 158 is a flat type door. The rear seat mode door 158 adjusts the opening between the console vent 115 and the rear seat floor vent 116. In addition, the rear seat cold air passage P3 further includes a rear seat switch door 157 that adjusts the opening of the rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0059] The rear seat air outlet is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction. Optionally, the rear seat mode door 158 is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction. That is, the rear seat air outlet and the rear seat mode door 158 are arranged below the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 in the gravity direction. In addition, the second rear seat temperature door 156 and the rear seat switch door 157 are arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction.

[0060] By this configuration, the air conditioner according to the present invention can be installed in the instrument panel 170 to increase the interior space of the front portion of the vehicle. As a result, the air conditioner according to the present invention is suitable for vehicles such as newly developed autonomous driving vehicles.

[0061] In addition, a confluence 211 between the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cool air passage P3 is formed below the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140. In this case, the rear seat air outlet extends downward from the confluence 211 between the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cool air passage P3.

[0062] Furthermore, the rear seat air outlet, the second rear seat temperature door 156, the rear seat switch door 157, and the rear seat mode door 158 are all arranged on the outer side of the vehicle based on the instrument panel 170. In addition, the rear seat air outlet, the second rear seat temperature door 156, the rear seat switch door 157, and the rear seat mode door 158 are arranged within the width of the heating heat exchanger (heater core and electric heater) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0063] The first rear seat temperature door 172 is arranged at the front end (upstream) of the heating heat exchanger (heater core and electric heater) to control the amount of air flowing into the heating heat exchanger. The second rear seat temperature door 156 is arranged at the rear end (downstream) of the heating heat exchanger to control the amount of hot air moving to the rear seat air outlet after passing through the heating heat exchanger.

[0064] The rear seat switch door 157 is arranged at the lower end of the heating heat exchanger to control the amount of cold air bypassing the heating heat exchanger. In addition, the rear seat mode door 158 is arranged at the lower end of the rear seat switch door 157 to control the opening of the rear seat face vents 115 and the rear seat floor vents 116.

[0065] The vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention can reduce the width of the air conditioner in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, effectively realize various rear seat air conditioning modes and temperature control, and maintain air conditioning performance without reducing air volume.

[0066] In addition, the front seat mixing section M1 and the rear seat mixing section M2 are arranged vertically side by side in the gravity direction. The front seat mixing section M1 is a space where the air passing through the front seat cold air passage and the air passing through the hot air passage merge and mix. In this case, the rear seat mixing section M2 is the same as the merging section 211. In addition, the rear seat switch door 157 is arranged on the downstream side of the rear seat mixing section M2. Through the above configuration, the width of the air conditioning housing in the front-rear direction of the vehicle can be minimized by optimizing the arrangement of the passages.

[0067] In addition, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioning housing 110 and a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger. An air passage is formed in the air conditioning housing 110. The cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air passage of the air conditioning housing 110 to exchange heat with the air passing through the air passage.

[0068] The vehicle air conditioner according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to perform independent three-zone temperature control (including the front driver seat, the front passenger seat and the rear seat), and has three doors for controlling the temperature of the rear seat. That is, the air conditioner includes a first rear seat temperature door 172, a second rear seat temperature door 156 and a rear seat mode door 158.

[0069] The rear seat air outlet is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction. In addition, the rear seat mode door 158 is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction. That is, the rear seat air outlet and the rear seat mode door 158 are arranged below the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 in the gravity direction. In addition, the second rear seat temperature door 156 and the rear seat switch door 157 are arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction.

[0070] In addition, a confluence 211 between the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cool air passage P3 is formed below the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140. In this case, the rear seat air outlet extends downward from the confluence 211 between the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cool air passage P3.

[0071] In this case, the hot air passage P2 is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion on the downstream side of the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140. That is, the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 are installed approximately vertically, and the air passing through the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 flows substantially horizontally, and on the downstream side of the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140, some air flows upward and the remaining air flows downward.

[0072] That is, the hot air passage on the downstream side of the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 is formed to be relatively short in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The air passage toward the front seat air outlet is formed upward, and the air passage toward the rear seat air outlet is formed downward to minimize the width of the air passage in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0073] Furthermore, the rear seat air outlet, the second rear seat temperature door 156, the rear seat switch door 157, and the rear seat mode door 158 are all arranged on the outer side of the vehicle based on the instrument panel 170. In addition, the rear seat air outlet, the second rear seat temperature door 156, the rear seat switch door 157, and the rear seat mode door 158 are arranged within the width of the heating heat exchanger (heater core and electric heater) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0074] The first rear seat temperature door 172 is arranged at the front end (upstream) of the heating heat exchanger (heater core and electric heater) to control the amount of air flowing into the heating heat exchanger. The second rear seat temperature door 156 is arranged at the rear end (downstream) of the heating heat exchanger to control the amount of mixing between the hot air passing through the heating heat exchanger and the cold air bypassing the heating heat exchanger.

[0075] The rear seat switch door 157 is arranged at the lower end of the second rear seat temperature door 156 to control the air volume toward the rear seat air outlet. In addition, the rear seat mode door 158 is arranged at the lower end of the rear seat switch door 157 to adjust the opening of the rear seat face vents 115 and the rear seat floor vents 116.

[0076] As described above, the second rear seat temperature door 156, the rear seat switch door 157 and the rear seat mode door 158 are arranged in a straight line from top to bottom in the gravity direction. Specifically, the second rear seat temperature door 156 is provided at the confluence 211 between the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3. The second rear seat temperature door 156 adjusts the opening between the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0077] More specifically, the confluent passage where the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3 merge is generally formed in a "Y" shape. That is, the confluent portion 211 between the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3 is formed at the central portion of the "Y" shape. Centered on the confluent portion 211, the upper left passage is the rear seat cold air passage P3, the upper right passage is the hot air passage P2, and the lower passage is the passage toward the rear seat air outlet.

[0078] Through the above configuration, the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention can further reduce its width in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and because the instrument panel can be installed in the front of the vehicle due to the reduced width, the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention can ensure the interior space of the vehicle. That is, compared with the previous embodiment, since the second rear seat temperature door 156 is not arranged at the rear end of the heating heat exchanger but at the lower end of the heating heat exchanger, the vehicle air conditioner according to the second preferred embodiment can further reduce its width in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0079] In addition, refer to Figures 7 to 9 , the second rear seat temperature door 156 is arranged at the confluence portion 211 between the downstream side of the hot air passage P2 and the rear seat cold air passage P3, and is formed in a dome shape. The second rear seat temperature door 156 adjusts the opening between the hot air passage P2, the rear seat cold air passage P3, and the passage leading to the rear seat air outlet. The second rear seat temperature door 156 performs a rear seat temperature adjustment function and a rear seat switch function. That is, according to a variation of the present invention, the rear seat switch door can be omitted, and one dome-shaped second rear seat temperature door 156 can perform a rear seat temperature adjustment function and a rear seat switch function. Through the above-mentioned configuration, the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention can reduce the manufacturing cost by reducing the number of doors, and can reduce not only the width of the air conditioner in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, but also the width of the air conditioner in the vertical direction.

[0080] In addition, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The rear seat air outlet is parallel to the heating heat exchanger and is located inside the parallel extension line (L) in contact with the air conditioning housing. The parallel extension line (L) is parallel to the heater core 130 and in contact with the front surface of the air conditioning housing 110. Figure 2 and Figure 5, it is shown that the rear seat air outlet is not completely located inside the parallel extension line (L), but preferably, the rear seat air outlet is completely located inside the parallel extension line (L) to further reduce the width of the air conditioner in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, thereby facilitating ensuring packaging.

[0081] Reference Fig.10 In the ventilation mode, the front seat temperature door 171 and the first rear seat temperature door 172 close the hot air passage P2. Some of the air passing through the evaporator 120 is discharged to the interior through the front seat face vents 113, and the remaining air is discharged to the interior through the rear seat face vents 115. In this case, the second rear seat temperature door 156 closes the hot air passage P2, the rear seat switch door 157 opens the passage toward the rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat mode door 158 closes the rear seat floor vents 116.

[0082] Reference Fig.11 , in the dual-stage mode, the front seat temperature door 171 and the first rear seat temperature door 172 open the front seat cold air passage P1, the hot air passage P2, and the rear seat cold air passage P3. Some of the air passing through the evaporator 120 passes through the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140, and the remaining air flows to the front seat cold air passage P1 and the rear seat cold air passage P3. Some of the air is discharged to the interior through the front seat face vents 113, and the remaining air is discharged to the interior through the rear seat floor vents 116 and the rear seat face vents 115. In this case, the second rear seat temperature door 156 opens the hot air passage P2, the rear seat switch door 157 opens the passage toward the rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat mode door 158 opens the rear seat floor vents 116 and the rear seat face vents 115.

[0083] Reference Fig.12 In the floor mode, the front seat temperature door 171 and the first rear seat temperature door 172 close the front seat cold air passage P1 and open the hot air passage P2. The air passing through the evaporator 120 passes through the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140, and then, some of the air is discharged to the interior through the front seat floor vents 114, and the remaining air is discharged to the interior through the rear seat floor vents 116. In this case, the second rear seat temperature door 156 opens the hot air passage P2, the rear seat switch door 157 opens the passage toward the rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat mode door 158 closes the rear seat face vents 115.

[0084] In addition, refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14The vehicle air conditioner according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an air conditioner housing 110, a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger, an air passage is formed in the air conditioner housing 110, and the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air passage of the air conditioner housing 110 to exchange heat with the air passing through the air passage, wherein the cooling heat exchanger has an evaporator 120, and the heating heat exchanger has a heater core 130 and an electric heater 140. The air outlet includes a front seat air outlet and a rear seat air outlet 250 for discharging air to the rear seat of the vehicle, and the front seat air outlet includes a defrost vent 112, a front seat face vent 113, and a front seat floor vent 114.

[0085] A defrost door 153 for adjusting the opening of the defrost vent 112, a vent door 154 for adjusting the opening of the front seat face vent 113, and a floor door 155 for adjusting the opening of the front seat floor vent 114 are provided inside the air conditioning housing 110. The air passage inside the air conditioning housing 110 includes a front seat cold air passage P1, a hot air passage P2, and a rear seat cold air passage P3. A front seat mixing portion M1 for merging the air passing through the front seat cold air passage P1 and the air passing through the hot air passage P2 is formed above the heating heat exchanger, and a rear seat mixing portion M2 for merging the air passing through the hot air passage P2 and the air passing through the rear seat cold air passage P3 is formed below the heating heat exchanger.

[0086] In addition, the air conditioning housing 110 includes: a front seat temperature door 171, which adjusts the opening between the front seat cold air passage P1 and a part of the hot air passage P2; a first rear seat temperature door 172, which is arranged between the evaporator 120 and the heater core 130 to adjust the opening between the rear seat cold air passage P3 and the hot air passage P2; a second rear seat temperature door 156, which is arranged downstream of the heater core 130 to adjust the opening between the rear seat cold air passage P3 and the hot air passage P2; and a rear seat switch door 157, which adjusts the opening of the rear seat cold air passage P3.

[0087] The vehicle air conditioner according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is installed between the instrument panel pad 300 and the cushion pad 310. A defrost duct 261 connected to the defrost vent 112 and a vent duct 262 connected to the front seat face vent 113 are provided at the upper portion of the air conditioner housing 110. The rear seat air outlet 250 is arranged at a position extending downward from the air conditioner housing 110. In addition, the rear seat air outlet 250 is located directly below the rear seat mixing portion M2. That is, the rear seat air outlet 250 and the rear seat mixing portion M2 are arranged on the same straight line.

[0088] In addition, the rear seat air discharge duct 260 is provided below the rear seat air outlet 250, and the rear seat air discharge duct 260 extends downward to be formed on the floor of the vehicle. Through this configuration, the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention can be effectively installed in a vehicle having a concept of removing a console from the vehicle, such as an autonomous driving vehicle. In this case, the rear seat air outlet 250 can be formed to blow air-conditioned air toward the face of the passenger, and a door is provided at the discharge duct to adjust the volume of the air-conditioned air discharged to the interior of the vehicle.

[0089] In addition, the heating heat exchanger is arranged to be inclined. That is, the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140 are installed in the air conditioning housing 110 while being inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical line. In addition, the rear seat air outlet 250, the second rear seat temperature door 156 and the rear seat switch door 157 are arranged within the width (T) of the heating heat exchanger (heater core and electric heater) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Through the above-mentioned configuration, the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention can prevent the reduction of the air volume by minimizing the resistance of the air passing through the heater core 130 and the electric heater 140, and reduce the width of the air conditioner in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, thereby further widening the space (S) under the driver's seat.

[0090] In addition, a backflow prevention rib 270 is formed in the air conditioning housing 110. The backflow prevention rib 270 prevents water including condensed water in the air conditioning housing 110 from being discharged to the rear seat air outlet 250. That is, the backflow prevention rib 270 protrudes upward from the floor surface of the air conditioning housing 110, extends in the width direction of the vehicle, and is formed between the evaporator 120 and the rear seat mixing part M2. Preferably, the backflow prevention rib 270 is formed at the upper end portion of the drainage part 271 in which the condensed water of the evaporator 120 is collected.

[0091] Therefore, when a rear seat passage facing the rear seat air outlet 250 is formed right below the heating heat exchanger, the possibility of condensed water being introduced into the vehicle interior through the rear seat air outlet 250 is eliminated.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioner, comprising an air conditioner housing and a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger, wherein an air passage is formed in the air conditioner housing and the air conditioner housing has a plurality of air outlets, the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air passage of the air conditioner housing to perform heat exchange with air passing through the air passage, in, The air outlet comprises a front seat air outlet and a rear seat air outlet, and the rear seat air outlet is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction, The air passage of the air conditioning housing includes a hot air passage, a front seat cold air passage, and a rear seat cold air passage, the hot air passage is formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger passes through the heating heat exchanger, the front seat cold air passage is formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger bypasses the heating heat exchanger to be discharged to the front seat of the vehicle, and the rear seat cold air passage is formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger bypasses the heating heat exchanger to be discharged to the rear seat of the vehicle, The rear seat air outlet is arranged within the width of the heating heat exchanger in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A rear seat mixing portion where the air passing through the hot air passage and the air passing through the rear seat cold air passage merge together is formed below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction. The rear seat air outlet is formed to extend downward from the rear seat mixing portion along a gravity direction.

2. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The rear seat air outlet is arranged at a position extending downward from the air conditioner case.

3. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The front seat cold air passage, the hot air passage and the rear seat cold air passage are formed in sequence from top to bottom.

4. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 3, comprising: The front seat temperature door adjusts the opening between the cold air passage and the hot air passage of the front seat; a first rear seat temperature door, arranged between the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger to adjust the opening between the rear seat cold air passage and the hot air passage; a second rear seat temperature door, arranged downstream of the heating heat exchanger, to adjust the opening between the rear seat cold air passage and the hot air passage; as well as Open and close the rear door to adjust the opening of the rear cold air duct.

5. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The front seat mixing section and the rear seat mixing section are vertically arranged side by side in the gravity direction.

6. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rear seat air outlet is parallel to the heating heat exchanger and is located inside a parallel extension line contacting the air conditioner housing.

7. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The second rear seat temperature door and the rear seat opening and closing door are arranged within a width of the heating heat exchanger in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The rear seat air outlet, the second rear seat temperature door and the rear seat switch door are all arranged on the outer side of the vehicle based on the instrument panel.

9. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: The rear seat opening and closing door is arranged downstream of the rear seat mixing portion.

10. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heating heat exchanger is arranged to be inclined.

11. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air conditioning case has a backflow prevention rib formed therein to prevent water including condensed water from being discharged to the rear seat air outlet.

12. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein: The backflow prevention rib protrudes upward from a floor surface of the air conditioner case and is formed between the cooling heat exchanger and the rear seat mixing portion.

13. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein: A rear seat air discharge duct is provided below the rear seat air outlet, and The rear seat air discharge duct extends downward to be formed on a floor of the vehicle.

14. A vehicle air conditioner, comprising an air conditioner housing and a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger, wherein an air passage is formed in the air conditioner housing and the air conditioner housing has a plurality of air outlets, the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger are arranged in the air passage of the air conditioner housing to perform heat exchange with air passing through the air passage, in, The air outlet comprises a front seat air outlet and a rear seat air outlet, The rear seat air outlet is arranged below the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction and within the width of the heating heat exchanger in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The air passage of the air conditioning housing includes a hot air passage, a front seat cold air passage, and a rear seat cold air passage, the hot air passage is formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger passes through the heating heat exchanger, the front seat cold air passage is formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger bypasses the heating heat exchanger to be discharged to the front seat of the vehicle, and the rear seat cold air passage is formed so that the air passing through the cooling heat exchanger bypasses the heating heat exchanger to be discharged to the rear seat of the vehicle, The front seat cold air passage, the hot air passage and the rear seat cold air passage are formed in sequence from top to bottom. The vehicle air conditioner comprises: The front seat temperature door adjusts the opening between the cold air passage and the hot air passage of the front seat; a first rear seat temperature door, arranged between the cooling heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger to adjust the opening between the rear seat cold air passage and the hot air passage; a second rear seat temperature door disposed downstream of the heating heat exchanger to adjust the opening between the rear seat cold air passage and the hot air passage; and Open and close the rear door, and adjust the opening of the rear cold air passage. The second rear seat temperature door and the rear seat switch door are arranged at the lower part of the heating heat exchanger in the gravity direction. The second rear seat temperature door, the rear seat switch door and the rear seat air outlet are sequentially formed in a straight line from top to bottom in the direction of gravity.

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