Air conditioner for vehicles

Abstract

This embodiment relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: an air conditioning unit having a heat exchanger disposed therein; and a blower unit for supplying air to the air conditioning unit. The blower unit includes: a blower housing having an inner surface; and a blower for blowing air toward the inner surface. The inner surface includes a first surface and a second surface disposed at an angle from the first surface. The first and second surfaces divide the direction of the air blown by the blower into at least two directions. Therefore, the air conditioner for the vehicle can improve the performance and quality of the blower unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present embodiment relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle. In particular, the present embodiment relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle, in which the performance and quality of a blower unit configured to supply air to an air conditioning unit are improved by the internal shape of a blower housing and the structure of a blower. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner for adjusting the temperature and ventilation of air in the interior of the vehicle. The air conditioning device generates warm air to keep the interior of the vehicle warm in winter, or generates cool air to keep the interior of the vehicle cool in summer.

[0003] In addition, the air conditioner for a vehicle can include an air conditioning unit configured to adjust the temperature of air by means of heat exchange between air and a heat exchange medium, and a blower unit configured to supply air to the air conditioning unit. In addition, the air conditioner for a vehicle can include an air intake unit provided to supply outside air or inside air to the blower unit.

[0004] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view showing an air intake unit and a blower unit in the related art.

[0005] REFERENCE Figure 1 The blower unit 10 in the related art can supply air introduced by the air intake unit 20, which introduces air (inside air or outside air) thereto, to the air conditioning unit.

[0006] The air intake unit 20 can include an air intake housing 21 having an inside air inlet port 21a and an outside air inlet port 21b formed at one side thereof, and a switching door 22 configured to selectively open or close the inside air inlet port 21a and the outside air inlet port 21b.

[0007] In addition, the blower unit 10 can include a blower housing 11 and a blower 12 provided in the blower housing 11. The blower housing 11 has a bell-shaped port 11a formed to communicate with the air intake housing 21 and an outlet portion 11b formed to communicate with the air conditioning unit. In this case, the blower 12 can include a hub 13, a plurality of wheels 14 provided on the hub 13, and a belt 15 configured to fix the wheels 14. In addition, the hub 13 can be rotated by an actuator 16 configured as a motor or the like.

[0008] An air flow formed by the rotation of the wheels 14 can collide with an inner surface 11c of the blower housing 11, and then form an air flow flowing toward the outlet portion 11b.

[0009] In this case, the air flowing toward the outlet portion 11b can achieve various air flows by means of assembly tolerance of the blower 12 coupled to the blower housing 11 and roughness of the inner surface 11c.

[0010] Further, as the types of air flows are diversified and the number of air flows increases, a problem occurs in that interference occurs between the air flows and the like, and the ventilation resistance increases due to the interference.

[0011] Further, the ventilation resistance is a major factor in reducing the performance of the blower unit 10.

[0012] Further, when the air flow rate increases, there is a problem in that the vibration of the blower 12 increases, which reduces the quality of the blower unit 10.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for an air conditioner for a vehicle which is improved in structure to improve the performance and quality of a blower unit. SUMMARY

[0014] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0015] The present embodiment provides an air conditioner for a vehicle which is improved in structure to improve the performance and quality of a blower unit.

[0016] The technical problems solved by the present embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned above by the following description.

[0017] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0018] The object is achieved by an air conditioner for a vehicle, the air conditioner comprising: an air conditioning unit having a heat exchanger provided in the air conditioning unit; and a blower unit configured to supply air to the air conditioning unit, wherein the blower unit comprises: a blower housing having an inner surface; and a blower configured to allow air to flow toward the inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises: a first surface; and a second surface provided on the first surface and inclined, and wherein the first surface and the second surface divide the direction of air flowing by the blower into at least two directions.

[0019] In this case, the blower can include a hub, a plurality of first wheels disposed on an upper surface of the hub and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, a belt configured to connect upper portions of the plurality of first wheels, and a driving portion configured to rotate the hub, and the upper surface of the hub can be formed as a curved surface, and guiding air to a boundary region where the first surface and the second surface meet together.

[0020] Further, the curved surface can include a first curved surface formed as being convex upward, and a second curved surface formed as being concave downward.

[0021] Further, the boundary region can be disposed to have a predetermined offset from an imaginary line that crosses an axis of the first wheel in a radial direction.

[0022] Further, the boundary region can be disposed to be lower than an imaginary line that crosses an axis of the first wheel in a radial direction.

[0023] Further, an air flow formed in a radial direction by the blower can form a vortex by the first surface and the second surface, and a direction of the vortex formed by the first surface and a direction of the vortex formed by the second surface can be opposite to each other.

[0024] Further, the belt can include a horizontal portion configured to connect upper edges of the plurality of first wheels, an upper sleeve protruding upward from the horizontal portion, and a lower sleeve protruding downward from the horizontal portion, and a radial thickness of the lower sleeve can be greater than a radial thickness of the upper sleeve.

[0025] In this case, an inner circumferential surface of the horizontal portion can be formed as an inclined surface inclined outward. Further, the upper sleeve can be disposed to overlap the lower sleeve in an axial direction.

[0026] Further, the blower housing can further include an anti-backflow protrusion protruding downward from the top surface, and an end portion of the anti-backflow protrusion disposed outside the belt can be disposed to overlap the upper sleeve of the belt in a radial direction.

[0027] Further, the blower housing can further include an anti-backflow protrusion protruding downward from the top surface, and an end portion of the anti-backflow protrusion disposed outside the belt can be disposed to overlap the horizontal portion of the belt in a radial direction.

[0028] Further, the blower can further include a support rib configured to connect a lower portion of the first wheel and an upper surface of the hub. In this case, an upper surface of the support rib can be formed as a curved surface concavely formed downward.

[0029] Further, the blower can further include a plurality of second wheels disposed on a lower surface of the hub and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction.

[0030] The object is achieved by an air conditioner for a vehicle, the air conditioner including an air conditioning unit having a heat exchanger disposed in the air conditioning unit, and a blower unit configured to supply air to the air conditioning unit, wherein the blower unit includes a blower housing, and a blower configured to allow air to flow in the blower housing, wherein the blower includes a hub, a plurality of wheels disposed on the hub and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, a belt configured to connect upper portions of the plurality of wheels, and a driving portion configured to rotate the hub, wherein the belt includes a horizontal portion configured to connect upper edges of the plurality of wheels, and an upper sleeve protruding upward from the horizontal portion, wherein the blower housing includes an anti-backflow protrusion protruding downward from a top surface, and wherein an end portion of the anti-backflow protrusion disposed outside the belt is disposed to overlap the upper sleeve of the belt in a radial direction.

[0031] Further, the belt can further include a lower sleeve protruding downward from the horizontal portion, and a radial thickness of the lower sleeve can be greater than a radial thickness of the upper sleeve.

[0032] Advantageous Effects

[0033] The present embodiment can improve the performance of the blower unit by means of the internal structure of the blower housing and the shape of the hub of the blower corresponding to the internal structure of the blower housing. Specifically, the internal structure of the blower housing and the shape of the hub of the blower can be used to divide the air flow formed when air collides with the blower housing into at least two air flows, thereby minimizing the ventilation resistance. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a uniform air flow rate of air supplied to the air conditioning unit through the blower unit, thereby improving the performance of the blower unit.

[0034] The present embodiment provides an example of the arrangement position of the blower corresponding to the internal structure of the blower housing, thereby further improving the performance of the blower unit.

[0035] The present embodiment can reduce the vibration generated by the blower by improving the shape of the belt disposed in the blower.

[0036] The present embodiment can use ribs to support a wheel provided in a blower, thereby reducing vibrations generated by the blower. In this case, the airflow can be directed to a boundary region formed in a blower housing by improving the shape of the ribs.

[0037] The various useful advantages and effects of the present embodiment are not limited to the above and will be more readily understood from the description of the specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a blower unit in the related art.

[0039] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a blower unit of an air conditioner for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 3 and illustrating a first embodiment of a blower unit.

[0042] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of region A in Figure 4

[0043] Figure 6 is a top plan view illustrating a blower of a blower unit according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a blower housing provided in a blower unit according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hub of a blower provided in a blower unit according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 3 and illustrating a second embodiment of a blower unit.

[0047] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of region B1 in Figure 9

[0048] is an enlarged view of region B2 in Figure 11 Figure 9

[0049] Figure 12 ​​​is a plan view of a blower of a blower unit according to a second embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 is a graph showing performance of a blower unit according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Since the present application allows various changes and has many embodiments, a specific embodiment will be shown and described in the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present application to this specific embodiment, and it should be understood that all changes, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present application are included in the present application.

[0052] Although the terms "first", "second", and the like can be used herein to describe various elements, the elements should not be limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a second element can be termed a first element, and a first element can be similarly termed a second element without departing from the scope of the present application. The term "and / or" includes any one or any combination of a plurality of related listed items.

[0053] When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it should be understood that the element can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or that there can be other elements present between them. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it should be understood that there are no intervening elements present between them.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments, in the case where any one element is described as being formed on or under another element, the description includes the case where the two elements are formed in direct contact with each other and the case where the two elements are indirectly in contact with each other with one or more other elements interposed between the two elements. In addition, when one element is described as being formed on or under another element, the description can include the case where the one element is formed at an upper side or a lower side with respect to the other element.

[0055] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular form should include the plural form unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, it should be further understood that the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", and / or "including" as used herein specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0056] Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. Such terms, as commonly defined in a dictionary, are to be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly so defined herein.

[0057] Hereinafter, when embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components will be designated by the same or corresponding reference numerals in all the drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0058] Figure 2 is a view showing an air conditioner for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2 , the air conditioner for a vehicle according to the embodiment can include a blower unit 1(1a) according to the embodiment, an air intake unit 20, and an air conditioning unit 30. In this case, the blower unit 1(1a) can be disposed between the air intake unit 20 and the air conditioning unit 30 based on an air flow. Accordingly, the blower unit 1(1a) can use a blower to supply air introduced through the air intake unit 20 to the air conditioning unit 30. In this case, the blower unit 1(1a) can be detachably disposed on the air intake unit 20 and the air conditioning unit 30.

[0060] The air intake unit 20 can include an air intake housing 21 having an internal air inlet port 21a and an external air inlet port 21b. The internal air inlet port 21a is formed at one side of the air intake unit 20 to introduce internal air, and the external air inlet port 21b is formed at one side of the air intake unit 20 to introduce external air. The air intake unit 20 can include a switch door 22 configured to selectively open or close the internal air inlet port 21a and the external air inlet port 21b.

[0061] The air conditioning unit 30 can include at least one heat exchanger 31 or 32 configured to adjust an air temperature by heat exchange between a heat exchange medium and air supplied by the blower unit 1(1a). Accordingly, air having a temperature or the like adjusted in the air conditioning unit 30 can be discharged into a passenger compartment through a plurality of vents 33. In this case, the heat exchanger can be an evaporator or a heater.

[0062] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a blower unit of an air conditioner for a vehicle according to an embodiment, Figure 4 is a view showing a blower unit of an air conditioner for a vehicle according to an embodiment, Figure 3is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 and illustrating a first embodiment of the blower unit, Figure 5 is Figure 4 is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 1, Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a blower of the blower unit according to the first embodiment, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a blower housing provided in the blower unit according to the first embodiment, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hub of the blower provided in the blower unit according to the first embodiment. In this case, Figure 4 The X direction illustrated in FIG. 1 can represent a radial direction, and the Y direction can represent an axial direction. Further, the axial direction and the radial direction can be perpendicular to each other. Further, a direction defined along a circle having a radius in the radial direction based on the shaft center can be referred to as a circumferential direction. Further, Figure 4 The reference character "C" illustrated in FIG. 1 can represent a rotation center (shaft center) of the blower. Further, the axial direction can be divided into an upward direction and a downward direction. For example, a direction toward the intake unit 20 can represent the upward direction. Further, the downward direction can represent a direction opposite to the upward direction. Further, in the blower housing in FIG. 1, Figure 4 The arrows indicated in the blower housing in FIG. 1 and Figure 5 The arrows indicated in FIG. 1 can represent air flows.

[0063] The blower unit 1 according to the first embodiment can include a blower housing 100 having a space formed therein and a blower 200 provided in the space and configured to allow air to flow. In this case, the blower housing 100 can be referred to as a volute.

[0064] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the blower housing 100 can have a space. Accordingly, the blower housing 100 can include an inner surface 110, a top surface 120, and a bottom surface 130 formed therein. In this case, the term "inner" can represent a direction toward the shaft center C based on the radial direction, and the term "outer" can represent a direction opposite to the inner.

[0065] Further, the blower housing 100 can include an inlet 140 formed to communicate with the intake unit 20 and an outlet 150 formed to communicate with the air conditioning unit. In this case, the inlet 140 can be formed at an upper side of the blower housing 100. Accordingly, when the blower 200 operates, air introduced into the blower housing 100 through the inlet 140 can be guided by the inner surface 110, etc., and then discharged to the outlet 150.

[0066] The inner surface 110 can include a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 disposed to be inclined with respect to the first surface 111. For example, the second surface 112 can be disposed to be inclined inward from an upper end of the first surface 111. In this case, the second surface 112 can be disposed to have a predetermined inclination angle θ with respect to the first surface 111. Also, the inclination angle θ can be an obtuse angle less than 180 degrees. In particular, the inclination angle θ can be defined in a range of 120 degrees to 170 degrees.

[0067] Also, an area where the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 meet together can be formed to have a predetermined range in the axial direction by being rounded or the like. Accordingly, the area where the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 meet together can be referred to as a boundary area or a transition area. Alternatively, the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 can define an edge limited by the inclination angle θ, and the edge can be referred to as a boundary line or a transition line. The edge can also be included in the boundary area.

[0068] The first surface 111 and the second surface 112 can divide a direction in which air flow is allowed by the blower 200 into at least two directions. Accordingly, the air flow allowed to flow by the blower 200 can be substantially divided into an air flow formed by the first surface 111 and an air flow formed by the second surface 112.

[0069] In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1, the upper air discharged by the blower 200 and disposed at the upper side can be guided by the second surface 112, which is an inclined surface, to form a vortex. Also, when the vortex is induced by the second surface 112, the lower air discharged by the blower 200 and disposed at the lower side can also be guided to form a vortex in a direction opposite to that of the vortex induced by the second surface 112. Also, the direction of the vortex formed by the first surface 111 and the direction of the vortex formed by the second surface 112 can be opposite to each other. For example, the vortex formed by the first surface 111 disposed in the circumferential direction can be formed counterclockwise, and the vortex formed by the second surface 112 can be formed clockwise. In this case, the air flow formed by the first surface 111 can be referred to as a first flow, and the air flow formed by the second surface 112 can be referred to as a second flow.

[0070] Accordingly, the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 consistently form a main air flow, which can minimize individual turbulent flows or vortices. Also, the second surface 112 creates a stable air flow, which can improve the design freedom of the blower 200.

[0071] That is, the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 form a main consistent air flow and guide the air flow to the outlet 150, which can ensure the performance of the blower unit 1.

[0072] In addition, the recess 131 can be formed to be recessed downward at the outer side of the bottom surface 130. In addition, the recess 131 forms a vortex of the lower air and guides the air flow, which can further improve the performance of the blower unit 1.

[0073] Meanwhile, the blower housing 100 can include an inlet ring 160 provided in the inlet 140 to guide the air supplied from the intake unit 20 into the blower housing 100.

[0074] The inlet ring 160 can be disposed to be spaced apart from the upper end of the blower 200. In addition, the upper surface of the inlet ring 160 can be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. For example, the upper surface can be formed in a semicircular shape. Accordingly, the inlet ring 160 can guide the air introduced through the inlet 140 to the inside of the blower 200.

[0075] In addition, the blower housing 100 can further include an anti-backflow protrusion 170 that prevents the air discharged through the blower 200 from flowing in reverse into the blower.

[0076] The anti-backflow protrusion 170 can be formed in an annular shape and formed by extending the inlet 140 in the axial direction. However, the present application is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the anti-backflow protrusion 170 can be disposed to be spaced apart from the inlet 140 in the radial direction, considering the radial dimension of the blower 200.

[0077] Referring to Figure 5 The anti-backflow protrusion 170 can protrude from the top surface 120 in the axial direction while having a predetermined length L1. In this case, the upper end of the blower 200 can be disposed to have a predetermined distance D1 in the axial direction of the top surface 120. The distance D1 is smaller than the length L1. In this case, the distance D1 can be referred to as a first distance, and the length L1 can be referred to as a first length.

[0078] Accordingly, the end portion of the anti-backflow protrusion 170 can be disposed to overlap the upper end of the blower 200 in the radial direction. In this case, the anti-backflow protrusion 170 can be disposed outside the belt 230 and spaced apart from the belt 230. Specifically, the end portion of the anti-backflow protrusion 170 can be disposed to overlap the upper side of the belt 230 of the blower 200 in the radial direction. Accordingly, the anti-backflow protrusion 170 can guide the second flow and prevent the second flow from flowing in reverse into the blower 200.

[0079] Some components of the blower 200 can be disposed in the blower housing 100 and form an air flow. Accordingly, when the blower 200 operates, the air introduced through the inlet 140 can be guided by the inner surface 110, etc. and discharged to the outlet 150.

[0080] The blower 200 can be inserted into the blower housing 100 through a hole formed in a lower portion of the blower housing 100 and coupled to the blower housing 100.

[0081] Referring to Figure 4 to Figure 6 , the blower 200 can include a hub 210, a plurality of first wheels 220 disposed on an upper surface of the hub 210 and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, a belt 230 configured to connect upper portions of the plurality of first wheels 220, and a driving portion 240 configured to rotate the hub 210. In addition, the blower 200 can further include a plurality of second wheels 260 disposed on a lower surface of the hub 210 and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In this case, the driving portion 240 can include a shaft 241 and a motor 242 configured to rotate the shaft 241. In addition, the shaft 241 can be disposed at a shaft center C.

[0082] The hub 210 is formed to have a predetermined thickness in an axial direction, so that the hub 210 can include an upper surface 211 and a lower surface 212. In addition, the hub 210 can include a hole 213 formed at a center of the hub 210 so as to be coupled to an end portion of the shaft 241.

[0083] In addition, the hub 210 can include a curved surface formed to guide air introduced into the blower 200 through the inlet 140 to a boundary region.

[0084] The curved surface can be disposed as the upper surface 211 of the hub 210 and include a first curved surface 211a and a second curved surface 211b. In addition, in a vertical sectional view of the hub 210, a turning point can be formed at a point at which the first curved surface 211a and the second curved surface 211b come together.

[0085] The first curved surface 211a can be formed to be convex upward, and the hole 213 can be disposed at a center of the first curved surface 211a. In addition, the first curved surface 211a can be formed along an exponential curve.

[0086] The second curved surface 211b can be disposed outside the first curved surface 211a based on a radial direction. In addition, the second curved surface 211b can be formed to be concave downward and formed along an exponential curve.

[0087] Accordingly, air flowing along the first curved surface 211a can be guided to the boundary region through the second curved surface 211b.

[0088] Referring to Figure 6The plurality of first wheels 220 can be provided outside the hub 210 and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the plurality of first wheels 220 can be provided on the second curved surface 211b and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In this case, the first wheels 220 can be formed in a plate shape having a curved surface to increase the degree of contact with air, and integrally formed with the hub 210.

[0089] The first wheel 220 can be formed to have a predetermined length in the axial direction.

[0090] In this case, the position of the first wheel 220 is set in relation to the boundary region, which can improve the performance of the blower unit 1.

[0091] Referring to Figure 4 An imaginary line L crossing the axis of the first wheel 220 in the radial direction can be provided to be offset from the boundary region based on the axial direction. In this case, the boundary region can be provided lower than the imaginary line L. In this case, the offset can be limited to a range of 5% to 15% of the axial length of the first wheel 220.

[0092] Accordingly, the offset clearly separates the first flow and the second flow in the upward / downward direction, which can improve the air flow rate, etc. in the blower 200.

[0093] The belt 230 can connect the outer rims (edges) of the upper ends of the plurality of first wheels 220. Accordingly, the belt 230 can reduce vibration and noise caused by the operation of the blower 200. In this case, the belt 230 can be integrally formed with the first wheel 220.

[0094] Referring to Figure 5 The belt 230 can include a horizontal portion 231 and a lower sleeve 232 protruding downward from an outer portion of the horizontal portion 231.

[0095] The horizontal portion 231 and the lower sleeve 232 can suppress vibration and noise caused by the first wheel 220 when the blower 200 is operated. In particular, the lower sleeve 232 reinforces the horizontal portion 231, which can further suppress vibration and noise compared to a belt having only the horizontal portion 231.

[0096] The lower sleeve 232 can be formed to have a ring-shaped horizontal cross-section. Accordingly, the lower sleeve 232 can connect the outer surface of the upper portion of the first wheel 220 in the circumferential direction. In this case, an example in which the lower sleeve 232 is formed in a ring shape is described. However, the present application is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the lower sleeve 232 can have a plurality of plate shapes provided to be spaced apart from each other.

[0097] Referring to Figure 4The blower 200 can further include a support rib 250 configured to connect a lower portion of the first wheel 220 and the upper surface 211 of the hub 210.

[0098] The support rib 250 can more firmly couple the hub 210 and the first wheel 220, which can further reduce vibration and noise. In this case, the support rib 250 can be integrally formed with the hub 210 and the first wheel 220.

[0099] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The support rib 250 can be formed by extending a lower portion of the inner end portion of the first wheel 220. For example, the support rib 250 can be formed by extending a lower portion of the inner end portion of the first wheel 220 in a tangential direction of the first wheel 220. Accordingly, a portion of air flowing along the upper surface 211 of the hub 210 can be guided by the support rib 250.

[0100] In addition, the support rib 250 can include an upper surface 251 formed to be concave downward, and the upper surface 251 can be formed as a curved surface.

[0101] The upper surface 251 can be a curved surface having an outer portion formed to be higher than an inner portion thereof. The upper surface 251 can be formed in a "U" shape or an exponential curve shape. Accordingly, the upper surface 251 can guide air to the boundary region, which can further improve the performance of the blower 200.

[0102] Specifically, the upper surface 251 of the support rib 250 can be disposed higher than the second curved surface 211b of the upper surface 211 of the hub 210 due to the axial thickness of the support rib 250. Accordingly, the axial thickness of the support rib 250 can be used as a factor to reduce vibration and noise. The axial thickness of the support rib 250 can guide air disposed above the boundary region. In addition, in addition to the thickness, the shape of the upper surface 251 can also guide air toward a position above the boundary region.

[0103] Meanwhile, the blower 200 can further include a plurality of second wheels 260 disposed on the lower surface 212 of the hub 210 and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. Accordingly, the second wheels 260 can increase an air flow rate, thereby improving the performance of the blower 200.

[0104] However, considering the boundary region, the axial length of the second wheel 260 needs to be shorter than the axial length of the first wheel 220. For example, the axial length of the second wheel 260 can be set in a range of 5% to 9% of the axial length of the first wheel 220. In particular, the axial length of the second wheel 260 can be about 0.07 times the axial length of the first wheel 220.

[0105] Furthermore, a plurality of second wheels 260 may be disposed outside the hub 210 and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, a plurality of second wheels 260 may be disposed below the second curved surface 211b and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In this case, the second wheels 260 may be formed as plates with curved surfaces to increase the degree of contact with air and are integrally formed with the hub 210.

[0106] Figure 9 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the blower unit, taken by line AA, is shown in the diagram. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of region B1 in the image. Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of region B2 in the image, and Figure 12 This is a top plan view showing the blower of the blower unit according to the second embodiment.

[0107] Reference Figure 4 to Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 to Figure 12 The blower unit 1a according to the second embodiment is a modified example of the blower unit 1 according to the first embodiment, and differs from the blower unit 1 according to the first embodiment in terms of the shape of the belt, the structure of the blower housing, and the arrangement of the blower housing.

[0108] In the description of the blower unit 1a according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the blower unit 1 according to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their specific descriptions will be omitted.

[0109] Reference Figure 9 to Figure 12 According to the second embodiment, the blower unit 1a may include a blower housing 100 and a blower 200a. The blower housing has a space formed therein, in which the blower is disposed and configured to allow airflow. In this case, the blower housing 100 may include a top surface 120, a bottom surface 130, an inlet 140, an outlet 150, an inlet ring 160, an anti-backflow protrusion 170, and an inner surface 110 having a first surface 111 and a second surface 112. Furthermore, the blower 200a may include a hub 210, a plurality of first wheels 220, a belt 230a, a drive unit 240, and support ribs 250. Additionally, the blower 200a may also include a plurality of second wheels 260.

[0110] Reference Figure 10 to Figure 12 The belt 230a may include: a horizontal portion 231a having an inclined surface 231a-1; a lower sleeve 232 that protrudes downward from the outer portion of the horizontal portion 231a; and an upper sleeve 233 that protrudes upward from the outer portion of the horizontal portion 231a.

[0111] The horizontal portion 231a can be formed in a plate shape and connected to an outer edge of the first wheel 220.

[0112] Further, the inclined surface 231a-1 can be formed at the inner end portion, i.e., at the inner circumferential surface of the horizontal portion 231a. As Figure 10 indicated in FIG. 6, the inclined surface 231a-1 can be formed to be inclined outward.

[0113] The inclined surface 231a-1 can be formed to correspond to the curvature radius of the inlet ring 160. Since the length of the inclined surface 231a-1 is short, the inclined surface 231a-1 does not need to be particularly configured to have a curvature. However, the inclined surface can be configured to be almost identical to the curvature of the inlet ring 160 to maintain smooth air flow. In this case, the inclined surface 231a-1 can be formed between the first wheels 220 based on the circumferential direction.

[0114] Since the belt 230a has the upper sleeve 233, air flowing in the blower housing 100 collides with the upper sleeve 223. For this reason, vibration and noise of the blower 200a can be increased.

[0115] Accordingly, the radial thickness t1 of the lower sleeve 232 can be greater than the radial thickness t2 of the upper sleeve 233 to reduce vibration and noise caused by the upper sleeve 233. In this case, the upper sleeve 233 can be disposed to overlap the lower sleeve 232 in the axial direction.

[0116] The upper sleeve 233 can be formed to protrude upward from the outer portion of the horizontal portion 231a. Further, the upper sleeve 233 can be formed to have a horizontal cross section in a ring shape.

[0117] Further, the upper sleeve 233 can be formed on the horizontal portion 231a while having a predetermined height. The end portion of the upper sleeve 233 can be disposed at a predetermined interval distance D2 from the top surface 120. Further, as Figure 10 indicated in FIG. 6, the end portion of the upper sleeve 233 can be disposed between the end portion of the inlet ring 160 and the anti-backflow protrusion 170 based on the radial direction. For example, the end portion of the upper sleeve 233 can be disposed outside the inlet ring 160 and inside the anti-backflow protrusion 170.

[0118] In this case, the inlet ring 160 can be formed to have a predetermined axial length L2 based on the top surface 120, and the anti-backflow protrusion 170 can be formed to have a predetermined axial length L3 based on the top surface 120. In addition, the axial length L2 of the inlet ring 160 can be longer than the interval distance D2 of the upper sleeve 233 and shorter than the axial length L3 of the anti-backflow protrusion 170. Accordingly, the end portion of the upper sleeve 233 can be disposed to overlap the lower end of the inlet ring 160 and the lower end of the anti-backflow protrusion 170 in the radial direction. In this case, the axial length L2 of the inlet ring 160 can be referred to as a second length. The axial length L3 of the anti-backflow protrusion 170 disposed on the blower unit 1a according to the second embodiment can be referred to as a third length. In addition, the interval distance D2 of the upper sleeve 233 can be referred to as a second distance.

[0119] Referring to Figure 10 , the inlet ring 160, the anti-backflow protrusion 170, and the upper sleeve 233 can define a flow path having an inverted "U" shape.

[0120] Accordingly, the anti-backflow protrusion 170 and the upper sleeve 233 can implement a double overlap wall structure, thereby preventing reverse flow of the second flow. In addition, the inlet ring 160 and the upper sleeve 233 can also implement a double overlap wall structure, thereby preventing air supplied from the intake unit 20 from leaking in the radial direction.

[0121] Figure 13 is a graph illustrating performance of a blower unit according to an embodiment.

[0122] Referring to Figure 13 , it can be determined that the air flow rate in the blower unit 1 (1a) according to the embodiment increases when the pressure is constant. In particular, it can be determined that the blower unit 1a according to the second embodiment can obtain a higher air flow rate than the blower unit 1 according to the first embodiment and the blower unit in the related art.

[0123] That is, it can be determined that the blower unit 1 (1a) according to the present embodiment increases the air flow rate and reduces vibration and noise when the pressure and RPM are constant.

[0124] While the present application has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application, which are defined by the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that differences related to modifications and changes fall within the scope of the present application defined by the appended claims.

[0125] <DESCRIPTON OF REFERENCE NUMERALS>

[0126] 1, 1a: blower unit; 20: air intake unit; 30: air conditioning unit; 100: blower housing; 110: inner surface; 111: first surface; 112: second surface; 170: anti-backflow protrusion; 200, 200a: blower; 210: hub; 220: first wheel; 230, 230a: belt; 231, 231a: horizontal portion; 231a-1: inclined surface; 232: lower sleeve; 233: upper sleeve; 240: drive portion; 241: shaft; 250: support rib; 260: second wheel.

Claims

1. An air conditioner for a vehicle, the air conditioner comprising: an air conditioning unit having a heat exchanger disposed therein; and a blower unit configured to supply air to the air conditioning unit, wherein the blower unit includes: a blower housing having a bottom surface and an inner surface; and a blower configured to allow air to flow toward the inner surface, wherein the blower includes: a hub; a plurality of first wheels disposed on an upper surface of the hub and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction; a belt configured to connect upper portions of the plurality of first wheels; and a driving portion configured to rotate the hub, wherein the belt includes: a horizontal portion configured to connect upper edges of the plurality of first wheels; an upper sleeve protruding upward from the horizontal portion; and a lower sleeve protruding downward from the horizontal portion, wherein a radial thickness of the lower sleeve is greater than a radial thickness of the upper sleeve, and wherein the upper sleeve is disposed to overlap the lower sleeve in an axial direction. 2.The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the hub is formed as a curved surface, and 3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, first and second surfaces of the inner surface that guide air to a boundary region where the first and second surfaces come together. the curved surface includes: a first curved surface formed to protrude upward; and 4. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, a second curved surface formed to be concave downward.

5. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, the boundary region is disposed to have a predetermined offset from an imaginary line that passes through a center of the first wheel in a radial direction.

6. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, the boundary region is disposed to be lower than the imaginary line that passes through the center of the first wheel in the radial direction. air flow formed in the radial direction by the blower forms a vortex by the first and second surfaces, and 7. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein, wherein directions of the vortex formed by the first surface and the vortex formed by the second surface are opposite to each other.

8. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein, an inner circumferential surface of the horizontal portion is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined outward. the blower housing further includes an anti-backflow protrusion protruding downward from a top surface, and 9. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, wherein an end portion of the anti-backflow protrusion disposed outside the belt is disposed to overlap the upper sleeve of the belt in the radial direction. the blower housing further includes an anti-backflow protrusion protruding downward from a top surface, and 10. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, wherein an end portion of the anti-backflow protrusion disposed outside the belt is disposed to overlap the horizontal portion of the belt in the radial direction.

11. The air conditioner of claim 10, wherein, the blower further includes a support rib configured to connect lower portions of the first wheels and an upper surface of the hub.

12. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, an upper surface of the support rib is formed as a curved surface that is concave downward.

13. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein, the blower further includes a plurality of second wheels disposed on a lower surface of the hub and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. the blower housing includes a groove formed on the bottom surface.

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