vehicle air conditioner

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner, and the object of this invention is to improve the assemblability, maintenance, and repairability of a photocatalyst module by improving the intake housing structure, and to reduce air vortices generated at the air intake port side during air intake by the blower and the rumbling noise caused by these air vortices. To achieve this object, the vehicle air conditioner of this invention includes: an intake section that draws in internal and external air to blow them into the interior space of the vehicle; and a photocatalyst module that releases superoxide radicals into the air blown from the intake section into the interior space of the vehicle to purify the air, wherein the photocatalyst module is disposed on the outer surface portion of the downstream side of the blower housing of the intake section, and interference-avoidance recesses are formed on the outer surface portion of the intake housing corresponding to the periphery of the photocatalyst module disposed in the blower housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system, and more particularly to a vehicle air conditioning system that improves the ease of assembly and maintenance of a photocatalyst module through structural improvements to the intake housing, and prevents air vortices generated on the intake side during the intake process in the blower and the rumbling noise caused by such air vortices. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle includes an air conditioning system for cooling and heating the vehicle interior.

[0003] The air conditioning system includes an air intake 10 and a heat exchanger 20. The air intake 10 draws in indoor or outdoor air and blows the air into the vehicle interior, while the heat exchanger 20 cools or heats the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0004] The air intake 10 includes an air intake housing 12. The air intake housing 12 includes an indoor air inlet 12a, an outdoor air inlet 12b, and an air intake valve (not shown) disposed between the indoor air inlet 12a and the outdoor air inlet 12b.

[0005] The indoor air inlet 12a is connected to the interior of the vehicle to introduce air present inside the vehicle, while the outdoor air inlet 12b is connected to the exterior of the vehicle to introduce air present outside the vehicle.

[0006] The air intake is a dome-shaped door that rotates between the outdoor air inlet 12b and the indoor air inlet 12a to selectively open either the outdoor air inlet 12b or the indoor air inlet 12a, thereby selectively introducing outdoor air and indoor air.

[0007] In addition, the air intake 10 includes an air filter 14 and a blower 16.

[0008] Air filter 14 is configured to filter foreign objects in indoor or outdoor air introduced through indoor air inlet 12a and outdoor air inlet 12b.

[0009] The blower 16 is provided with a blower housing 16a and a blower fan 16b. The blower 16 draws indoor or outdoor air into the blower housing 16a through the indoor air inlet 12a or the outdoor air inlet 12b, and blows the indoor or outdoor air toward the heat exchanger section 20 through the downstream expansion section 16c.

[0010] In addition, the air intake 10 also includes a photocatalyst module 30, which is used to improve the quality of the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0011] The photocatalyst module 30 is provided with a light source (not shown) and a catalyst (not shown). The photocatalyst module 30 generates superoxide radicals by inducing a photocatalytic reaction in the catalyst section using visible light from the light source, and removes odors, bacteria and various pollutants from the air blown into the vehicle interior by using the superoxide radicals.

[0012] The photocatalyst module 30 is installed in the intake housing 12 located between the intake section 10 and the heat exchanger section 20.

[0013] Specifically, the photocatalyst module 30 is mounted on the outer surface of the downstream expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a in the intake housing 12 located between the intake section 10 and the heat exchanger section 20.

[0014] Typically, the photocatalyst module 30 is threadedly connected to the upper part along the direction of gravity on the outer surface of the downstream expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a via a screw fastening portion 32. Thus, the threadedly connected photocatalyst module 30 is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the side surface of the expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a.

[0015] Meanwhile, the photocatalyst module 30 is arranged in a high-density manner along with other peripheral components. In particular, the screw fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30 is arranged densely together with one side portion 12c of the air intake housing 12, which houses the air filter 14.

[0016] At this time, one side portion 12c of the intake housing 12 is tilted at a predetermined angle in accordance with the tilted expansion structure of the expansion portion 16c to prevent interference between the photocatalyst module 30 and the expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a.

[0017] In this respect, since the side portion 12c of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the photocatalyst module 30 is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle, the inner portion 12d of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the photocatalyst module 30 (hereinafter referred to as "inclined portion 12d") is also inclined in a shape opposite to the inclined side portion 12c.

[0018] As described above, since the internal portion of the air intake housing 12 corresponding to the photocatalyst module 30 is formed by the inclined portion 12d, the air passing through one side portion 14a of the bottom surface of the air filter 14 flows along the inclined portion 12d into the air path on the air inlet 16d side of the blower housing 16a.

[0019] However, in this conventional air conditioning system, due to the structure of the inclined portion 12d inside the intake housing 12, vortices are generated at the air inlet 16d when air is drawn in by the blower 16. The resulting vortices cause a rumbling noise.

[0020] In other words, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the blower 16 is running, the air passing through one side portion 14a of the air filter 14 moves rapidly along the inner inclined portion 12d of the air intake housing 12 and is drawn into the air inlet 16d of the blower 16.

[0021] At this time, the air moving rapidly along the inclined portion 12d toward the air inlet 16d is rapidly turned radially outward relative to the inlet ring 16d-1 on the side of the air inlet 16d. During this rapid turning process, vortices are generated at the air inlet 16d.

[0022] Therefore, a rumbling noise is generated at the air inlet 16d. This can reduce the ride comfort inside the vehicle.

[0023] Furthermore, in conventional air conditioning systems, when assembling the photocatalyst module 30 into the expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a, the assembly work is difficult to carry out due to the very narrow assembly space.

[0024] Specifically, the photocatalyst module 30 is densely arranged with one side portion 12c of the air intake housing 12 and the blower housing 16a. Due to this high-density arrangement, the assembly tools used for the photocatalyst module 30 interfere with the surrounding air intake housing 12. This interference makes it difficult to assemble the photocatalyst module 30.

[0025] Furthermore, when the photocatalyst module 30 needs to be replaced or repaired, the photocatalyst module must be separated from the intake housing 12. However, it is difficult to separate the photocatalyst module 30.

[0026] As a result, the ease of assembly and maintenance of the photocatalyst module 30 is significantly reduced in conventional air conditioning systems. Summary of the Invention

[0027] Technical issues

[0028] In view of the inherent problems in the related art, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system that can prevent air vortices generated on the intake side during the intake process in the blower and the rumbling noise caused by such air vortices by improving the structure of the internal inclined portion of the intake housing.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system that can improve ride comfort inside the vehicle by preventing air vortices generated on the intake side during the air intake process in the blower and the rumbling noise caused by such air vortices.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system that can adequately ensure the assembly space for assembling the photocatalyst module by improving the structure of the intake housing surrounding the photocatalyst module assembly area.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system that facilitates the assembly and separation of photocatalyst modules by ensuring sufficient assembly space for assembling the photocatalyst modules.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system that can improve the ease of assembly and maintenance of the photocatalyst module by facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the photocatalyst module.

[0033] Technical solution

[0034] To achieve these objectives, a vehicle air conditioning system is provided, comprising: an air intake configured to draw in indoor or outdoor air and blow it into the vehicle interior; and a photocatalyst module configured to purify the air by emitting superoxide radicals toward the air blown into the vehicle interior from the air intake, wherein the photocatalyst module is mounted on a downstream outer surface portion of a blower housing of the air intake and is configured to prevent interference with the photocatalyst module by forming an interference-avoidance groove on the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the periphery of the photocatalyst module mounted in the blower housing.

[0035] The photocatalyst module can be assembled to the downstream outer surface portion of the blower housing by means of a screw fastening portion, and the interference avoidance groove can be formed in a portion of the outer surface portion of the air intake housing surrounding the photocatalyst module that corresponds to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module.

[0036] The interference avoidance groove can be formed on the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module, so that a certain size of working space can be ensured between the air intake housing and the screw fastening portion.

[0037] The interference avoidance groove can be formed by recessing the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module inward.

[0038] The outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module may correspond to an airflow path extending from one side of the bottom surface of the air filter inside the air intake to the air inlet of the blower housing, and the interference avoidance groove may be formed on the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the airflow path extending from one side of the bottom surface of the air filter to the air inlet of the blower housing.

[0039] The internal portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module may include an inclined portion that is inclined at a predetermined angle from one side portion of the bottom surface of the air filter toward the air inlet of the blower housing, and the system may further include an airflow regulating portion configured to regulate the flow of air flowing along the inclined portion when air passing through the one side portion of the air filter flows along the inclined portion of the inner surface portion of the air intake housing.

[0040] The airflow regulating section may include a stepped portion formed on the inclined portion of the air intake housing, such that when the air descends to a predetermined height, the flow rate and flow direction of the air flowing along the inclined portion of the air intake housing can be changed.

[0041] Beneficial effects

[0042] According to the vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention, the interference avoidance groove is formed in the air intake housing surrounding the fastening portion of the photocatalyst module. Therefore, the fastening portion surrounding the photocatalyst module ensures a certain size of working space.

[0043] Furthermore, since the fastening portion surrounding the photocatalyst module ensures a working space of a certain size, assembly tools can be accommodated within this working space during the assembly and disassembly of the photocatalyst module. This allows for the smooth assembly or disassembly of the photocatalyst module using appropriate tools.

[0044] Furthermore, the ease of assembly and maintenance of the photocatalyst module can be improved because the assembly or separation of the photocatalyst module can be smoothly carried out using working tools.

[0045] Furthermore, since the airflow regulating section is formed on the inner inclined portion of the air intake housing, the airflow regulating section can change the flow rate and flow direction of the air drawn from the inclined portion to the air inlet of the blower.

[0046] Furthermore, since the flow rate and direction of the air drawn from the inclined portion to the air inlet of the blower can be changed, air turbulence and the resulting rumbling noise caused by excessive flow rate at the air inlet can be prevented.

[0047] Furthermore, it can improve passenger comfort inside the vehicle by preventing air turbulence and rumbling noise at the air inlet. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional vehicle air conditioning system.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle air conditioning system according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a perspective view specifically illustrating the main features of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Before describing the features of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the present invention, reference will be made to... Figure 2 Briefly describe the vehicle's air conditioning system.

[0053] The air conditioning system includes an air intake 10 and a heat exchanger 20. The air intake 10 draws in indoor or outdoor air and blows the air into the vehicle interior, while the heat exchanger 20 cools or heats the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0054] The air intake 10 includes an air intake housing 12. The air intake housing 12 includes an indoor air inlet 12a, an outdoor air inlet 12b, and an air intake valve (not shown) disposed between the indoor air inlet 12a and the outdoor air inlet 12b.

[0055] In addition, the air intake 10 includes an air filter 14 and a blower 16.

[0056] The blower 16 is provided with a blower housing 16a and a blower fan 16b. The blower 16 draws indoor or outdoor air into the blower housing 16a through the indoor air inlet 12a or the outdoor air inlet 12b, and blows the indoor or outdoor air toward the heat exchanger section 20 through the downstream expansion section 16c.

[0057] In addition, the air intake 10 also includes a photocatalyst module 30, which is used to improve the quality of the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0058] The photocatalyst module 30 is provided with a light source (not shown) and a catalyst (not shown). The photocatalyst module 30 generates superoxide radicals by inducing a photocatalytic reaction in the catalyst section using visible light from the light source, and removes odors, bacteria and various pollutants from the air blown into the vehicle interior by using the superoxide radicals.

[0059] The photocatalyst module 30 is mounted on the outer surface of the downstream expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a of the air intake section 10. At this time, the fastening portion of the photocatalyst module 30 is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the side surface of the downstream expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a by means of threaded fastening.

[0060] Meanwhile, the screw fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30 is densely arranged together with one side portion 12c of the air intake housing 12, which has a built-in air filter 14.

[0061] At this time, one side portion 12c of the air intake housing 12 is tilted at a predetermined angle to prevent interference with the photocatalyst module 30.

[0062] In this respect, since the side portion 12c of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the photocatalyst module 30 is formed to be inclined, the internal portion of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the photocatalyst module 30 also has an inclined portion 12d.

[0063] Since the internal portion of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the photocatalyst module 30 is formed by an inclined portion 12d, air passing through one side portion 14a of the bottom surface of the air filter 14 flows along the inclined portion 12d into the air path located on the air inlet 16d side of the blower housing 16a.

[0064] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The features of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the present invention are described in detail.

[0065] First, the vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention includes an interference avoidance groove 40 formed on the outer surface of the intake housing 12 surrounding the photocatalyst module 30 mounted in the expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a.

[0066] Interference avoidance groove 40 is formed in the portion of the intake housing 12 surrounding the outer surface of the photocatalyst module 30, corresponding to the fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30.

[0067] In this respect, the outer surface portion of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30 corresponds to the airflow path extending from one side portion 14a of the bottom surface of the air filter 14 inside the intake housing 12 to the air inlet 16d of the blower housing 16a.

[0068] Therefore, the interference avoidance groove 40 is formed on the outer surface portion of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the air flow path extending from one side portion 14a of the bottom surface of the air filter 14 to the air inlet 16d of the blower housing 16a.

[0069] Since the interference avoidance groove 40 is formed on the outer surface portion of the intake housing 12 surrounding the photocatalyst module 30, interference between the photocatalyst module 30 and the intake housing 12 can be prevented.

[0070] Specifically, when the photocatalyst module 30 is assembled into the expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a and when the photocatalyst module is separated from the expansion portion 16c of the blower housing 16a, interference between the photocatalyst module 30 and the intake housing 12 can be prevented.

[0071] Therefore, the assembly and separation of the photocatalyst module 30 can be performed more easily.

[0072] Furthermore, since the interference avoidance groove 40 is formed to correspond to the fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30, a working space S of a certain size can be ensured around the fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30.

[0073] Therefore, when assembling and separating the photocatalyst module 30, the assembly tools can be housed in the working space S.

[0074] Therefore, when assembling and separating the photocatalyst module 30, the assembly and separation operations can be performed smoothly using specialized tools. As a result, the ease of assembly and maintenance of the photocatalyst module can be improved.

[0075] Meanwhile, an interference avoidance groove 40 is formed by recessing the portion of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30 inward.

[0076] In particular, preferably, the interference avoidance groove 40 is formed by recessing a portion of the intake housing 12 into a shape corresponding to the shape of the fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30.

[0077] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3The vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention further includes a tilted portion side airflow regulating portion 50, which is configured to regulate the flow of air passing through a side portion 14a of the air filter 14 and then along the internal tilted portion 12d of the intake housing 12 toward the air inlet 16d of the blower 16.

[0078] The inclined portion airflow regulating portion 50 includes a stepped portion 52 formed on the inclined portion 12d inside the intake housing 12.

[0079] The stepped portion 52 is formed as a part of the inclined portion 12d on the air inlet 16d of the blower 16 relative to the air inlet housing 12, forming a step at a certain height h.

[0080] When air flows rapidly along the inclined portion 12d of the intake housing 12, the stepped portion 52 allows the air passing through one side portion 14a of the air filter 14 to drop to a predetermined height h.

[0081] Therefore, by setting the step portion 52, the speed and direction of the air flowing rapidly along the inclined portion 12d can be changed.

[0082] Therefore, by changing the flow rate and direction of the air drawn into the air inlet 16d of the blower 16, the air vortex generated at the air inlet 16d of the blower 16 can be prevented.

[0083] As a result, the air vortex generated at the air inlet 16d of the blower 16 and the rumbling noise caused by the air vortex can be prevented, thereby improving the ride comfort inside the vehicle.

[0084] In this respect, the step portion 52 is formed as a step at a predetermined height h on the inclined portion 12d. Preferably, the step portion 52 is formed gently with a predetermined curvature R. This is to prevent rapid changes in the velocity and direction of airflow along the step portion 52.

[0085] Meanwhile, when the interference avoidance groove 40 is formed on the outer surface of the intake housing 12 corresponding to the inner inclined portion 12d of the intake housing 12, the step portion 52 is formed in a stepped manner toward the inside of the intake housing 12.

[0086] Specifically, the interference avoidance groove 40 is formed by recessing a portion of the outer surface of the intake housing 12 inward. During the formation of the interference avoidance groove 40, the inner inclined portion 12d of the intake housing 12 protrudes in a shape opposite to that of the interference avoidance groove 40.

[0087] According to the vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention with this configuration, an interference avoidance groove 40 is formed in the intake housing 12 surrounding the fastening portion 32 of the photocatalyst module 30. Therefore, the fastening portion 32 surrounding the photocatalyst module 30 can ensure a working space S of a certain size.

[0088] Furthermore, since the fastening portion 32 surrounding the photocatalyst module 30 ensures a working space S of a certain size, assembly tools can be accommodated within the working space S during the assembly and separation of the photocatalyst module. This allows for the smooth assembly and separation of the photocatalyst module 30 using appropriate tools.

[0089] Furthermore, since the assembly and separation of the photocatalyst module 30 can be smoothly performed using work tools, the ease of assembly and maintenance of the photocatalyst module 30 can be improved.

[0090] Furthermore, since the airflow regulating section 50 is formed on the internal inclined portion 12d of the air intake housing 12, the flow rate and flow direction of the air drawn from the internal inclined portion 12d to the air inlet 16d of the blower 16 can be changed by using the airflow regulating section 50.

[0091] Furthermore, since the air velocity and flow direction of the air drawn from the inclined section 12d to the air inlet 16d of the blower 16 can be changed, the air vortex generated at the air inlet 16d due to the drastic change in air velocity and flow direction, as well as the resulting rumbling noise, can be prevented.

[0092] Furthermore, it can improve passenger comfort inside the vehicle by preventing air turbulence and rumbling noise at the air inlet 16d.

[0093] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning system, the vehicle air conditioning system comprising: An air intake, configured to draw in indoor or outdoor air and blow the air into the vehicle interior; as well as A photocatalyst module configured to purify the air by emitting superoxide radicals into the air blown from the air intake into the vehicle interior. The photocatalyst module is installed on the downstream outer surface of the blower housing of the air intake section, and To prevent interference with the photocatalyst module, an interference-avoidance groove is formed on the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the periphery of the photocatalyst module installed in the blower housing. The photocatalyst module is assembled to the downstream outer surface portion of the blower housing using screw fasteners. The interference-avoidance groove is formed in a portion of the outer surface of the air intake housing surrounding the photocatalyst module, corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module. Wherein, the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module corresponds to the airflow path extending from one side of the bottom surface of the air filter inside the air intake to the air inlet of the blower housing, and The interference avoidance groove is formed on the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the airflow path extending from one side portion of the bottom surface of the air filter to the air inlet of the blower housing. The interference avoidance groove is formed by recessing the outer surface portion of the intake housing, which corresponds to the airflow path extending from one side of the bottom surface of the air filter to the air inlet of the blower housing. The air intake housing includes an internal portion corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module, the inclined portion being inclined at a predetermined angle from one side of the bottom surface of the air filter toward the air inlet of the blower housing, and the vehicle air conditioning system further includes: An airflow regulating section is configured to regulate the flow of air along the inclined portion when air passing through the side portion of the air filter flows along the inclined portion of the inner surface portion of the air intake housing. The airflow regulating section includes a stepped portion formed on the inclined portion of the air intake housing, which allows the flow rate and direction of the air flowing along the inclined portion of the air intake housing to be changed when the air descends to a predetermined height.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The interference avoidance groove is formed on the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module, so that a certain size of working space can be ensured between the air intake housing and the screw fastening portion.

3. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein, The interference avoidance groove is formed by recessing the outer surface portion of the air intake housing corresponding to the screw fastening portion of the photocatalyst module inward.

4. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The stepped portion is formed as a step at the predetermined height on the inclined portion of the blower housing relative to the air inlet side of the air intake housing.

5. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein, The stepped portion forms a step with a predetermined curvature and a predetermined height relative to the inclined portion of the air intake housing on the air inlet side of the blower housing.

6. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein, When the interference avoidance groove is formed by recessing the outer surface portion of the intake housing corresponding to the inclined portion of the intake housing, the stepped portion protrudes in a shape opposite to the shape of the interference avoidance groove.

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