Vehicle air conditioning device and method of assembling the same

Abstract

Vehicle air conditioner and assembling method thereof. Vehicle air conditioner including an air conditioner case (100), a heater core (120) provided inside the air conditioner case (100) to heat air by a cooling water heat source, and an electric heater (130) to heat air by application of an electric power source, wherein the vehicle air conditioner incorporating the heater core (120) and the electric heater (130) is provided with a first sealing member (150) attached to a non-contact area between the electric heater (130) and the heater core (120) to seal between the heater core (120) and the air conditioner case (100), and a second sealing member (160) attached to a contact area between the electric heater (130) and the heater core (120) to seal between the heater core (120) and the electric heater (130).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 201910747271.6, filed on August 14, 2019, and entitled "Vehicle Air Conditioning Device and Assembly Method Thereof". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a vehicle air conditioning device and an assembly method thereof, and more particularly, to a vehicle air conditioning device and an assembly method thereof incorporating a heater core that heats air by flow of engine cooling water and an electric heater that heats air by application of an electric power source. BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, a vehicle air conditioning device is a device for achieving cooling or heating of a vehicle interior by heating or cooling in a process of introducing air outside the vehicle into the vehicle interior or circulating air in the vehicle interior. The vehicle air conditioning device has an evaporator that functions as a cooling source and a heater core that functions as a heating source in the interior of an air conditioning case, and is configured to selectively deliver air cooled or heated by the evaporator or the heater core to each portion of the vehicle interior using doors.

[0004] In addition to the heater core that utilizes a cooling water heat source of an engine, a vehicle heater has a PTC heater (Positive Temperature Cofficient Heater) or the like that generates heat by application of an electric power source. The PTC heater is configured of a heat source portion composed of a PTC element, a heat radiation portion that releases heat in contact with the heat source portion, a terminal portion, and a housing that surrounds and protects these.

[0005] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle air conditioning device provided with a conventional PTC heater. As shown in Figure 1 It is shown that the vehicle air conditioning device includes an air conditioning case 10 formed with an air flow inlet 11 at an inlet side and a plurality of air discharge outlets at an outlet side, an evaporator 1 disposed in the interior of the air conditioning case 10 to cool air, a heater core 2 in which cooling water flows in the interior to heat air, a PTC heater 3 that heats air by generating heat by application of an electric power source, and a plurality of doors.

[0006] The air discharge outlets are configured of a defrost air outlet 12, a face air outlet 13, and a floor air outlet 14 that are adjusted in opening degree by a mode door 30, respectively. A temperature control door 20 that adjusts the opening degree of a cool air passage and a hot air passage is provided between the evaporator 1 and the heater core 2. The PTC heater 3 is disposed downstream of the heater core 2 in an air flow direction, and functions as a heating heat source together with the heater core 2.

[0007] The PTC heater 3 heats the unheated air passing through the heater core 2 and blows warm air. The PTC heater 3 is spaced apart from the heater core 2, thereby increasing the number of assembly processes for the integral assembly of the air conditioner case and occupying the space inside the air conditioner case, thus reducing the space utilization.

[0008] To improve such problems, a combined PTC heater in which the PTC heater is combined with the heater core to be integrally assembled in the air conditioner case is disclosed. In the combined PTC heater, the PTC heater is assembled in close contact with the heater core, so that air passing through the heater core passes through the PTC heater, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency and reducing the number of assembly processes.

[0009] The vehicle air conditioner having the conventional combined PTC heater frequently has an erroneous assembly phenomenon in which the PTC heater is combined in a position deviated from a normal position due to movement between assembly processes and the like, and has a problem in that the PTC heater is deviated from the normal position.

[0010] On the other hand, as an assembly method of the vehicle air conditioner having the conventional combined PTC heater, there is a method in which first, the heater core 2 is inserted into the side hole of the air conditioner case 10, and then the PTC heater 3 is inserted into the side hole of the air conditioner case 10 in close contact with the heater core 2 to be connected.

[0011] The vehicle air conditioner having the conventional combined PTC heater has a problem in that when the PTC heater 3 is assembled after the heater core 2 is assembled, not only a phenomenon in which a sealing member surrounding the heater core 2 is pressed occurs, but also the sealing member is thermally damaged such as being dissolved by the heat source of the PTC heater 3 after the assembly is completed. SUMMARY

[0012] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0013] To solve such conventional problems, in the present invention, a vehicle air conditioner is provided, in which the shape of a PTC heater placement portion is changed, so that even when the PTC heater is deviated or erroneously assembled, the PTC heater can be guided to the normal position.

[0014] Also, in the present invention, a vehicle air conditioner and an assembly method thereof are provided, in which a sealing member of a heater core in contact with a PTC heater is deleted, a separate sealing member is provided, and the position is optimized.

[0015] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0016] The vehicle air conditioner according to the present application includes: an air conditioner case; a heater core provided inside the air conditioner case to heat air by a cooling water heat source; and an electric heater to heat air by heat generated by application of a power source, in which the heater core and the electric heater are combined, wherein: an insertion hole is formed in the air conditioner case to allow the heater core and the electric heater to be inserted therein; a coupling portion is coupled to the electric heater inserted into the air conditioner case; and a guide portion is formed in the air conditioner case to receive the coupling portion, wherein the guide portion is formed to protrude a certain height in a coupling direction of the coupling portion.

[0017] In the above, a slope is formed at an end of the guide portion, and the slope is inclined so that the width of the guide portion gradually narrows in the insertion direction of the electric heater.

[0018] In the above, the electric heater has a bracket formed with a first coupling hole, and a boss formed with a second coupling hole corresponding to the first coupling hole is provided on one side of the air conditioner case adjacent to the insertion hole.

[0019] In the above, the guide portion is formed to surround at least a portion of the periphery of the boss.

[0020] In the above, a cut portion is formed on at least one side of the guide portion.

[0021] In the above, the heater core includes: first and second upper water tanks provided side by side at a certain distance apart; a cooling water pipe provided in the first or second upper water tank to allow cooling water to flow in and out; a plurality of hoses having both ends fixed to the first and second upper water tanks to form a cooling water flow path; a pin provided between the hoses; and a pair of side plates supporting both sides of an assembly of the hoses and the pin, and the electric heater includes: a terminal portion; a heating portion to generate heat by a power source applied to the terminal portion; a plate-shaped support portion to fix the heating portion so that heat generated from the heating portion exchanges with air passing therethrough; and a housing to support one end portion of the support portion and the heating portion.

[0022] In the above, a first clamping groove recessed in the width direction is formed on one side of the electric heater, and a curved protrusion protruding and curved in the width direction is formed at the end of the side plate to be inserted into the first clamping groove.

[0023] In the above, a sealing member is provided between the coupling surface of the side plate and the electric heater to be pressed and sealed in the width direction.

[0024] In the above, a first protruding portion is formed which protrudes in the length direction between the sealing member and the first sandwiching groove toward the side plate, the first protruding portion is sandwiched between the sealing member and the curved protrusion, and the sealing member is sealed in the width direction and the length direction in a state in which the curved protrusion is inserted into the first sandwiching groove.

[0025] In the above, a second protruding portion which protrudes in the width direction is formed on the other side of the electric heater which is the opposite side of the first sandwiching groove in the length direction, and a second sandwiching groove into which the second protruding portion is inserted is formed in the air conditioning case.

[0026] In the above, the second protruding portion is formed in the length direction between the heater core and the coupling portion.

[0027] In the above, a plurality of hose end portions and support portions are provided on opposite faces of the heater core and the electric heater, and the end face of the support portion opposite the heater core is a flat surface structure.

[0028] The vehicle air conditioning device according to another aspect of the present application includes an air conditioning case, a heater core provided inside the air conditioning case which heats air by a cooling water heat source, and an electric heater which generates heat by application of a power source to thereby heat air, and the vehicle air conditioning device incorporating the heater core and the electric heater has a first sealing member which is attached to a non-contact area between the electric heater and the heater core to seal between the heater core and the air conditioning case, and a second sealing member which is attached to a contact area between the electric heater and the heater core to seal between the heater core and the electric heater.

[0029] In the above, the pressing directions of the first sealing member and the second sealing member are different from each other.

[0030] In the above, the first sealing member is pressed in the length direction, and the second sealing member is pressed in the width direction.

[0031] In the above, the first sealing member is formed in the width direction on one side of the heater core with a certain width and extends in a band shape to surround a part of the periphery of the heater core.

[0032] In the above, the heater core includes: first and second upper tanks arranged side by side at a distance apart; a plurality of hoses having both ends fixed to the first and second upper tanks to form a cooling water flow path; and a pair of side plates supporting both sides of an assembly of the hoses, and the electric heater includes: a heating portion that generates heat by an applied power source; a plate-shaped support portion that fixes the heating portion so that heat generated by the heating portion exchanges with air passing therethrough; and a housing that supports one end of the support portion and the heating portion.

[0033] In the above, the first sealing member is formed on one side of the side plates and the hoses in the entire circumference and the length direction of the first and second upper tanks.

[0034] In the above, the second sealing member is formed in a width direction at a width on one side of the electric heater in contact with the heater core and extends in a height direction.

[0035] In the above, the second sealing member is formed in a width direction on an inner side of a placement portion of the housing opposite the side plate.

[0036] In the above, a clip-in groove recessed in a width direction is formed on one side of the electric heater, a curved protrusion protruding and curved in the width direction is formed on an end portion of the side plate to be inserted into the clip-in groove, and the second sealing member is pressed and sealed in the width direction between the side plate and the electric heater.

[0037] In the above, a protrusion portion protruding in a length direction between the second sealing member and the clip-in groove toward the side plate is formed, the protrusion portion is clipped between the second sealing member and the curved protrusion, and the second sealing member is sealed in the width and length directions in a state in which the curved protrusion is inserted into the clip-in groove.

[0038] In the above, a slide groove is formed in a width direction in the first or second upper tank so that the support portion of the electric heater is inserted into the slide groove.

[0039] The assembling method of the vehicle air conditioning device according to still another aspect of the present application includes the steps of: inserting a heater core into a part of an insertion hole of an air conditioning case; inserting an electric heater into a remaining part of the insertion hole and combining the heater core and the electric heater; and coupling the electric heater to the air conditioning case.

[0040] In the above, when the electric heater is inserted into the air conditioner case, the support part of the electric heater is inserted into the chute formed in the first upper water tank or the second upper water tank of the heater core, the curved protrusion formed in the end of the side plate of the heater core is inserted into the clamping groove recessed in the width direction of the electric heater, the bracket formed in the electric heater is placed in the coupling part formed in the air conditioner case, and screwing is performed.

[0041] Effects of Invention

[0042] According to the vehicle air conditioner of the present application, even if the electric heater is detached from the normal position when moving between the assembly processes other than the assembly flow, the bracket is guided to the correct position by the guide part, thereby improving the quality deterioration problem caused by assembly errors. Also, the structure for fixing the electric heater is provided, and automatic assembly can be achieved, production costs can be reduced, and the heat source damage of the electric heater and the leakage noise caused by assembly errors can be prevented.

[0043] Also, the first and second sealing parts are separately formed and their positions are optimized, thereby maximizing the sealing performance while minimizing the number of sealing parts, and the sealing parts prevent interference in the coupling structure between the heater core and the electric heater, thereby fundamentally preventing deformation of the sealing parts.

[0044] Also, the sealing parts located at the contact part of the heater core and the electric heater can be prevented from being thermally damaged by the heat source of the electric heater, and the sealing parts can be prevented from being pushed during assembly of the electric heater, thereby improving the assembly and quality, and by deleting some of the sealing parts, costs can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a sectional view showing a vehicle air conditioner having a conventional PTC heater.

[0046] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which an assembly of a heater core and an electric heater of a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application is disassembled.

[0048] Figure 4 is a disassembled perspective view of a heater core and an electric heater according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of an air conditioner case in which an assembly of a heater core and an electric heater according to an embodiment of the present application is coupled.

[0050] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0051] Figure 7 It is shown in magnification Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of part B.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an electric heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the guide portion of an air conditioner casing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the CC line.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vehicle air conditioning device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the disassembled state of an assembly of a vehicle air conditioning unit, a heater core, and an electric heater according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0057] Figure 13 This is a split perspective view of the heater core and the electric heater according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a side view showing a heater core according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 15 It is along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0060] Figure 16 This is a partial perspective view of an air conditioning unit housing comprising a heater core and an electric heater according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 17 It is along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0062] Figure 18 It is shown in magnification Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of part C.

[0063] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of an electric heater according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Marker explanation:

[0065] 100: Air conditioner unit 110: Evaporator

[0066] 111: air flow inlet 112: defrost air outlet

[0067] 113: face air outlet 114: floor air outlet

[0068] 115: mode door 116: temperature control door

[0069] 120: heater core 121: cooling water pipe

[0070] 124: curved protrusion 125: first upper water tank

[0071] 126: second upper water tank 128: pin

[0072] 130: electric heater 131: support portion

[0073] 132: terminal portion 133: first protruding portion

[0074] 134: bracket 135: first coupling hole

[0075] 136: second protruding portion 137: first clamping groove

[0076] 106: second clamping groove 138: heat generating portion

[0077] 139: housing 140: sealing member

[0078] 150: first sealing member 160: second sealing member DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Hereinafter, the technical configuration of the vehicle air conditioning device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] In the following description, Figure 3 the width direction is the vehicle left-right direction. The width direction is the same direction as the coupling direction of the coupling portion, and is the same direction as the insertion direction of the electric heater. Also, Figure 3 the length direction is the vehicle front-rear direction, and the height direction is the vehicle up-down direction. In the following description, the width direction, the length direction, and the height direction are directions arbitrarily designated for convenience of explanation, and are not limited to these directions.

[0081] As Figures 2 to 10 shown, the vehicle air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present application includes an air conditioner case 100 in which an air flow inlet 111 is formed on an inlet side and a plurality of air discharge outlets are formed on an outlet side, an evaporator 110 provided inside the air conditioner case 100 to cool air, a heater core 120 in which cooling water flows inside to heat air, an electric heater 130 that heats air by generating heat by application of power, and a plurality of doors.

[0082] The air discharge port is composed of the defrosting air outlet 112, the face blowing air outlet 113, and the floor air outlet 114, each of which is adjusted in opening degree by the mode door 115. The temperature control door 116 for adjusting the opening degree of the cold air passage and the hot air passage is provided between the evaporator 110 and the heater core 120. The electric heater 130 is provided downstream of the heater core 120 in the air flow direction, and functions as a heating heat source together with the heater core 120.

[0083] The heater core 120 is provided inside the air conditioner case 100, and heats air by a cooling water heat source. The heater core 120 is composed of the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126, the cooling water pipe 121, the hose 123, the pin 128, and the side plate 122.

[0084] The first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 are provided side by side at a distance apart in the height direction. One of the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 is provided with the cooling water pipe 121 for inflow of cooling water, and the other is provided with the cooling water pipe 121 for outflow of cooling water.

[0085] The hose 123 is a member that fixes both ends to the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 to form a cooling water flow path, and a plurality of the hoses 123 are provided side by side in the width direction. The pin 128 is provided between the plurality of hoses 123, and exchanges heat with air passing through the hose 123, thereby improving heat exchange performance. The side plate 122 is composed of a pair of members that support both sides of the assembly of the hose 123 and the pin 128.

[0086] The electric heater 130 is provided inside the air conditioner case 100, and heats air by heat generation by application of an electric power source. The electric heater 130 can be composed of a PTC heater (Positive Temperature Cofficient Heater). The electric heater 130 is composed of a terminal portion 132, a heat generating portion 138, a support portion 131, and a housing 139.

[0087] The terminal portion 132 is a member for receiving an electric power source, and the heat generating portion 138 is arranged in a plurality in the height direction, and generates heat by the electric power source applied to the terminal portion 132. The heat generating portion 138 is provided with an electrode, and can be composed of a heat generating hose using a PTC element. The support portion 131 is composed of a plate, and functions to fix the heat generating portion 138 so that heat generated in the heat generating portion 138 exchanges heat with air passing through the heat generating portion 138. The housing 139 supports one side end portion of the support portion 131 and the heat generating portion 138.

[0088] The heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 are combined and inserted as one unit into the air conditioning case 100. The air conditioning case 100 is formed with an insertion hole 119 for inserting the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130. The heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 can be assembled first and then inserted as one unit into the air conditioning case 100, but the heater core 120 can be inserted into the air conditioning case 100 first and then the electric heater 130 can be inserted into the air conditioning case 100, the electric heater 130 can be coupled to the air conditioning case 100, thereby completing the assembly. The electric heater 130 can be slidably inserted into the upper water tank 125, 126 of the heater core 120.

[0089] Also, the vehicle air conditioning device is provided with a coupling portion. The coupling portion couples the electric heater 130 inserted into the air conditioning case 100. The coupling portion can be implemented by a bracket 134 formed in the electric heater 130.

[0090] That is, the bracket 134 is provided on one side of the electric heater 130, and a first coupling hole 135 is formed in the bracket 134. The bracket 134 is formed in plurality spaced apart in the height direction, and in this embodiment, a pair is formed. The bracket 134 is formed on one side of the housing 139 in the length direction, and extends to the end of the housing 139 in the length direction. The bracket 134 is formed on the opposite side of the side combined with the heater core 120 of the housing 139 in the length direction. The first coupling hole 135 is formed in the width direction.

[0091] A boss 101 is provided on one side of the air conditioning case 100 adjacent to the insertion hole 119. A second coupling hole 102 is formed in the boss 101 at a position corresponding to the first coupling hole 135. The boss 101 protrudes in the width direction on the air conditioning case 100. The screw is passed through the first coupling hole 135 and the second coupling hole 102, and the bracket 134 is tightly attached to the boss 101, thereby coupling the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 to the air conditioning case 100.

[0092] A guide portion 103 is provided in the air conditioning case 100. The guide portion 103 is formed on one side of the air conditioning case 100 where the boss 101 is formed, and is used to place the coupling portion. That is, the guide portion 103 functions to guide the bracket 134 of the electric heater 130 to be placed. The guide portion is formed to protrude a certain height in the width direction, which is the coupling direction of the coupling portion. The guide portion 103 is formed to surround at least a part of the periphery of the boss 101.

[0093] The guide portion 103 protrudes in the width direction higher than the protruding length of the boss 101. Preferably, the guide portion 103 is formed to protrude in a wall shape on three sides of the periphery of the boss 101 so as to surround the entire periphery of the boss 101.

[0094] In the assembly process in which the electric heater 130, i.e., the assembly of the heater core and the electric heater, is slid and inserted into the insertion hole 119 of the air conditioner case 100, the guide portion 103 functions to guide to the normal position when the bracket 134 is detached from the placement portion of the air conditioner case or is misassembled.

[0095] Also, in the case of the electric heater being detached from the normal position even during movement between assembly processes other than the assembly flow, the bracket 134 is guided to the normal position by the guide portion 103 when the bracket 134 and the boss 101 are coupled by the screw, and thus quality problems caused by misassembly can be improved. Also, a structure for fixing the electric heater 130 is provided, and thus automated assembly can be achieved, production costs can be reduced, and heat source loss and leakage noise of the electric heater caused by misassembly can be prevented.

[0096] A slope 104 is formed at the end of the guide portion 103. The slope 104 is formed by being inclined in such a manner that the width of the guide portion 103 is gradually narrowed in the insertion direction of the electric heater 130, i.e., the width direction. The slope 104 can be formed by cutting the end corner of the guide portion 103 obliquely. The slope 104 more smoothly guides the bracket 134 to the normal position of the boss 101 when the electric heater 130 is coupled, and thus the normal assembly guide effect can be further improved.

[0097] A cut portion 105 can be formed at at least one side of the guide portion 103. The cut portion 105 is formed to be recessed inward in the width direction. The cut portion 105 can be formed at the middle one of the three sides. The cut portion 105 functions to prevent interference with an assembly tool (Tool) that rotates the screw. The cut portion 105 is formed to be an appropriate size within a range in which the coupling portion guide function of the guide portion 103 can be sufficiently exerted.

[0098] A first clamping groove 137 is formed at one side of the electric heater 130. The first clamping groove 137 is formed to be recessed inward in the width direction within the housing 139 frame of the electric heater 130. Also, a curved protrusion 124 is formed at the end of the side plate 122. The curved protrusion 124 is formed to be curvedly protruded in the width direction of the side plate 122 to be inserted into the first clamping groove 137.

[0099] Thus, the first clamping groove 137 and the curved protrusion 124 are configured as a snap structure, and in the length direction, the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 are restricted from each other, and also function to guide the electric heater 130 to the normal position of the air conditioner case 100 at the time of assembly.

[0100] A sealing member 140 is provided between the joint surface of the side plate 122 and the electric heater 130. The sealing member 140 is located between the side plate 122 and the case 139 of the electric heater 130, and is pressed and sealed in the width direction. When the bracket 134 is coupled to the boss 101 of the air conditioner case 100 using a screw, the electric heater 130 is pressed against the side plate 122 of the heater core 120, so that the sealing member 140 is pressed and deformed in the direction of the arrow. Figure 7

[0101] By the configuration of the sealing member 140, the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 is pressed when coupled to the air conditioner case 100, so that the gap between the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130, the gap between the heater core 120 and the air conditioner case 100, and the gap between the electric heater 130 and the air conditioner case 100 are sealed, and the air leakage and the leakage noise are minimized.

[0102] Also, in the length direction, a first protrusion 133 is formed between the sealing member 140 and the first clamping groove 137. The first protrusion 133 protrudes from the inside of the case 139 of the electric heater 130 toward the side plate 122. The first protrusion 133 is clamped between the sealing member 140 and the curved protrusion 124, so that the sealing member 140 is sealed in the width direction and the length direction in a state in which the curved protrusion 124 is inserted into the first clamping groove 137.

[0103] By the engagement structure and the sealing structure of the sealing member 140, the first protrusion 133, the first clamping groove 137, and the curved protrusion 124, the coupling force between the heater core 120, the electric heater 130, and the air conditioner case 100 can be improved, and the sealing property can be further improved. Also, by configuring the position of the sealing member 140 adjacent to the engagement structure of the first protrusion 133 and the first clamping groove 137 and the curved protrusion 124, the number of the sealing members can be minimized, and efficient sealing can be performed.

[0104] On the other hand, the sealing member 140 has a great advantage in that it is provided in the electric heater 130. That is, in the heater core 120, in order to maintain sealing in a state in which it is inserted into the air conditioner case 100, a separate sealing member surrounds the entire hose 123 including the upper water tank 125, 126, and when the electric heater 130 is coupled to the heater core 120 by being closely attached to the heater core 120, as an example, when it is slid and inserted, the sealing member wound around the heater core 120 can be detached or damaged.

[0105] ​The sealing member 140 is provided to the electric heater 130 and is pressed in the coupling direction when the electric heater 130 is coupled, and the portion of the heater core 120 which is in close contact with the electric heater 130 is not formed with the sealing member, and the sealing member is provided only to the portion which is not in close contact with the electric heater 130, thereby sealing between the air conditioner case 100 and the electric heater 130 by the sealing member 140, and thus the sealing member can be prevented from being damaged.

[0106] Also, a second protruding portion 136 is formed on the opposite side of the first insertion groove 137, i.e., the other side of the electric heater 130, in the length direction. The second protruding portion 136 is formed to protrude in the width direction on the inner side frame of the electric heater 130. In the air conditioner case 100, a second insertion groove 106 for inserting the second protruding portion 136 is formed at the corresponding position. In this case, the second protruding portion 136 is formed between the heater core 120 and the coupling portion in the length direction.

[0107] When the coupling bracket 134 and the boss 101 are coupled by the screw after the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 is temporarily fixed in the state of being inserted into the air conditioner case 100, the second protruding portion 136 and the second insertion groove 106 position the bracket 134 in the normal position, and the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 is restricted in the length direction in the air conditioner case 100, thereby further improving the coupling force.

[0108] On the other hand, the end portions of the plurality of hoses 123 and the support portion 131 are provided to the opposite faces of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130. The end face of the support portion 131 opposite to the heater core 120 is formed in a flat surface structure. Thus, the pin 128 of the heater core 120 provided between the hoses 123 can be prevented from being damaged when the electric heater 130 is coupled.

[0109] On the other hand, as Figures 11 to 19 A vehicle air conditioning device according to another embodiment of the present application is shown to include an air conditioner case 100 formed with an air flow inlet 111 at an inlet side and a plurality of air outlet ports at an outlet side, an evaporator 110 provided inside the air conditioner case 100 to cool air, a heater core 120 in which cooling water flows inside to heat air, an electric heater 130 to heat air by generating heat by application of power, and a plurality of doors.

[0110] The air discharge port is composed of the defrosting air outlet 112, the face blowing air outlet 113, and the floor air outlet 114, each of which is adjusted in opening degree by the mode door 115. The temperature control door 116 is provided between the evaporator 110 and the heater core 120 to adjust the opening degree of the cold air passage and the hot air passage. The electric heater 130 is provided downstream of the heater core 120 in the air flow direction, and functions as a heating heat source together with the heater core 120.

[0111] The heater core 120 is provided inside the air conditioner case 100 to heat air by a cooling water heat source. The heater core 120 is composed of the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126, the cooling water pipe 121, the hose 123, the pin 128, and the side plate 122.

[0112] The first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 are provided side by side at a distance apart in the height direction. One of the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 is provided with the cooling water pipe 121 for inflow of cooling water, and the other is provided with the cooling water pipe 121 for outflow of cooling water.

[0113] The hose 123 is a member that fixes both ends to the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 to form a cooling water flow path, and a plurality of the hoses 123 are provided side by side in the width direction. The pin 128 is provided between the plurality of hoses 123 to exchange heat with air passing through the hose 123, thereby improving heat exchange performance. The side plate 122 is composed of a pair of members that support both sides of the assembly of the hose 123 and the pin 128.

[0114] The electric heater 130 is provided inside the air conditioner case 100 to heat air by application of power. The electric heater 130 can be composed of a PTC heater (Positive Temperature Cofficient Heater). The electric heater 130 is composed of the terminal portion 132, the heat generating portion 138, the support portion 131, and the housing 139.

[0115] The terminal portion 132 is a member for receiving power, and the heat generating portion 138 is arranged in a plurality of rows at a distance apart in the height direction and generates heat by power applied to the terminal portion 132. The heat generating portion 138 is provided with an electrode and can be composed of a heat generating hose using a PTC element. The support portion 131 is composed of a plate-shaped member for fixing the heat generating portion 138 so that heat generated in the heat generating portion 138 exchanges heat with air passing through the heat generating portion 138. The housing 139 supports one side end portion of the support portion 131 and the heat generating portion 138.

[0116] The heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 are combined and inserted as one unit into the air conditioning case 100. The air conditioning case 100 is formed with an insertion hole 119 for inserting the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130. The heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 can be assembled first and then inserted as one unit into the air conditioning case 100, but in another embodiment of the present application, the heater core 120 is inserted into the air conditioning case 100 first and then the electric heater 130 is inserted into the air conditioning case 100, and the electric heater 130 is coupled to the air conditioning case 100, thereby completing the assembly.

[0117] A slide groove 129 is formed on the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 in the width direction. The slide groove 129 is formed by being recessed inward on one side of the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 facing each other, thereby allowing the electric heater 130 to be inserted and combined. The support portion 131 of the electric heater 130 is slidably inserted and coupled to the slide groove 129.

[0118] The vehicle air conditioning device is provided with a first sealing member 150 and a second sealing member 160. The first sealing member 150 is attached to a non-contact area between the electric heater 130 and the heater core 120, thereby achieving sealing between the heater core 120 and the air conditioning case 100. The second sealing member 160 is attached to a contact area between the electric heater 130 and the heater core 120, thereby achieving sealing between the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130.

[0119] In addition, the second sealing member 160 achieves sealing between the electric heater 130 and the air conditioning case 100. In this way, the first sealing member 150 and the second sealing member 160 achieve sealing between the heater core 120 and the air conditioning case 100, between the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130, and between the electric heater 130 and the air conditioning case 100, respectively, thereby allowing the gap between the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 and the air conditioning case 100 to be completely filled.

[0120] By the configuration of the second sealing member 160, the partial sealing member shown by a dotted line in the related art structure that surrounds the entire circumference of the heater core 120 can be deleted, and the function thereof is replaced by the second sealing member 160. Figure 17

[0121] ​The sealing performance can be improved when the components of each configuration are sufficiently provided with a rubber material that realizes sealing, but the number of components cannot be blindly increased in consideration of the cost, the number of assembly processes, and the coupling structure between the configurations. In the present embodiment, the first sealing component 150 and the second sealing component 160 are separately provided and their positions are optimized, thereby minimizing the number of sealing components while maximizing the sealing performance, and the sealing components prevent interference in the coupling structure between the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130, thereby fundamentally preventing deformation of the sealing components.

[0122] In particular, as explained in the prior art, the sealing components located at the contact portion of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 can be prevented from being thermally damaged due to the influence of the heat source of the electric heater 130, and the sealing components can be prevented from being pushed during assembly of the electric heater 130, thereby improving the assembly and quality, and the cost can be reduced by deleting some of the sealing components.

[0123] The pressing directions of the first sealing component 150 and the second sealing component 160 are different from each other. That is, the first sealing component 150 is pressed in the length direction, and the second sealing component 160 is pressed in the width direction. Through such a configuration, the first sealing component 150 and the second sealing component 160 respectively perform sealing in different directions, and effective sealing can be realized.

[0124] The first sealing component 150 is formed in a certain width in the width direction on one side of the heater core 120. The first sealing component 150 extends in a manner of surrounding a portion of the periphery of the heater core 120 in a band shape. That is, the first sealing component 150 is formed in the entire non-contact area except for the contact area between the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130. More preferably, the first sealing component 150 is formed on one side of the entire periphery of the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 and the length direction side plate 122 and the hose 123.

[0125] The second sealing component 160 is formed in a certain width in the length direction on one side of the electric heater 130 and on one side in the width direction that contacts the heater core 120. The second sealing component 160 is formed by extending in a large width in the height direction. That is, the second sealing component 160 is formed across the entire non-contact area between the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130. More preferably, the second sealing component 160 is formed on the inner side of the placement portion of the housing 139 opposite to the side plate 122 in the width direction.

[0126] The first sealing member 150 is formed of a relatively thin belt member having a prescribed width, and the second sealing member 160 is formed of a quadrangular bar member having a prescribed width. The first sealing member 150 entirely surrounds the upper tank, and surrounds one of the two sides of the side plate 122 and the length direction of the hose 123. In this case, the side plate 122 on the inlet side of the insertion hole 119 of the air conditioner tank 100 in the pair of side plates 122 is formed with the first sealing member 150. Preferably, in the width direction, the first sealing member 150 is formed to surround the side plate 122 and at least one of the hoses 123.

[0127] A bracket 134 is provided on one side of the electric heater 130, and a coupling hole is formed in the bracket 134. The bracket 134 is formed in a pair spaced apart in the height direction, and is formed on one side of the housing 139 in the length direction, extending from the end of the housing 139 in the length direction. The bracket 134 is formed on the opposite side of the side of the housing 139 in the length direction, which is combined with the heater core 120.

[0128] A placement portion of the bracket 134, i.e., a boss, is provided on one side of the air conditioner tank 100 adjacent to the insertion hole 119. A coupling hole is formed in the boss corresponding to the coupling hole formed in the bracket 134. The bracket 134 and the boss are coupled by a screw, and thus the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 is coupled to the air conditioner tank 100.

[0129] A clamping groove 137 is formed on one side of the electric heater 130. The clamping groove 137 is recessed in the width direction inside the frame of the housing 139 of the electric heater 130. Also, a curved protrusion 124 is formed on the end of the side plate 122. The curved protrusion 124 is curvedly protruded from the side plate 122 in the width direction to be inserted into the clamping groove 137.

[0130] Thus, the clamping groove 137 and the curved protrusion 124 are formed as a snap structure, and the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 are restricted from each other in the length direction, and also function to guide the electric heater 130 to reach the normal position of the air conditioner tank 100 at the time of assembly. The second sealing member 160 is pressed in the width direction between the combined surface of the side plate 122 and the electric heater 130 to be sealed.

[0131] When the bracket 134 and the placement portion of the air conditioner tank 100 are coupled by a screw, the electric heater 130 is pressed toward the side plate 122 of the heater core 120, and thus the second sealing member 160 is pressed and deformed in the direction of the arrow of FIG. 10. Figure 18

[0132] ​By such a configuration, the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 is pressed when coupled to the air conditioning case 100, thereby sealing the gap between the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130, the gap between the heater core 120 and the air conditioning case 100, and the gap between the electric heater 130 and the air conditioning case 100, thereby minimizing air leakage and leakage noise.

[0133] Also, in the length direction, a protrusion 133 is formed between the second sealing member 160 and the clamping groove 137. The protrusion 133 protrudes inward of the housing 139 of the electric heater 130 toward the side plate 122. The protrusion 133 is clamped between the second sealing member 160 and the curved protrusion 124, thereby sealing the second sealing member 160 in the width direction and the length direction in a state in which the curved protrusion 124 is inserted into the clamping groove 137.

[0134] By such an engagement structure and sealing structure of the second sealing member 160, the protrusion 133, the clamping groove 137, and the curved protrusion 124, the coupling force between the heater core 120, the electric heater 130, and the air conditioning case 100 can be improved, and the sealing property can be further improved. Also, the position of the second sealing member 160 is disposed adjacent to the engagement structure of the protrusion 133 and the clamping groove 137 and the curved protrusion 124, thereby enabling the number of sealing members to be minimized and enabling efficient sealing.

[0135] Hereinafter, an assembling method of a vehicle air conditioning device according to another embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0136] First, the heater core 120 is inserted into a portion of the insertion hole 119 of the air conditioning case 100. Thereafter, the electric heater 130 is inserted into the remaining portion of the insertion hole 119, thereby coupling the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130. In this case, when the electric heater 130 is inserted into the air conditioning case 100, the support portion 131 of the electric heater 130 is slidably inserted into the chute 129 formed in the first upper water tank 125 and the second upper water tank 126 of the heater core 120.

[0137] Also, the curved protrusion 124 formed at the end of the side plate 122 of the heater core 120 is inserted into the clamping groove 137 of the electric heater 130 which is recessed in the width direction. In this manner, the state in which the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 is inserted into the air conditioning case 100 is a pre-assembly state, which is a state in which the assembly of the heater core 120 and the electric heater 130 is restricted in the length direction with respect to the air conditioning case 100 but is not restricted in the width direction.

[0138] Finally, a step of coupling the electric heater 130 to the air conditioner case 100 is performed. That is, the bracket 134 formed in the electric heater 130 is placed in the coupling portion placement portion formed in the air conditioner case 100, and coupled by a screw, thereby ending the series of assembly procedures.

[0139] The above describes the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the present application with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are examples, and it should be understood that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments can be derived by those skilled in the art from this. Therefore, the true scope of protection should be defined based on the technical idea of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning unit, comprising: air conditioner The air conditioning unit includes a housing (100); a heater core (120) disposed inside the housing (100) to heat air via a cooling water heat source; and an electric heater (130) that heats air by the application of a power source. The aforementioned vehicle air conditioning unit incorporates the heater core (120) and the electric heater (130). The air conditioning unit for the above-mentioned vehicles is equipped with: A first sealing component (150) is adhered to the non-contact area between the electric heater (130) and the heater core (120) to seal the space between the heater core (120) and the air conditioning unit (100); and The second sealing component (160) is adhered to the contact area between the electric heater (130) and the heater core (120) to seal the space between the heater core (120) and the electric heater (130). The aforementioned heater core (120) includes: a first upper water tank (125) and a second upper water tank (126), which are arranged side by side at a certain distance; a plurality of hoses (123), the two ends of which are fixed to the first upper water tank (125) and the second upper water tank (126) to form a cooling water flow path; and a pair of side plates (122), which support the two sides of the assembly of the hoses (123). The electric heater (130) includes: a heating element (138) that generates heat by an applied power source; a plate-shaped support (131) that fixes the heating element (138) so that heat generated from the heating element (138) exchanges heat with air passing through the heating element (138); and a housing (139) that supports the support (131) and one end of the heating element (138). A recessed groove (137) is formed on one side of the electric heater (130) in the width direction, and a curved protrusion (124) in the width direction is formed at the end of the side plate (122) to be inserted into the recessed groove (137). The second sealing component (160) is pressed in the width direction between the mating surface of the side plate (122) and the electric heater (130) to seal.

2. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The extrusion directions of the first sealing component (150) and the second sealing component (160) are different from each other.

3. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 2, wherein, The first sealing member (150) is compressed in the length direction, and the second sealing member (160) is compressed in the width direction.

4. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The first sealing member (150) is formed on one side of the heater core (120) with a certain width in the width direction, and extends in a strip-like manner around a portion of the heater core (120).

5. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned first sealing component (150) is formed around the first upper water tank (125) and the second upper water tank (126) and on one side of the side plate (122) and the hose (123) in the longitudinal direction.

6. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned second sealing member (160) is formed with a certain width in the length direction on one side of the electric heater (130) in the width direction that contacts the heater core (120), and extends in the height direction.

7. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned second sealing member (160) is formed in the width direction on the inner side of the placement portion of the outer casing (139) opposite to the side plate (122).

8. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, In the length direction, a protrusion (133) protruding toward the side plate (122) is formed between the second sealing member (160) and the clamping groove (137). The protrusion (133) is inserted between the second sealing member (160) and the curved protrusion (124), so that the second sealing member (160) performs sealing in both the width and length directions when the curved protrusion (124) is inserted into the clamping groove (137).

9. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The first water tank (125) or the second water tank (126) extends in the width direction to form a groove (129), so that the support part (131) of the electric heater (130) is inserted into the groove (129).

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