Vehicle air conditioning module and automobile

Abstract

The present application provides a vehicle air conditioning module and a vehicle, wherein the vehicle air conditioning module comprises: a shell having a partitioned air inlet assembly and a partitioned air outlet assembly, and forming a unique air flow channel connecting the partitioned air inlet assembly and the partitioned air outlet assembly; and an air conditioning heat exchanger arranged between the downstream of the partitioned air inlet assembly and the upstream of the partitioned air outlet assembly, the air conditioning heat exchanger comprising at least two regions capable of independently adjusting the heat of the heat source, each region having a corresponding heat exchange pipeline to partition the flow of non-phase change working medium. The present application can combine the cold source and the heat source, reduce the number of cores inside the air conditioning module, simplify the internal structure of the air conditioning module, increase the passenger cabin space, and reduce the development and production costs. The control accuracy is improved by partitioning the flow of non-phase change working medium, and the reliability is also improved by improving the oil return of the compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle-mounted refrigeration equipment, and more specifically, to vehicle-mounted air conditioning modules and automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] The car's air conditioning module is located inside the vehicle's dashboard. Its function is to regulate the temperature, humidity, and cleanliness of the air in the vehicle's passenger compartment. Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an existing vehicle air conditioning module. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the main structure and working process of a prior art vehicle air conditioning module are as follows: The entire air conditioning module is constructed by a housing 3, which carries various components. The internal space is divided into several relatively independent airflow channels using a first partition 15, a second partition 16, and a third partition 17. An internal / external circulation damper 4 is used to switch the air source (in-vehicle air source 1 or external air source 2). A filter element 5 purifies the air particles and odors. An evaporator 6 cools the airflow, and a heater core 8 heats the airflow. A temperature damper 7 controls the airflow entering the heater core 8, thereby adjusting the airflow to a suitable temperature and humidity through a combination of hot and cold air conditioning. Finally, the airflow is adjusted via a defrost damper 11, a face damper 9, and a foot damper 10, so that a second airflow 13 blows onto the windshield and side windows, a first airflow 12 blows onto the area above the occupant's chest, and a third airflow 14 blows onto the occupant's feet. The evaporator 6, as the cold source, contains a low-temperature phase change working fluid. The high-temperature liquid flowing inside the warm air core 8, which serves as a heat source.

[0003] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of another existing vehicle air conditioning module. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, in another type of vehicle air conditioning module (other models) in the prior art, the heating core 8 can be replaced by a condenser 18 (with a high-temperature phase change working fluid flowing inside) and an electric heater 19, either alone or in combination, as an alternative heat source.

[0004] In existing technologies, the evaporator, which serves as a cold source, has a high internal flow phase change working fluid with high operating pressure and small molecular size, making it prone to leakage. The components also have high production requirements.

[0005] In some vehicle models, the cooling capacity of the cold source is changed by adjusting the pressure of the phase change refrigerant in the evaporator, and the heating capacity is changed by adjusting the pressure of the phase change refrigerant in the condenser. However, these adjustments require monitoring the pressure and temperature at multiple points in the air conditioning refrigerant circulation system, and then driving the compressor, condenser fan, electronic expansion valve, and other components to work together. The process is complex and difficult to calibrate.

[0006] In new energy vehicles, in addition to the evaporator used in the air conditioning module, the entire air conditioning refrigerant circulation system has multiple evaporators, with complex piping configurations. Furthermore, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change in the evaporator, and the refrigeration oil does not easily return to the compressor during the refrigerant circulation, causing the compressor to malfunction due to oil shortage. Moreover, it occupies a large amount of interior space and compresses the effective space of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0007] Some new energy vehicle models use condensers and electric heaters as heat sources, resulting in complex structures, high ventilation resistance, and high power requirements for the blower. This also increases the noise level of the air conditioning module, placing greater demands on vehicle sound insulation and noise reduction.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a smaller vehicle air conditioning module and a vehicle having the vehicle air conditioning module. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In response to the problems in the prior art, the vehicle air conditioning module and automobile of the present invention overcome the difficulties of the prior art, can combine the cold source and the heat source, reduce the number of cores inside the air conditioning module, simplify the internal structure of the air conditioning module, increase the passenger compartment space, and reduce development and production costs. By zoning the flow of non-phase change working fluid, the control accuracy is improved, and the compressor oil return is also improved to increase reliability.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides an in-vehicle air conditioning module, comprising:

[0011] A housing having a zoned air inlet assembly and a zoned air outlet assembly, forming a single airflow channel connecting the zoned air inlet assembly and the zoned air outlet assembly; and

[0012] An air conditioning heat exchanger is disposed between the downstream of the partitioned air inlet component and the upstream of the partitioned air outlet component. The air conditioning heat exchanger includes at least two independently adjustable heat source zones, each zone having a corresponding heat exchange pipeline for the sectional flow of non-phase working fluid.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the zoned air outlet assembly includes at least two sets of damper duct assemblies, with each zone connected to a corresponding damper duct assembly. Each damper duct assembly includes at least a first air outlet with a face-blowing damper and a second air outlet with a foot-blowing damper, through which airflow is emitted to the outside of the housing.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second air outlets of each of the damper duct assemblies emit a first and a third airflow after heat exchange, respectively, from the same seating space inside the vehicle.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the damper duct assembly further includes a third air outlet with a defrost damper.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the third air outlet is provided with a heat source to reheat the second airflow passing through the third air outlet.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the damper duct assembly further includes a fourth air outlet with a blower damper.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, each of the regions is connected to the corresponding damper duct assembly via an independent air duct, and the air outlets of the damper duct assembly are separated by a third shelf.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the partitioned air intake assembly includes two air inlets and an internal / external circulation damper. The internal / external circulation damper is located downstream of the two air inlets. The two air inlets are respectively connected to an in-vehicle air source and an external air source. The internal / external circulation damper is selectively connected to one of the two air inlets. The two air inlets are separated by a first shelf.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, it further includes: a filter element disposed between the downstream of the partitioned air intake assembly and the upstream of the air conditioning heat exchanger.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an automobile, including the vehicle air conditioning module as described above, wherein the vehicle air conditioning module is embedded in the dashboard of the automobile and emits airflow into the passenger compartment.

[0022] The vehicle air conditioning module and automobile of the present invention can combine the cold source and the heat source, reduce the number of cores inside the air conditioning module, simplify the internal structure of the air conditioning module, increase the passenger compartment space, and reduce development and production costs. By zoning the flow of non-phase change working fluid, the control accuracy is improved, and the compressor oil return is also improved to increase reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an existing vehicle air conditioning module.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of another existing vehicle air conditioning module.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partitioned air outlet component in the first type of vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second type of vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third type of vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0031] Figure Labels

[0032] 1. In-vehicle air source

[0033] 2. External air source

[0034] 3. Shell

[0035] 4. Internal and external circulation dampers

[0036] 5. Filter cartridge

[0037] 6. Evaporator

[0038] 7 Temperature damper

[0039] 8. Warm air core

[0040] 9. Airflow damper

[0041] 10 Foot-blowing damper

[0042] 11 Defrosting damper

[0043] 12 First Airflow

[0044] 13 Second airflow

[0045] 14 Third Airflow

[0046] 15 First partition

[0047] 16 Second partition

[0048] 17 Third partition

[0049] 18 Condenser

[0050] 19 Electric heaters

[0051] 20 Air Conditioner Heat Exchanger

[0052] 201 First District

[0053] 202 Second Zone

[0054] 203 Third Region

[0055] 204 Fourth District

[0056] 21 Heat source

[0057] 22-zone air intake assembly

[0058] 23-zone air outlet assembly Detailed Implementation

[0059] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation methods of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand the other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed herein. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this application can be modified or changed according to different viewpoints and application systems without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0060] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the application. This application may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0061] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate different embodiments or examples represented in this application, as well as features of different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the representation of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] For the purpose of clearly describing this application, devices that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components throughout the specification are given the same reference numerals.

[0064] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a device is "connected" to another device, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" by placing other components in between. Furthermore, when it is said that a device "comprises" a certain constituent element, unless otherwise stated otherwise, this does not exclude other constituent elements, but rather implies that other constituent elements may be included.

[0065] When we say that a device is "above" another device, this can mean that it is directly above the other device, or it can mean that other devices are present in between. Conversely, when we say that a device is "directly" "above" another device, there are no other devices present in between.

[0066] Although the terms first, second, etc., are used in some instances herein to refer to various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, first interface and second interface, etc., are used. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0067] The technical terms used herein are for reference only to specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The singular form used herein includes the plural form unless the statement explicitly indicates otherwise. The word "comprising" as used in the specification means to specify a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0068] Although not explicitly defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be further interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the content of this present application, and shall not be over-interpreted as having an ideal or overly formulaic meaning unless otherwise defined.

[0069] Figure 3This is a structural schematic diagram of the first vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partitioned air outlet assembly in the first type of vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an in-vehicle air conditioning module, including: a housing 3 and an air conditioning heat exchanger 20. The housing 3 has a partitioned air intake component 22 and a partitioned air outlet component 23, forming a unique airflow channel connecting the partitioned air intake component 22 and the partitioned air outlet component 23. The air conditioning heat exchanger 20 is disposed between the downstream of the partitioned air intake component 22 and the upstream of the partitioned air outlet component 23. The air conditioning heat exchanger 20 includes at least two regions with independently adjustable heat source heat. In this embodiment, the air conditioning heat exchanger 20 includes two regions: a first region 201 and a second region 202. Each region has a corresponding heat exchange pipeline (not shown in the figure) for partitioned flow of non-phase working fluid (not shown in the figure). Furthermore, the in-vehicle air conditioning module can also incorporate various sensors, blowers, and other components to achieve different functions, which will not be elaborated here. The present invention combines the cold source and the heat source, reducing the number of core components inside the air conditioning module, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the air conditioning module, increasing the passenger compartment space, and reducing development and production costs. Using a controllable, non-phase-change refrigerant instead of a phase-change refrigerant makes it easier to control the cooling and heating capacity of the air conditioning module. Removing the heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser) of the air conditioning refrigerant circulation system from inside the air conditioning module allows for centralized placement throughout the vehicle, improving compressor oil return and reliability, and also helps to increase the effective space of the passenger compartment.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the zoned air outlet assembly 23 includes at least two sets of damper duct assemblies. The first zone 201 and the second zone 202 each have a corresponding damper duct assembly. Each damper duct assembly includes at least a first air outlet with a face-blowing damper 9, a second air outlet with a foot-blowing damper 10, and a third air outlet with a defrost damper 11. Airflow is emitted to the outside of the housing 3 through at least one air outlet of the damper duct assembly. In this embodiment, the first and second air outlets of each damper duct assembly emit a first airflow 12 and a third airflow 14, respectively, after heat exchange, into the same seating space within the vehicle, thereby achieving the same temperature airflow for each zone. The third air outlet is used to emit a second airflow 13 towards the windshield of the vehicle, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, each region is connected to a corresponding damper duct assembly via an independent air duct, and the air outlets of the damper duct assembly are separated by a third shelf 17, thereby ensuring that heat exchange is avoided between airflows of different temperatures and achieving precise temperature control, but not limited thereto.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the partitioned air intake assembly 22 includes two air inlets and an internal / external circulation damper 4. The internal / external circulation damper 4 is located downstream of the two air inlets. The two air inlets are respectively connected to the in-vehicle air source 1 and the external air source 2. The internal / external circulation damper 4 is selectively connected to one of the two air inlets. The two air inlets are separated by a first shelf 15. The present invention can select the in-vehicle air source 1 and the external air source 2 as the air intake source according to needs or environmental conditions, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] Continue to refer to Figure 3 , 4 The present invention replaces the existing technology structure by using an air conditioning heat exchanger 20 with an internally circulating non-phase change working fluid (such as ethylene glycol solution, but not limited thereto). Figure 1 , 2 The evaporator 6, heater core 8, condenser 18, and electric heater 19 in the air conditioning heat exchanger 20 serve as a single or combined source of heat or cold. During cooling, a lower-temperature liquid flows inside the heat exchanger 20 as a cold source to lower the temperature of the flowing air. During heating, a higher-temperature liquid flows inside the heat exchanger 20 as a heat source to raise the temperature of the flowing air. Because this invention uses only one heat exchanger 20, the airflow can directly reach the target temperature through changes in the temperature and flow rate of the working fluid, without the need for mixing in hot air as in traditional automotive air conditioning modules. Therefore, the air conditioning module of this invention no longer requires a temperature damper to control the amount of air entering the heat source for mixed-air heating.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second type of vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention. (See attached diagram.) Figure 5 As shown, the difference between the second type of vehicle air conditioning module and the first type of vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention is that it further includes a filter element 5, which is disposed between the downstream of the partition air intake assembly and the upstream of the air conditioning heat exchanger 20. This filter element pre-filters the air before heating, removing impurities of harmful gases and improving air quality. To further enhance the dehumidification capacity of the air conditioning module, the airflow needs to be cooled and then reheated. The air conditioning heat exchanger 20 can be used as a cold source to remove moisture from the air. Simultaneously, a heat source 21 (selected from the warm air core 8 or the electric heater 19) is added to the third air outlet in the corresponding airflow ventilation path to reheat the second airflow 13 passing through the third air outlet, increasing its moisture absorption capacity. This heat source can be added in one or more ventilation paths. Other related technical features are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third type of vehicle air conditioning module of the present invention. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction. (See attached image.) Figure 6 , 7As shown, the difference between the third type of vehicle air conditioning module and the first type of vehicle air conditioning module is that the damper duct assembly further includes a fourth air outlet with a blower damper, and the air conditioning heat exchanger 20 includes a first region 201, a second region 202, a third region 203 and a fourth region 204, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The first region 201 corresponds to the first air duct assembly. After heat exchange in the first region 201, some air can be emitted towards the first air outlet, the second air outlet and the fourth air outlet to regulate the temperature of the driver's seat. It can also emit a second airflow towards the windshield of the vehicle through the third air outlet for dehumidification, but this is not the only limitation.

[0077] The second zone 202 corresponds to the second air duct assembly. After heat exchange in the second zone 202, some air can be emitted towards the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the fourth air outlet to regulate the temperature of the passenger seat. It can also emit a second airflow towards the windshield of the vehicle through the third air outlet for dehumidification, but this is not the only limitation.

[0078] The third zone 203 corresponds to the third air duct assembly. After heat exchange in the third zone 203, some air can be directed towards the first, second, and fourth air vents of the driver's seat to regulate the temperature of the driver's seat, but this is not the only limitation.

[0079] The fourth zone 204 corresponds to the fourth air duct assembly. After heat exchange in the fourth zone 204, some air can be directed towards the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the fourth air outlet to regulate the temperature of the rear passenger seat of the car, but this is not the only limitation.

[0080] This invention utilizes an air conditioning heat exchanger with an internally flowing non-phase change working fluid, serving as both a cold source and a heat source. This replaces the current method that uses an evaporator as the cold source, a condenser, a heater core, and an electric heater as the heat source. Through this structure, only one air conditioning heat exchanger 20 is needed to achieve zoned temperature control for four areas inside the vehicle, as well as windshield dehumidification, greatly simplifying the structure of the vehicle's air conditioning module and reducing its overall size. In some applications, an auxiliary heat source can be added to one or more air ducts to improve the dehumidification capacity of the air conditioner. The air conditioning heat exchanger can be a single unit or a combination of multiple sections to control the temperature of different flow rates of the working fluid, achieving multiple outlet air temperatures.

[0081] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an automobile, including the aforementioned vehicle air conditioning module, characterized in that: the vehicle air conditioning module is embedded in the vehicle's dashboard and emits airflow into the passenger compartment. Related technical features are as described above and will not be repeated here. The present invention can significantly simplify the structure of existing air conditioning modules, reduce their size, and free up more space for the passenger compartment. Since it does not use a phase change refrigerant, it simplifies the temperature control of the heat source and cold source. Furthermore, it simplifies the arrangement of the refrigerant circulation system, facilitating the return of the refrigeration unit to the compressor and improving system reliability.

[0082] In summary, the vehicle air conditioning module and automobile of the present invention can combine the cold source and the heat source, reduce the number of cores inside the air conditioning module, simplify the internal structure of the air conditioning module, increase the passenger compartment space, and reduce development and production costs. By zoning the flow of non-phase change working fluid, the accuracy of control is improved, and the compressor oil return is also improved to enhance reliability.

[0083] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted air conditioning module, characterized in that, include: A housing (3) having a partitioned air inlet assembly (22) and a partitioned air outlet assembly (23), forming a single airflow channel connecting the partitioned air inlet assembly (22) and the partitioned air outlet assembly (23); and An air conditioning heat exchanger (20), which is the only heat exchanger in the airflow channel, is located between the downstream of the partition air inlet assembly (22) and the upstream of the partition air outlet assembly (23). The air conditioning heat exchanger (20) includes four mutually separated regions where the internal fluid independently regulates the heat source. Each region has a corresponding heat exchange pipeline to circulate non-phase change working fluid in a partitioned manner, and can selectively serve as a cold source or a heat source by adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the non-phase change working fluid flowing through it. The partitioned air outlet assembly (23) includes at least two sets of damper duct assemblies. Each area is connected to the corresponding damper duct assembly through an independent air passage. The damper duct assembly includes at least a first air outlet with a face-blowing damper (9) and a second air outlet with a foot-blowing damper (10). Airflow is emitted to the outside of the housing (3) through at least one air outlet of the damper duct assembly. The first air outlet and the second air outlet of each damper duct assembly emit a first airflow (12) and a third airflow (14) after heat exchange in the same seat space inside the vehicle, respectively. The damper duct assembly also includes a third air outlet with a defrost damper (11). The third air outlet of each set of damper duct assemblies is provided with a heat source (21) to reheat the second airflow (13) passing through the third air outlet. The damper duct assembly also includes a fourth air outlet with a body-blowing damper. The air outlets of the damper duct assembly are separated by a third shelf (17). The air conditioning heat exchanger (20) includes a first region (201), a second region (202), a third region (203), and a fourth region (204). The first region (201) corresponds to the first air damper duct assembly. After heat exchange in the first region (201), some air is emitted towards the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the fourth air outlet of the driver's seat to regulate the temperature of the driver's seat. A second airflow is also emitted towards the windshield through the third air outlet for dehumidification. The second region (202) corresponds to the second air damper duct assembly. After heat exchange in the second region (202), some air is emitted towards the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the fourth air outlet of the passenger seat to regulate the temperature of the driver's seat. The third region (203) corresponds to the third air duct assembly. After heat exchange in the third region 203, some air is emitted towards the first, second, and fourth air vents of the rear seat of the driver's seat to regulate the temperature of the rear seat of the driver's seat. The fourth region (204) corresponds to the fourth air duct assembly. After heat exchange in the fourth region 204, some air is emitted towards the first, second, and fourth air vents of the rear seat of the driver's seat to regulate the temperature of the rear seat of the driver's seat.

2. The vehicle air conditioning module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The partitioned air intake assembly (22) includes two air inlets and an internal and external circulation damper (4). The internal and external circulation damper (4) is located downstream of the two air inlets. The two air inlets are respectively connected to the in-vehicle air source (1) and the external air source (2). The internal and external circulation damper (4) is selectively connected to one of the two air inlets. The two air inlets are separated by a first shelf (15).

3. The vehicle air conditioning module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A filter element (5) is disposed between the downstream of the partition air intake assembly and the upstream of the air conditioning heat exchanger (20).

4. A vehicle, comprising the vehicle air conditioning module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle air conditioning module is embedded in the dashboard of the vehicle and emits airflow into the passenger compartment.

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