Vehicle air conditioner with photocatalyst module

Abstract

This invention relates to an air conditioner with dual-layer airflow, wherein the internal flow path of the air conditioner is divided into upper and lower sections, and to a vehicle air conditioner with a photocatalyst module that provides an optimal photocatalyst module design location or mounting structure, which enables the purification of both the upper and lower flow paths with a minimum number of photocatalyst modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner, and more specifically, to a vehicle air conditioner with a photocatalyst module, i.e., a dual-flow air conditioner in which the internal flow path of the air conditioner is divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path, the air conditioner providing an optimal design location and installation structure for the photocatalyst module that can purify both the upper and lower flow paths by using a minimum number of photocatalyst modules. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle air conditioner is a device configured to heat or cool the interior of a vehicle by introducing outside air into the vehicle or circulating inside the vehicle to heat or cool the air. A vehicle air conditioner includes: a blower unit configured to introduce and blow inside or outside air; and an air conditioning unit configured to regulate the air blown from the blower unit and discharge the air into the vehicle interior.

[0003] Various methods have been proposed to provide driver comfort by purifying the air before it is released into the vehicle interior after passing through the air conditioner. Among these methods, such as... Figure 1 As shown, there is a method for purifying air by a photocatalyst module 4 installed in the air passage of an air conditioner 3.

[0004] Meanwhile, recently, dual-flow air conditioners that simultaneously draw in both internal and external air have been used in these systems. These dual-flow air conditioners allow the drawn-in internal air to flow through the evaporator and heater core, and then discharge the air through floor vents towards the floor surface of the passenger compartment. The dual-flow air conditioners also allow the drawn-in external air to flow through the evaporator and heater core, and then discharge the air through defrost vents towards the windows. Figure 2 As shown, in a dual-flow air conditioner, a section of the air passage in the air conditioner 7 is divided into an upper space and a lower space by a partition wall 8 to define an upper flow path 8a and a lower flow path 8b. External air can flow through the upper flow path 8a, and internal air can flow through the lower flow path 8b.

[0005] Even in the case of the aforementioned dual-flow air conditioner, air purification is still required using photocatalyst modules. Because the internal airflow path of a dual-flow air conditioner is divided into an external airflow path and an internal airflow path, a configuration where multiple photocatalyst modules are placed in separate flow paths can be considered. However, considering the limited installation space for photocatalyst modules within the air conditioner and the relatively large cost of photocatalyst modules, the configuration of multiple photocatalyst modules is limited. Therefore, an optimal design location or structure is needed that can achieve maximum performance using a minimum number of photocatalyst modules.

[0006] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0007] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2015-0125749 (November 10, 2015) Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an optimal design location or installation structure for photocatalyst modules that can present maximum performance by using a minimum number of photocatalyst modules.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle air conditioner includes: a duct configured to connect a blower unit for introducing interior air and exterior air, and an air conditioning unit for exchanging heat with the introduced interior air and the exterior air, such that air flows between the blower unit and the air conditioning unit; and a photocatalyst module comprising: a body having a light source therein; and a carrier disposed below the body and configured to generate superoxide radicals by generating a photocatalytic reaction using light emitted from the light source, wherein an internal flow path of the duct for the flow of the interior air and the exterior air is divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path by a separation wall, and wherein the photocatalyst module is configured to generate the superoxide radicals in both the upper flow path and the lower flow path of the duct.

[0012] The pipeline may have a photocatalyst module mounting section, which has a hollow shape, allowing the carrier of the photocatalyst module to pass through the photocatalyst module mounting section. The photocatalyst module mounting section may be disposed on the transverse outer wall of the pipeline.

[0013] The photocatalyst module can be installed on the photocatalyst module mounting part, such that a portion of the carrier can be positioned in the upper flow path, and the remaining portion of the carrier can be positioned in the lower flow path, wherein the separation wall is inserted between the portion and the remaining portion of the carrier.

[0014] A groove may be formed in the separation wall, the groove being recessed inward and located at a position corresponding to the photocatalyst module mounting portion. The groove may have a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the carrier protruding toward the interior of the pipe, so as to accommodate the carrier protruding toward the interior of the pipe when the photocatalyst module is mounted on the photocatalyst module mounting portion.

[0015] A sealing member may be provided between the interface of the carrier and the groove, and the sealing member prevents air from flowing between the upper flow path and the lower flow path.

[0016] The sealing member may be made of an elastic material, and one side of the sealing member may be in close contact with the carrier, and the other side of the sealing member may be in close contact with the separation wall positioned on the interface of the groove.

[0017] The thickness of the sealing member may be greater than the thickness of the separation wall, such that the sealing member can surround the upper and lower surfaces of the separation wall from the boundary of the groove to a predetermined distance.

[0018] The carrier of the photocatalyst module may include a first carrier and a second carrier, which are disposed below the main body and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

[0019] The photocatalyst module can be installed on the photocatalyst module mounting part, so that the first carrier can be positioned in the upper flow path and the second carrier can be positioned in the lower flow path, wherein the separation wall is inserted between the first carrier and the second carrier.

[0020] The distance between the first carrier and the second carrier, which are spaced apart from each other, can be equal to or greater than the thickness of the separation wall.

[0021] The dimensions of the first carrier and the second carrier can be substantially equal to each other.

[0022] The main body of the photocatalyst module may have only a single light source.

[0023] Beneficial effects

[0024] This invention employs an installation structure using a single photocatalyst module, positioning a portion of the carrier in the upper flow path and the remainder in the lower flow path. Therefore, a single photocatalyst module can purify the air flowing in each flow path, thereby reducing the overall package size of the air conditioner and lowering the cost of manufacturing it. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This diagram relates to vehicle air conditioners with photocatalyst modules in the prior art.

[0026] Figure 2 This diagram relates to dual-flow air conditioners in the prior art.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dual-flow air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 These are front and rear perspective views of a photocatalyst module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A transparent cross-sectional view of the photocatalyst module in the image.

[0030] Figure 6 These are front and rear perspective views of a photocatalyst module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the mounting structure of a photocatalyst module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the installation structure of a photocatalyst module according to a first example of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 8 The diagram shows the cross section taken by line A-A' in the diagram.

[0034] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the additional sealing component.

[0035] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 10 The diagram shows the cross section taken by line A-A' in the diagram.

[0036] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 The diagram shows a structure with a thick sealing component.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a photocatalyst module according to a second example of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the photocatalyst module mounting structure according to a second example of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 15 It shows along Figure 14 The diagram shows the cross section taken by line A-A' in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dual-flow air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner 10 may include: a blower unit 100 configured to introduce internal air and external air; an air conditioning unit 200 configured to exchange heat with the introduced internal air and external air; and a duct 300 configured to connect the blower unit and the air conditioning unit, such that air flows between the blower unit and the air conditioning unit.

[0042] In the dual-flow air conditioner 10, the upper part of the blower unit 100 may have: an external air inlet configured to provide a passage for drawing in external air; and an internal air inlet configured to provide a passage for drawing in internal air. The internal space may be divided into an upper space and a lower space by a partition wall. In this case, external air or water drawn in through the external air inlet may be introduced into the upper space defined by the partition wall, and internal air drawn in through the internal air inlet may be introduced into the lower space defined by the partition wall.

[0043] The air conditioning unit 200 is used to regulate the internal and external air introduced through the blower unit. An evaporator and heater core may be housed within the internal space of the air conditioning unit 200. Multiple air exhaust ports, such as defrost vents, floor vents, and facial vents, may be formed within the internal space of the air conditioning unit 200. Doors may be connected to the exhaust ports. The internal space of the air conditioning unit 200 may be divided into an upper space 210a and a lower space 210b by a partition wall 210.

[0044] The duct 300 is used to connect the blower unit and the air conditioning unit. The internal space of the duct, having internal flow paths through which internal and external air flow, can be divided into an upper flow path 310a and a lower flow path 310b by a separating wall 310. In this configuration, the upper space of the blower unit can be connected to the upper space 210a of the air conditioning unit 200 via the upper flow path 310a of the duct 300, and the lower space of the blower unit can be connected to the lower space 210b of the air conditioning unit 200 via the lower flow path 310b of the duct 300.

[0045] As described above, the internal airflow path / external airflow path of the dual-flow air conditioner 10, which is connected to the air conditioning unit via a duct from the blower unit, can be divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path by a separation wall. In this structure, it is necessary to purify both the air that has passed through the upper flow path and the air that has passed through the lower flow path by using a photocatalyst module.

[0046] at the same time, Figure 4 A photocatalyst module 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein... Figure 4 Image (a) is a top-view perspective of the photocatalyst module, and Figure 4 (b) is a bottom-view perspective of the photocatalyst module.

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A transparent cross-sectional view of the photocatalyst module is shown. As shown, the photocatalyst module 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a body 510 having a light source c; and a carrier 520 disposed below the body and configured to generate superoxide radicals by using light emitted from the light source to produce a photocatalytic reaction. The photocatalyst module 500 may also include a module housing 530 that houses the body 510 and the carrier 520, such that the photocatalyst module 500 can be modularized into a single module. Therefore, the photocatalyst module can be easily installed in an air conditioner and is convenient to attach or remove, which is advantageous for maintenance. In this case, as described below, the carrier 520 of the present invention may be configured as a single integrated carrier or multiple carriers.

[0048] The carrier of the photocatalyst module can generate superoxide radicals through a photocatalytic reaction using emitted light, and is configured to supply the generated superoxide radicals to the airflow path in the air conditioner. Pollutants introduced into the air conditioner, bacteria in the evaporator, various types of contaminants, and unpleasant odors can be removed by the oxidation of superoxide radicals generated by the photocatalyst module. More specifically, when the carrier absorbs ultraviolet light emitted from the light source, electrons in the electron-filled valence band absorb the light energy and transition to the unfilled conduction band. Positive holes, which are the positions of electrons in the valence band, oxidize water molecules on its surface and return to their original state, and the oxidized water molecules form OH radicals. Furthermore, excited electrons excited to the conduction band can react with oxygen to generate superoxide radicals with strong oxidizing power. As described above, compared to structures that adsorb and deodorize polluted air containing unpleasant odors, the photocatalyst module has the advantages of being able to be used almost semi-permanently by selecting the type of carrier or implementing appropriate on / off control of the light source, without requiring separate filter changes, and has excellent lifespan. Simultaneously, the photocatalyst module can have various shapes. Figure 4 As shown, the photocatalyst module can have an overall quadrilateral prism shape. Alternatively, as... Figure 6 As shown, the photocatalyst module can have a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, in the case where the photocatalyst module has multiple supports as described below, multiple light sources can be respectively disposed in multiple supports. However, this configuration increases the cost required to manufacture the photocatalyst module. Therefore, the description will be based on a configuration with only a single light source.

[0049] The following section describes the optimal design location and installation structure of the photocatalyst module for purifying air using a photocatalyst module in a two-layer flow air conditioner.

[0050] Figure 7 A photocatalyst module mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the photocatalyst module mounting structure can be configured such that the photocatalyst module 500 generates superoxide radicals in both the upper flow path 310a and the lower flow path 310b of the pipe 300, wherein the internal flow path of the pipe 300 supplying internal and external air is divided into the upper flow path 310a and the lower flow path 310b by the separation wall 310.

[0051] More specifically, the conduit 300 may include a photocatalyst module mounting section 350, which has a hollow shape, allowing the carrier of the photocatalyst module to pass through it. Figure 7 As shown, the photocatalyst module mounting portion 350 can be disposed on the transverse outer wall of the pipe. The photocatalyst module mounting portion 350 may include a mounting hole, which is formed when a predetermined area of ​​the transverse outer wall of the pipe has a hollow portion. Because the photocatalyst module is mounted on the photocatalyst module mounting portion, the carrier can pass through the outer wall of the pipe and protrude toward the interior of the pipe, and the mounting hole can be closed by the main body of the photocatalyst module. Furthermore, in order to fix the photocatalyst module in the state of being connected to the outer wall of the pipe as described above, the module housing 530 may have a bracket 533, and the fastening device 320 may be further disposed on the outer wall of the pipe and disposed at a position corresponding to the bracket 533, so that the photocatalyst module can be firmly fixed to the outer wall of the pipe by bolt connection or the like between the bracket 533 and the fastening device 320.

[0052] In the following, the cases in which the photocatalyst module has a single support and the cases in which the photocatalyst module has multiple supports will be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] <Photocatalyst module mounting structure according to a first example of the present invention>

[0054] According to this example, the photocatalyst module may have a single (integrated) support, such as Figure 4 The photocatalyst module shown. Specifically, Figure 8 The illustration shows a duct 300 in a vehicle air conditioner according to a first example of the present invention and a photocatalyst module 500 mounted on the duct, and Figure 9 It shows along Figure 8The cross section is taken by line A-A' in the figure. As shown in the figure, when the photocatalyst module 500 is installed on the photocatalyst module mounting part 350, a part of the carrier 520 can be positioned in the upper flow path 310a, and the remaining part of the carrier 520 can be positioned in the lower flow path 310b, wherein the separation wall 310 is inserted between a part and the remaining part of the carrier 520.

[0055] In other words, the photocatalyst module mounting portion 350 can be disposed and positioned on the outer wall of the pipe, such that the photocatalyst module mounting portion 350 can pass through the same plane of the separation wall 310. More specifically, in this case, the photocatalyst module mounting portion 350 can be disposed and positioned such that the same plane of the separation wall 310 passes through the center of the photocatalyst module mounting portion 350. When the photocatalyst module is mounted on the outer wall of the pipe during the placement of the photocatalyst module mounting portion, a portion of the carrier can be positioned in the upper flow path, and the remaining portion of the carrier can be positioned in the lower flow path, wherein the separation wall is inserted between the portion and the remaining portion of the carrier, as shown in the figure.

[0056] In this regard, in the background art, a configuration in which photocatalyst modules are installed in the upper and lower flow paths respectively can be considered, as shown in the figure. However, this configuration presents practical difficulties due to the limited installation space in the ducts. Furthermore, because photocatalyst modules are relatively expensive, this configuration increases the overall cost required to manufacture the air conditioner. The present invention employs a mounting structure for a single photocatalyst module, configured such that a portion of the carrier is positioned in the upper flow path, and the remaining portion of the carrier is positioned in the lower flow path. Therefore, only a single photocatalyst module can purify the air flowing in each flow path, thereby reducing the overall package size of the air conditioner and lowering the cost required to manufacture it.

[0057] In this case, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the separation wall 310 may have a groove 315, which is recessed inward and located at a position corresponding to the photocatalyst module mounting portion. The groove 315 may have a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the carrier protruding towards the inside of the pipe, so as to accommodate the carrier 520 protruding towards the inside of the pipe and passing through the outer wall of the pipe when the photocatalyst module is mounted on the photocatalyst module mounting portion. Because the groove is formed in the separation wall, the process of installing the photocatalyst module is facilitated and the carrier is prevented from being damaged by the separation wall during the installation of the photocatalyst module.

[0058] Meanwhile, with the groove 315 formed in the separation wall 310, air can flow between the upper flow path 310a and the lower flow path 310b. When the carrier protrudes when the photocatalyst module is installed on the photocatalyst module mounting part, even if the groove is partially closed, air can still flow through the gap between the carrier and the groove, which can degrade the air conditioning performance of the left / right independent air conditioners.

[0059] To prevent deterioration, the present invention may further provide a sealing member S, which is disposed between the carrier 520 and the groove 315, that is, between the carrier 520 and the separation wall positioned on the interface of the groove, to prevent air from flowing between the upper flow path 310a and the lower flow path 310b. Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 The further provision includes a sealing member S, and Figure 11 It shows along Figure 10 The cross-section is taken by line A-A'. As shown, the sealing member S can be further disposed between the carrier 520 and the groove 315. Therefore, air can be prevented from flowing between the upper flow path 310a and the lower flow path 310b. More specifically, the sealing member S can be made of an elastic material. Therefore, one side of the sealing member can be in close contact with the carrier, and the other side of the sealing member can be in close contact with the separation wall positioned on the interface of the groove.

[0060] In this case, to further improve the sealing performance, the thickness of the sealing component can be greater than the thickness of the separation wall. Figure 12 It shows that it is set with Figure 11 The sealing member is thick. As shown in the figure, the thickness d_S of the sealing member can be greater than the thickness d_310 of the separation wall. Furthermore, the sealing member S can extend from the boundary of the groove 315 around the upper and lower surfaces of the separation wall 310 at a predetermined distance. This configuration not only more reliably prevents air from flowing between the upper and lower flow paths, but also facilitates installation by assembling and securing the sealing member to the corresponding separation wall when it is installed in the groove.

[0061] <Photocatalyst module mounting structure according to a second example of the present invention>

[0062] According to this example, the photocatalyst module may have multiple supports. Specifically, Figure 13 A photocatalyst module according to a second example of the present invention is shown. As shown, in the photocatalyst module 500', a carrier 520 may be disposed below the body 510 and includes a first carrier 520a and a second carrier 520b spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

[0063] Figure 14The diagram illustrates a duct 300 and a photocatalyst module 500' mounted on the duct in a vehicle air conditioner according to a second example of the invention. Figure 15 It shows along Figure 14 The cross section is taken by line A-A' in the figure. As shown in the figure, in the vehicle air conditioner according to this example, when the photocatalyst module 500' is installed on the photocatalyst module mounting part 350, the first carrier 520a can be positioned in the upper flow path 310a, and the second carrier 520b can be positioned in the lower flow path 310b, with the separation wall 310 inserted between the first carrier 520a and the second carrier 520b.

[0064] In other words, according to this example, the separation wall 310 can be inserted into the gap between the first carrier 520a and the second carrier 520b, which are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, unlike the first example, even if no groove is formed in the separation wall, the total number of processes in manufacturing the air conditioner can be reduced. Because no groove needs to be formed, air does not flow between the upper flow path, the lower flow path, and the groove, which provides additional advantages in sealing.

[0065] In this case, the spacing s_520 between the first and second carriers, which are spaced apart from each other, can be equal to or greater than the thickness d_310 of the separation wall. When the spacing is greater than the thickness of the separation wall, the assembly characteristics are excellent, but the effective area of ​​the carriers can be reduced. When the spacing is equal to the thickness of the separation wall, the assembly characteristics may be somewhat reduced, but the maximum effective area of ​​the carriers can be used. Therefore, the advantages of the above situations can be selected appropriately in the design. In addition, the dimensions of the first carrier 520a and the second carrier 520b can be substantially equal to each other, which prevents the air purification capacity between the upper and lower flow paths from being biased to one side. Furthermore, according to this example, a local gap can exist between the separation wall 310 and the body 510. Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown, the sealing member S' can be placed in the gap.

[0066] Meanwhile, in this invention, a configuration in which the photocatalyst module is disposed on the transverse outer wall of the duct 300 has already been described. However, a photocatalyst module with the same structure as described above may of course be installed on the transverse outer wall of the air passage of the housing defining the blower unit 100, or on the transverse outer wall of the housing defining the air passage of the air conditioning unit 200, instead of being installed on the duct.

[0067] As described above, the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention is a dual-flow air conditioner, which provides an optimal design location and installation structure, and is capable of purifying both the upper and lower air passages by using a minimum number of photocatalyst modules.

[0068] Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in any other specific form without altering its technical spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the invention.

[0069] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0070] 10: Vehicle air conditioner

[0071] 100: Blower Unit

[0072] 200: Air conditioning unit

[0073] 210: Partition wall

[0074] 210a, 210b: Upper space, lower space

[0075] 300: Pipeline

[0076] 310: Separation wall

[0077] 310a, 310b: Upper flow path, lower flow path

[0078] 315: Groove

[0079] 350: Photocatalyst Module Installation Section

[0080] 320: Fastening device

[0081] 500, 500': Photocatalyst module

[0082] 510: Main Body

[0083] 520: Carrier

[0084] 520a, 520b: First carrier, second carrier

[0085] 530: Module casing

[0086] S, S': Sealing components

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioner comprising: a duct configured to connect a blower unit that introduces internal air and external air and an air conditioning unit that exchanges heat with the introduced internal air and external air, so that air flows between the blower unit and the air conditioning unit; and a photocatalyst module including a main body having a light source therein and a carrier disposed below the main body and configured to generate a superoxide radical by generating a photocatalyst reaction through use of light emitted from the light source, wherein an internal flow path of the duct, through which the internal air and the external air flow, is divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path by a partition wall, and wherein the photocatalyst module is disposed to generate the superoxide radical in both the upper flow path and the lower flow path of the duct, wherein the duct has a photocatalyst module mounting portion having a hollow shape therein so that the carrier of the photocatalyst module passes through the photocatalyst module mounting portion, and wherein the photocatalyst module mounting portion is disposed on a lateral outer wall of the duct, wherein the photocatalyst module is mounted on the photocatalyst module mounting portion so that a portion of the carrier is positioned in the upper flow path and a remaining portion of the carrier is positioned in the lower flow path, with the partition wall interposed between the portion and the remaining portion of the carrier, wherein a groove is formed in the partition wall, the groove being recessed inward and disposed at a position corresponding to the photocatalyst module mounting portion, and wherein the groove has a size and a shape corresponding to a size and a shape of the carrier that protrudes toward an inside of the duct so as to accommodate the carrier that protrudes toward the inside of the duct when the photocatalyst module is mounted on the photocatalyst module mounting portion. A sealing member is disposed between an interface of the groove and the carrier, and the sealing member prevents air from flowing between the upper flow path and the lower flow path.

2. The vehicle air conditioner of claim 1 wherein, The sealing member is made of an elastic material, and 3. The vehicle air conditioner of claim 2 wherein, wherein one side of the sealing member is in close contact with the carrier, and the other side of the sealing member is in close contact with the partition wall positioned on the interface of the groove. A thickness of the sealing member is greater than a thickness of the partition wall, so that the sealing member surrounds upper and lower surfaces of the partition wall from a boundary of the groove by a predetermined distance.

4. The vehicle air conditioner of claim 3 wherein, The main body of the photocatalyst module has only a single light source.

5. The vehicle air conditioner of claim 1 wherein, ​

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