Air conditioning device

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioning device for a motor vehicle, comprising an air intake channel (21) having an air intake inlet (22) such that vehicle exterior air can flow through the air intake inlet (22) into the air intake channel (21), further comprising an air conditioning apparatus (23), wherein a supply air channel (8) to the air conditioning apparatus (23) is in fluid communication with the air intake channel (21), wherein the air conditioning device comprises an air discharge channel (24) having an air discharge inlet (25) such that vehicle interior air can flow through the air discharge inlet (25) into the air discharge channel (24), wherein the air discharge channel (24) has an air discharge outlet (26) such that discharged interior air can be discharged through the air discharge channel (24) and the air discharge outlet (26), further comprising a rotary heat exchanger (1) arranged for heat exchange between the air intake channel (21) and the air discharge channel (24) in an operating state of the rotary heat exchanger (1), and to a motor vehicle having such an air conditioning device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle having such an air conditioning device. Background Technology

[0002] Known air conditioning systems in motor vehicles use air conditioning equipment to regulate the interior air within the vehicle. The primary function is to cool the interior air. However, air conditioning equipment can also be used to change air humidity, filter air composition, or, for example, heat the air. Air conditioning equipment typically uses a refrigerant circuit for its operation, where the refrigerant is handled, for example, by an electric heating / cooling device and / or a compressor. When the air conditioning system is running, fresh air is also typically drawn in from outside the vehicle and introduced into the interior space in a regulated state.

[0003] The treated air is typically discharged from the vehicle's interior space back into the vehicle's environment through a rear ventilation system. Here, the energy consumed in treating the interior air, such as heat, is usually lost with the discharged air. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle having such an air conditioning device, wherein energy loss is reduced when the air inside the vehicle is regulated by the air conditioning device.

[0005] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by an air conditioning device for a motor vehicle, comprising an air intake passage having an air inlet, allowing external air from the vehicle to flow into the air intake passage; an air conditioning unit, wherein a supply passage to the air conditioning unit is in fluid communication with the air intake passage, wherein the air conditioning unit includes an air exhaust passage having an exhaust inlet, allowing internal air from the vehicle to flow into the air exhaust passage, wherein the air exhaust passage has an exhaust outlet, allowing exhausted internal air to be discharged through the air exhaust passage and the exhaust outlet; and a rotary heat exchanger arranged for heat exchange between the air intake passage and the air exhaust passage during operation of the rotary heat exchanger.

[0006] According to the present invention, the air conditioning unit therefore uses an air conditioning device for regulating the air inside a vehicle, which supplies air through an air inlet, an air intake channel, and an air supply channel. The air intake channel and the air supply channel do not necessarily need to be structurally separated from each other, but can, for example, be formed by a single channel. In addition to the channel for air intake, the air conditioning unit also uses a channel for air exhaust, that is, a channel for exhausting air from the interior space of the vehicle. Exhaust of interior space air is carried out through an exhaust inlet, an air exhaust channel, and an exhaust outlet.

[0007] According to the present invention, an air conditioning device includes a rotary heat exchanger arranged for heat exchange between an air inlet passage and an air outlet passage during the operation of the rotary heat exchanger, i.e., when the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger is running.

[0008] This heat exchange simultaneously pre-regulates the intake air of the air conditioning unit, thus reducing the energy demand for air conditioning in vehicles. Furthermore, it improves the temperature, humidity, and air quality within the vehicle's interior. The rear ventilation system can preferably be completely omitted, thereby improving the acoustics of the vehicle. Therefore, energy loss due to the use of the rear ventilation system can be reduced. For example, it reduces dry air during heating operation, reduces energy demand for dehumidification during cooling operation, and improves air quality through reduced ventilation during cooling operation. Therefore, overall, it leads to a reduction in the energy demand for air conditioning in vehicles, while simultaneously improving air quality and comfort.

[0009] The improved design of the present invention is given in the dependent claims, the specification and the drawings.

[0010] Preferably, the air inlet passage and the air outlet passage are arranged adjacent to each other in the region of the rotary heat exchanger. The rotor of the rotary heat exchanger preferably covers both the air inlet passage and the air outlet passage. Preferably, the entire cross-section of both the air inlet passage and the air outlet passage extends through the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger. Preferably, the diameters of the air inlet passage and the air outlet passage in the region of the rotary heat exchanger are substantially the same. The center of the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger is preferably located centrally between the cross-sections of the air inlet passage and the air outlet passage.

[0011] Preferably, an exhaust fan is arranged in the air exhaust duct to draw air from inside the vehicle into the air exhaust duct through the exhaust inlet.

[0012] A preferred intake fan is arranged in the air intake channel to deliver outside air from the vehicle through the air intake channel to the internal space opening of the air intake channel.

[0013] Preferably, flaps are arranged at the air intake and / or exhaust outlet to allow for selective closing and opening of the air intake and / or exhaust outlet. Particularly preferred is the arrangement of common flaps for selectively and jointly closing and opening the air intake and exhaust outlet. The air intake and exhaust outlet can be designed directly adjacent to each other or as having a common opening.

[0014] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger, that is, to at least start or stop the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger, preferably even to control the rotational speed. In addition to controlling the rotor speed of the rotary heat exchanger, the control unit is preferably also configured to control two fans in order to control the volumetric flow rate required for intake and exhaust.

[0015] An air filter is preferably arranged in the air intake channel to filter the intake air.

[0016] Preferably, the air intake and exhaust outlet are located on the end wall of the vehicle, i.e., on the front side of the vehicle.

[0017] Motor vehicles preferably do not have rear ventilation devices. Forced ventilation of vehicles is preferably achieved only through air exhaust channels and exhaust outlets. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an air conditioning device according to the present invention is shown in a motor vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The accompanying drawings show an air conditioning unit according to the invention in a motor vehicle, wherein only the end wall 10 of the motor vehicle is visible.

[0021] The air conditioning unit includes an air intake passage 21 having an air intake 22 in the front bulkhead 10 of the vehicle, so that outside air of the vehicle can flow into the air intake passage 21 through the air intake 22.

[0022] The air conditioning unit also includes an air conditioning device 23, wherein the air supply passage 8 leading to the air conditioning device 23 is in fluid communication with the air inlet passage 21.

[0023] The air conditioning unit also includes an air exhaust passage 24 with an exhaust inlet 25, which allows vehicle interior air from the interior space of the vehicle to flow into the air exhaust passage 24 through the exhaust inlet 25. The air exhaust passage 24 has an exhaust outlet 26, which allows the exhaust interior air to be discharged into the environment of the vehicle through the air exhaust passage 24 and the exhaust outlet 26.

[0024] The air conditioning unit according to the invention finally includes a rotary heat exchanger 1, which is arranged for heat exchange between an air inlet passage 21 and an air outlet passage 24 during operation of the rotary heat exchanger 1.

[0025] Air inlet channel 21 and air outlet channel 24 are arranged adjacent to each other within the area of ​​the rotary heat exchanger 1, and the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger 1 covers the air inlet channel 21 and air outlet channel 24. The diameters of the air inlet channel 21 and air outlet channel 24 within the area of ​​the rotary heat exchanger 1 are substantially the same, such that half the diameter of the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger 1 covers the air inlet channel 21 and air outlet channel 24 respectively.

[0026] An exhaust fan 5 is arranged in the air exhaust passage 24 to draw air from inside the vehicle into the air exhaust passage 24 through the exhaust inlet 25.

[0027] The intake fan 6 is arranged in the air intake channel 21 to deliver outside air of the vehicle to the interior space of the vehicle through the air intake channel 21 and to the air conditioning equipment 23 through the air supply channel 8.

[0028] A common flap 7 is provided on the air inlet 22 and the exhaust outlet 26 so that the air inlet 22 and the exhaust outlet 26 can be selectively closed and opened, thereby switching between air intake operation and air exchange operation of the air conditioning unit.

[0029] Air filter 9 is arranged as a filter unit in air inlet channel 21.

[0030] The air intake 22 and exhaust outlet 26 are located in the end wall 10 at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle does not have a rear ventilation system.

[0031] The rear ventilation system commonly found in motor vehicles to date can be completely replaced by the solution according to the invention through the opening in the vehicle end wall 10, and the energy potential of the air inside the vehicle can be recovered by the rotary heat exchanger 1.

[0032] For this purpose, an opening can be provided in the area of ​​the end wall 10, as is generally used for vehicles, to draw in fresh air for ventilation of the vehicle's interior space. However, this opening is divided into two areas: an intake area and an exhaust area. To exhaust the air from the interior space back out of the vehicle, a dedicated fan, namely an exhaust fan 5, is installed. This fan is used to automatically draw exhaust air from the interior space when the doors are closed, thereby suppressing overpressure in the vehicle compartment and drawing it through a heat exchanger, namely a rotary heat exchanger 1, so as to forcibly release energy through the heat exchanger 1. Preferably, the vehicle equipped with the air conditioning device according to the invention does not have a flap usually installed at the rear of the vehicle, which is automatically used for pressure compensation when the doors are closed, and thus disadvantageously loses the energy contained in the air inside the vehicle.

[0033] Heat exchanger 1 is a rotary heat exchanger constructed from a single aluminum plate designed to be flat and corrugated. This heat exchanger is equipped with a gear ring, which is driven by a drive motor 3. Heat exchanger 1 has a running surface on its periphery for supporting the heat exchanger within a housing 4. Housing 4 serves to secure the components and guide air. The drive motor 3 is adjustable in its driving speed, thereby allowing adjustment of the rotational speed of heat exchanger 1 as needed.

[0034] Requirements for heat exchangers may include: internal and external temperature difference, volumetric flow required for regulating air, and moisture recovery or avoidance of internal and external air.

[0035] A fan, namely the intake fan 6, is also present on the intake side, which is used in a manner known per se to supply fresh air to the interior space. However, in this case, the fan is also used to compress air drawn in from outside the vehicle through the heat exchanger 1. As the outside air flows through the heat exchanger 1, it should be adapted to the desired conditions in the interior space, thereby reducing the load on the air conditioning unit 23. Here, the fresh air can be heated, cooled, dehumidified, and / or humidified.

[0036] This pre-conditioned fresh air contributes to energy conservation throughout the vehicle.

[0037] For the additional fan on the exhaust side, exhaust fan 5:

[0038] The exhaust fan 5 is controlled by parameters of the HVAC equipment 23 and its task is:

[0039] 1.) Ensure that the pressure conditions in the vehicle remain constant during operation. Here, it can take over the task of eliminating tail ventilation.

[0040] 2.) Ensure ideal inflow to heat exchanger 1 on the exhaust side. Here, the existing surface area of ​​heat exchanger 1 should be utilized to the maximum extent.

[0041] 3.) When the doors are closed, the exhaust fan 5 is tasked with performing the function of the eliminated rear ventilation and generating negative pressure and comfortable closure for the vehicle occupants through appropriate suction power.

[0042] Description of the running status:

[0043] The operation of the air conditioning unit remains essentially unchanged between different operating states because the heating and cooling processes remain constant, as described below.

[0044] 1.) For example, the operating status when the external temperature is -10℃ and the internal and external air humidity is low:

[0045] During heating, the temperature inside the internal space is higher than the external temperature, and the blades are heated in the exhaust area. Here, the exhaust from the internal space releases energy and moisture onto the blades coming from the cold air area and is cooled in its path through the heat exchanger 1. Cold fresh air from the intake area is forced through the heated heat exchanger 1 by the fan 6 and absorbs energy and moisture from the blades in its path. The fresh air is thus preheated and humidified. Here, a differential pressure sensor performs a monitoring function for icing. If the cross-section is closed due to icing, the rotational speed can be temporarily reduced. This can melt and evaporate the ice that has formed on the exhaust side, or in other words, prevent or reduce overcooling of the heat exchanger 1 and icing of the cross-section.

[0046] 2.) For example, the operating status when the external temperature is +18℃:

[0047] Cooling and heating are unnecessary here, as sufficient waste heat is available to maintain the internal temperature of the setup. Only the intake fan 6 and exhaust fan 5 are used; the rotary heat exchanger 1 is off. No energy is required for the rotation of heat exchanger 1. The same applies to ventilation operation. Here, the rotation of heat exchanger 1 is eliminated. However, additional requirements, such as cleaning or de-icing, may necessitate the use of a rotary heat exchanger 1.

[0048] 3.) For example, the operating status when the external temperature is +30℃ and the external air humidity is high:

[0049] Here, cooling of the interior space must be achieved by air conditioning unit 23 (HVAC). For this purpose, the air drawn into the intake zone is cooled by the cooling blades of heat exchanger 1, which are located in the exhaust zone. Heat exchanger 1 transfers the energy absorbed from the intake air to the exhaust zone and then to the exhaust. Moisture condensed in the intake zone is carried into the exhaust zone by heat exchanger 1 and evaporates there via the dry exhaust gas, thus avoiding reaching air conditioning unit 23 (HVAC). This results in additional energy savings.

[0050] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0051] 1. Rotary heat exchanger

[0052] 3. Drive motor

[0053] 4. Shell

[0054] 5. Exhaust fan

[0055] 6. Intake fan

[0056] 7. Flexible board

[0057] 8 Gas supply channels

[0058] 9. Air Filter

[0059] 10 end wall

[0060] 21 Air Inlet Channel

[0061] 22 Air Inlet

[0062] 23. Air conditioning equipment

[0063] 24 Air exhaust channels

[0064] 25 Exhaust Inlet

[0065] 26 Exhaust outlet

Claims

1. An air conditioning device for a motor vehicle, comprising an air intake channel (21) having an air intake opening (22) such that vehicle exterior air can flow into the air intake channel (21) through the air intake opening (22); and further comprising an air conditioning apparatus (23), wherein The air supply channel (8) leading to the air conditioning device (23) is in fluid connection with the air inlet channel (21), characterized in that the air conditioning device comprises an air discharge channel (24) having an air discharge inlet (25) such that vehicle interior air can flow through the air discharge inlet (25) into the air discharge channel (24), wherein the air discharge channel (24) has an air discharge outlet (26) such that the discharged interior air can be discharged through the air discharge channel (24) and the air discharge outlet (26), and in that a rotary heat exchanger (1) is arranged for heat exchange between the air inlet channel (21) and the air discharge channel (24) in the operating state of the rotary heat exchanger, wherein an air discharge fan (5) is arranged in the air discharge channel (24) and downstream of the rotary heat exchanger (1) to draw the vehicle interior air through the air discharge inlet (25) into the air discharge channel (24), wherein the air inlet (22) and the air discharge outlet (26) are arranged with a common flap for selectively jointly closing and opening the air inlet (22) and the air discharge outlet (26) or for connecting the air inlet channel (21) and the discharge channel (24) to one another.

2. Air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The air inlet channel (21) and the air discharge channel (24) are arranged adjacent to one another in the region of the rotary heat exchanger (1), and the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger (1) covers the air inlet channel (21) and the air discharge channel (24).

3. Air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is designed to activate the air discharge fan (5) when the vehicle door is closed, such that in the case of a closed vehicle door, the vehicle interior air is automatically discharged and in this way an overpressure in the vehicle cabin is suppressed.

4. Air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that An air inlet fan (6) is arranged in the air inlet channel (21) to deliver vehicle exterior air through the air inlet channel (21) to the interior space opening of the air inlet channel (21).

5. Air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is designed to control the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger (1).

6. Air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that An air filter (9) is arranged in the air inlet channel (21).

7. Air conditioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The diameters of the air inlet channel (21) and the air discharge channel (24) in the region of the rotary heat exchanger (1) are essentially the same.

8. Air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is designed to control the rotor of the rotary heat exchanger (1) in a rotation speed variable manner.

9. Motor vehicle with an air conditioning device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The air inlet (22) and the air discharge outlet (26) are arranged in an end wall (10) of the motor vehicle.

10. Motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that The motor vehicle does not have a rear ventilation device.

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