Air conditioning unit for a vehicle

Abstract

An air conditioning unit is installed in a vehicle, comprising: an air conditioning housing (12); a blower (20) that sends air in the air conditioning housing to a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a blower motor (202) that drives the blower; and a functional component (16, 18) that implements a part of an air conditioning function in the air conditioning housing, the functional component being disposed between a noise source (204, 206, 207) that generates electromagnetic noise in the blower motor and a protected area (G, G1, G2) that is at least a part of the passenger compartment, and including a substance that shields the electromagnetic noise.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-074920, filed on April 27, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning unit installed in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Conventionally, air conditioning units installed in vehicles include fans that deliver air for air conditioning into the vehicle interior. Electric motors are used as the power source for these fans (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-3958 Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is known that the electric motor of the aforementioned blower generates electromagnetic noise during operation, which may adversely affect the operation of electronic devices (such as electronic wireless keys) inside the vehicle. Therefore, the inventors investigated using a conductive metal cover to shield the electric motor from this electromagnetic noise. However, according to the inventors' research, if a dedicated component not intended for air conditioning is used to shield the electromagnetic noise, the size and weight of the air conditioning unit will increase. Furthermore, the increased number of components in the air conditioning unit will increase the cost.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to suppress the adverse effects of electromagnetic noise generated by the motor of the blower without using dedicated components not intended for air conditioning functions.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning unit installed in a vehicle includes: an air conditioning housing; a blower that delivers air from the air conditioning housing to the vehicle interior; a blower motor that drives the blower; and a functional component that performs part of the air conditioning function within the air conditioning housing. The functional component is disposed between a noise source in the blower motor that generates electromagnetic noise and a protective area that is at least part of the vehicle interior, and includes a material that shields the electromagnetic noise.

[0010] Therefore, the likelihood of ensuring the proper operation of electronic devices placed within the protected area increases. Furthermore, functional components that are part of the air conditioning function are used as shielding components for electromagnetic noise. Thus, it is possible to prevent the excessive increase in the size, weight, and number of components of the air conditioning unit solely for electromagnetic noise shielding purposes, rather than for the purpose of air conditioning functionality.

[0011] In addition, the parenthesized reference symbols used to annotate each constituent element, etc., are an example of the correspondence between the constituent element, etc., and the specific constituent elements, etc., described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of section I II I.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit according to the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle's structure.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of section VI I-VI I. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (First Implementation)

[0020] The first embodiment will be described below. The air conditioning unit of this embodiment is installed in... Figure 1 Vehicle 1 is shown. (As shown) Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 1 is equipped with an engine compartment 2, a firewall 3, and a cabin 4.

[0021] Figure 1 , Figure 2 Arrows DR1, DR2, and DR3 indicate directions relative to vehicle 1. That is, arrow DR1 indicates the front-to-back direction of vehicle 1, arrow DR2 indicates the vertical direction of vehicle 1, and arrow DR3 indicates the width direction of vehicle 1.

[0022] An engine compartment 2 is located on a front side relative to a firewall 3 and a vehicle compartment 4 in the vehicle front-rear direction DR1, and is provided with a device (such as an internal combustion engine, an electric motor for vehicle traveling, etc.) that generates power for driving the vehicle 1. The firewall 3 is a partition wall that separates the engine compartment 2 and the vehicle compartment 4 from each other in the vehicle front-rear direction DR1.

[0023] The vehicle compartment 4 is arranged at the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction DR1 relative to the firewall 3, and is a compartment for an occupant P of the vehicle 1 to enter. The vehicle compartment 4 is provided with an instrument panel 40, a driver seat 41, a passenger seat 42, a rear seat 43, a cup holder 44, an air conditioning unit 6 and the like. In the driver seat 41 and the passenger seat 42 which serve as front seats, Figure 1 the former is located on the right side and the latter is located on the left side; however, as another example, the driver seat 41 may be located on the left side and the passenger seat 42 may be located on the right side.

[0024] The instrument panel 40 is located on a front side relative to the driver seat 41 and the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle front-rear direction DR1, and is located at the rear side of the engine compartment 2. The instrument panel 40 is arranged within a range from the right end to the left end of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction DR1. The instrument panel 40 is provided with a center console 5 at a central portion in the vehicle width direction DR3. The center console 5 is arranged between the driver seat 41 and the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle width direction DR3, and is arranged on a front side relative to the driver seat 41 and the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle front-rear direction DR1.

[0025] The center console 5 includes an operation display panel 7 and a storage compartment (Japanese: monoiire) 8. The operation display panel 7 is a device that displays information and receives user operations for controlling on-vehicle devices. The center console 5 may also include one or both of a navigation device and an air conditioning control panel, for example.

[0026] The storage compartment 8 is a holding member provided for holding and storing small items in the vehicle compartment 4. Small items refer to articles carried by an occupant of the vehicle 1, for example, coins, cards, keys, electronic wireless keys, portable information communication terminals, etc. can be enumerated. An electronic wireless key is a device carried by an occupant that performs wireless communication with the vehicle 1 to permit operations such as locking a vehicle door, unlocking a door, and turning on a main switch.

[0027] The main switch is a switch for turning on and off a main power supply that enables the vehicle 1 to travel through an accelerator operation. When the vehicle 1 is provided with an internal combustion engine, the main switch is an ignition switch that permits power conduction for starting the internal combustion engine. When the vehicle 1 is not provided with an internal combustion engine but is provided with a motor for traveling, the main switch is a switch that permits power conduction to the motor based on an accelerator operation.

[0028] Storage compartment 8 can also switch between a state where it is stored inside the center console 5 and a state where it protrudes from the center console 5 to the rear side of DR1 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, allowing small items to be retrieved and placed inside. In the former state, occupants cannot access the small items held by storage compartment 8, but in the latter state, occupants can access the small items held by storage compartment 8.

[0029] The storage compartment 8 is located between the positions of the driver's seat 41 and the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle width direction DR3.

[0030] The cup holder 44 is a holding member provided for holding containers. The container can be a container filled with beverages (e.g., a paper cup, a plastic beverage bottle), or a container capable of holding small items like those described above (e.g., a paper cup, a cup-shaped item holder). When the cup holder 44 holds a container containing a small item, the cup holder 44 simultaneously holds that small item. Passengers can touch the small item held by the cup holder 44.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the cup holder 44 can also be installed on the center console 5. More specifically, the cup holder 44 can also be configured to protrude from the surface of the center console 5 on the rear side of the center console 5 in the vehicle longitudinal direction DR1. The position of the cup holder 44 in the vehicle width direction DR3 can also be located between the position of the driver's seat 41 in the vehicle width direction DR3 and the position of the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle width direction DR3. Alternatively, the cup holder 44 can also be located between the driver's seat 41 and the passenger seat 42. In addition, the cup holder 44 can also be installed during the manufacture of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the cup holder 44 can also be an aftermarket product and installed in any location in the vehicle interior by the user who acquires the vehicle 1 after its manufacture.

[0032] The air conditioning unit 6 is located inside the center console 5 within the vehicle compartment 4. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning unit 6 has an air conditioning housing 12, a filter 14, an evaporator 16, a heater core 18, a blower 20, an upper air mixing door 23, a lower air mixing door 24, a front door 25, a foot door 26, and an upper and lower connecting door 27.

[0033] The air conditioning housing 12 is a resin component constituting the outer shell of the air conditioning unit 6. The air conditioning housing 12 has multiple air inlets 121, a front opening 122, and a foot opening 123. An internal passage 124 for airflow is formed inside the air conditioning housing 12. Each of the multiple air inlets 121 has a vent for introducing either outside air (external air) or inside air (internal air) from outside the air conditioning housing 12 into the internal passage 124. This vent is connected to the upstream side of the airflow in the internal passage 124. An internal / external air switching door (not shown) is provided in each air inlet 121, which switches the air flowing into the air inlet 121 to either internal or external air.

[0034] Furthermore, vents for allowing air to flow from the housing internal passage 124 to the vehicle interior, which is the exterior of the air conditioning housing 12, are formed in the front opening 122 and the foot opening 123, respectively. These vents are connected to the downstream side of the airflow in the housing internal passage 124. Therefore, air from the housing internal passage 124 flows into the vehicle interior via the front opening 122 and the foot opening 123. Figure 1 Arrows FL1, FL2, FL3, and FL4 indicate the airflow in passage 124 within the housing.

[0035] The filter 14 is disposed in the housing passage 124 on the downstream side of the airflow relative to the plurality of air inlets 121, and captures dust and the like contained in the air passing through the filter 14.

[0036] The evaporator 16 is disposed downstream of the filter 14 in the housing passage 124. Furthermore, the evaporator 16 cools the air flowing through the housing passage 124. For example, the evaporator 16, together with a compressor (not shown), a condenser, and an expansion valve, constitutes a well-known refrigeration cycle device for circulating refrigerant. The evaporator 16 allows the air passing through it to exchange heat with other media (i.e., refrigerant), thereby causing the refrigerant to evaporate and cooling the air. The compressor and condenser may also be disposed, for example, in the engine compartment 2. Thus, the evaporator 16 is a cooling heat exchanger that performs the function of cooling the air supplied from the air conditioning housing 12 to the vehicle compartment 4. This cooling function is equivalent to part of the air conditioning function.

[0037] The evaporator 16 has a plate shape. That is, the evaporator 16 has two opposing plate surfaces and a side surface connecting the two plate surfaces.

[0038] Furthermore, the evaporator 16 contains a material with electromagnetic wave shielding properties. For example, it contains 10% by weight or more of this material. Specifically, the evaporator 16 has: multiple tubes through which refrigerant flows; a side tank connected to one end of the interior of the multiple tubes; and another side tank connected to the other end of the interior of the multiple tubes. Moreover, these multiple tubes, the side tank, and the other side tank are made of a material with electromagnetic wave shielding properties. Conductive or magnetic materials can be used as electromagnetic wave shielding materials. Examples of electromagnetic wave shielding materials are conductive metals such as aluminum, but other materials (e.g., carbon fiber) can also be used.

[0039] The blower 20 has a blower fan 201 disposed in the housing passage 124 and rotating about the fan axis CLf, and a blower motor 202 that drives the blower fan 201 to rotate. The blower 20 is disposed in the air conditioning housing 12 downstream of the airflow relative to the evaporator 16.

[0040] The air supply fan 201 is a centrifugal fan that is rotated by the air supply motor 202 and generates airflow in the passage 124 within the housing. The air supply fan 201 draws in air from one side of the fan axis CLf (dara) and blows the drawn-in air radially outward. As indicated by arrows FL3 and FL4, the radially outward-blown air is guided by the inner wall of the air conditioning housing 12 and flows downstream of the air supply fan 201 in the passage 124 within the housing, i.e., the rear side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction DR1.

[0041] The blower motor 202 is a brushless electric motor that rotates the blower fan 201 by energizing it. The blower motor 202 includes a circuit section 204, a mechanism section 205, etc. The circuit section 204 has a circuit board and a drive circuit mounted on the circuit board. The mechanism section 205 includes a rotor, a stator, a shaft, etc. The stator generates magnetic force through the current supplied from the drive circuit, and the rotor rotates due to changes in this magnetic force. The shaft rotates with the rotor by transmitting rotational force from the rotor, and uses this rotational force to rotate the blower fan 201.

[0042] The drive circuit includes an inverter section that repeatedly switches the direction of the current flowing from the drive circuit to the stator at moments that coordinate with the rotation of the rotor. By repeatedly switching the direction of the current flowing from the drive circuit to the stator, the magnetic force generated by the stator changes repeatedly, and as described above, the blower fan 201 rotates continuously. Furthermore, electromagnetic noise is generated when the inverter switches the direction of the current.

[0043] Thus, the circuit section 204 of the blower motor 202 becomes a source of electromagnetic noise. If this electromagnetic noise is radiated at a high intensity to the electronic equipment inside the vehicle compartment 4, the operation of the electronic equipment may become unstable. For example, if the electromagnetic noise is radiated at a high intensity to the aforementioned electronic wireless key, it may interfere with the communication between the electronic wireless key and the vehicle 1. Even for portable information communication terminals, communication may still be hindered even if the communication counterpart is located outside the vehicle 1.

[0044] The blower 20 is an intake type arrangement where the blower fan 201 is positioned downstream of the evaporator 16 in the airflow. The blower 20 is configured such that one side of the fan axis DRa, which serves as the air intake side of the blower fan 201, is opposite to the air outlet surface 16b of the evaporator 16. Therefore, the blower fan 201 is configured such that the other side of the fan axis CLf, which coincides with the other side of the fan axis DRa, extends in the direction of the airflow downstream of the internal passage 124 of the housing.

[0045] The blower 20 of this structure draws air from the evaporator 16 side inside the air conditioning housing 12, as indicated by arrows FL1 and FL2, and blows the drawn-in air out towards the front opening 122 and foot opening 123, as indicated by arrows FL3 and FL4. Thus, the blower 20 fulfills the function of delivering air from the air conditioning housing 12 to the passenger compartment 4. Furthermore, the blower 20 and the electrical unit 204 are located in the vehicle width direction DR3 between the driver's seat 41 and the passenger seat 42.

[0046] The air conditioning unit 6 also has an internal partition wall 22 that divides the passage in the internal passage 124 that is downstream of the airflow from the air supply fan 201 into a first downstream passage 124a and a second downstream passage 124b that extend side by side. The first downstream passage 124a is positioned to the right of the internal partition wall 22 in the vertical direction DR2 of the vehicle, and the second downstream passage 124b is positioned to the left of the internal partition wall 22 in the vertical direction DR2 of the vehicle.

[0047] The heater core 18 is disposed within the air conditioning housing 12 in the housing passage 124 downstream of the airflow relative to the air supply fan 201. The position of the heater core 18 in the vehicle width direction DR3 is located between the position of the driver's seat 41 in the vehicle width direction DR3 and the position of the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle width direction DR3.

[0048] The heater core 18 has a plate shape. That is, the heater core 18 has two opposing plate surfaces 18a and 18b and a side surface 18c connecting the two plate surfaces 18a and 18b.

[0049] The heater core 18 heats the air passing through it, which is blown out from the blower fan 201. More specifically, the heater core 18 heats the air by exchanging heat with another medium. This other medium is a high-temperature heat medium flowing inside the heater core 18. The high-temperature heat medium can be, for example, the refrigerant compressed by the aforementioned compressor, or high-temperature engine coolant. Thus, the heater core 18 is a heat exchanger that heats the air supplied from the air conditioning housing 12 to the vehicle compartment 4. This heating function is part of the air conditioning function.

[0050] Furthermore, the heater core 18 is configured to span both the first downstream passage 124a and the second downstream passage 124b. Therefore, the heater core 18 has a first heating portion 181 disposed in the first downstream passage 124a and a second heating portion 182 disposed in the second downstream passage 124b.

[0051] Furthermore, the heater core 18 contains a material with electromagnetic wave shielding properties. For example, it contains more than 10% by weight of such a material. Specifically, the heater core 18 has: multiple tubes through which the aforementioned heat medium flows; a side tank connected to one end of the interior of the multiple tubes; and another side tank connected to the other end of the interior of the multiple tubes. Moreover, these multiple tubes, the side tank, and the other side tank are made of a material with electromagnetic wave shielding properties. Conductive or magnetic materials can be used as electromagnetic wave shielding materials. For example, conductive metals such as aluminum can be used, but other materials (such as carbon fiber) can also be used. Thus, in the air conditioning unit 6, the evaporator 16, the blower 20, and the heater core 18 are arranged in this order in the vehicle's longitudinal direction DR1.

[0052] The upper air mixing door 23 and the lower air mixing door 24 are disposed within the air conditioning housing 12 on the downstream side of the airflow relative to the air supply fan 201. For example, the upper air mixing door 23 and the lower air mixing door 24 are sliding door mechanisms and are slidable by electric actuators.

[0053] Specifically, the upper air mixing gate 23 is disposed upstream of the heater core 181 in the first downstream passage 124a relative to the first heating section 181 of the heater core 18. Furthermore, the upper air mixing gate 23 adjusts the ratio of the airflow passing through the first heating section 181 to the airflow flowing around the first heating section 181. This regulates the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior through the first downstream passage 124a.

[0054] Furthermore, the lower air mixing gate 24 is disposed upstream of the second heating section 182 of the heater core 18 in the second downstream passage 124b. Moreover, the lower air mixing gate 24 regulates the ratio of the airflow through the second heating section 182 to the airflow bypassing the second heating section 182. This regulates the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior through the second downstream passage 124b.

[0055] The air conditioning housing 12 has a face opening 122 connected to the downstream side of the airflow relative to the first heating section 181 of the heater core 18, and a foot opening 123 connected to the downstream side of the airflow relative to the second heating section 182 of the heater core 18. The face opening 122 is an opening for blowing air towards the face of an occupant sitting in the driver's seat 41 or the front passenger seat 42. The foot opening 123 is an opening for blowing air towards the feet of an occupant sitting in the driver's seat 41 or the front passenger seat 42. In addition to the face opening 122 and the foot opening 123, the air conditioning housing 12 may also have an opening for blowing air into the vehicle compartment 4.

[0056] The vertical connecting door 27 is disposed in the internal passage 124 of the housing, downstream of the airflow relative to the heater core 18, and is located at the junction of the first downstream passage 124a and the second downstream passage 124b. The vertical connecting door 27 is an open and close door; in the open position, it allows the first downstream passage 124a and the second downstream passage 124b to communicate with each other, and in the closed position, it prevents the communication between the first downstream passage 124a and the second downstream passage 124b.

[0057] Here, use Figure 1 , Figure 2 The positional relationships of the circuit section 204, heater core 18, cup holder 44, and storage compartment 8, which are noise sources, will be explained. The heater core 18 is disposed between the circuit section 204 and the protection area G. Thus, part or all of the circuit section 204 is hidden from the protection area G through the heater core 18. That is, for any combination of the position contained in the protection area G and the position contained in that part or all of the circuit section 204, the straight line connecting these two positions also passes through the heater core 18.

[0058] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the protected area G includes a portion of the space outside the air conditioning unit 6 within the vehicle compartment 4. Additionally, the protected area G includes a portion of the space outside the instrument panel 40 within the vehicle compartment 4. More specifically, the circuit section 204 and the heater core section 18 are configured such that the protected area G includes the locations of the storage compartment 8 and the cup holder 44. The storage compartment 8 is located within the protected area G, both when it is retracted into the center console 5 and when it protrudes from the center console 5.

[0059] Moreover, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, one side of the outer surface 18a of the heater core 18 faces the circuit section 204. That is, a vertical line X1 can be imaginarily dropped from part or all of the circuit section 204 relative to the side surface 18a.

[0060] Furthermore, the panel 18b on the other side of the heater core 18's outline faces the storage compartment 8. That is, a vertical line X2 can be imaginarily lowered from part or all of the object 8 relative to this other side panel 18b. Additionally, whether the storage compartment 8 is stored in the center console 5 or protruding from the center console 5, the panel 18b on the other side of the heater core 18's outline faces the storage compartment 8. Furthermore, the panel 18b on the other side of the heater core 18's outline does not face the cup holder 44, but as another example, it may face it.

[0061] The operation of the air conditioning unit 6 configured as described above will be explained. When the air conditioning unit 6 is in operation, the circuit section 204 of the blower motor 202 is energized, and current flows from the circuit section 204 to the stator of the mechanism section 205, with the direction of the current changing repeatedly. As a result, the rotor and shaft of the mechanism section 205 rotate continuously, and consequently, the blower fan 201 rotates continuously.

[0062] Air is drawn into the air conditioning housing 12 by the rotation of the air supply fan 201, as indicated by arrows FL1 and FL2. The air then passes through the filter 14 and evaporator 16 before being drawn back into the air supply fan 201 and blown out from its outer periphery. The blown air flows to the first downstream passage 124a and the second downstream passage 124b, as indicated by arrows FL3 and FL4, and after passing through or detouring around the first heating section 181, it passes through openings such as the face opening 122 and foot opening 123 and is blown into the passenger compartment 4. During cooling, the air entering the passenger compartment 4 through the air conditioning housing 12 is cooled by the evaporator 16. Similarly, during heating, the air entering the passenger compartment 4 through the air conditioning housing 12 is cooled by the evaporator 16. The opening degrees of the upper air mixing door 23, lower air mixing door 24, face door 25, foot door 26, and upper and lower connecting door 27 are adjusted according to the needs of this operation.

[0063] Furthermore, when occupants are seated in vehicle 1, and the air conditioning unit 6 is operating, causing the air supply fan 201 to rotate continuously, electromagnetic noise is generated and emitted in the circuit section 204, as described above. However, the heater core 18 shields this electromagnetic noise. As a result, the impact of this electromagnetic noise is significantly reduced in the protected area G within the passenger compartment 4.

[0064] As described above, the heater core 18 is positioned between the circuit section 204 in the blower motor 202 that generates electromagnetic noise and the protection area G inside the vehicle compartment 4, and shields the electromagnetic noise generated by the circuit section 204 that propagates toward the protection area G.

[0065] Therefore, the operation of the storage compartment 8 within the protected area G and the electronic devices placed on the cup holder 44 will not be affected. For example, communication between the electronic wireless key and the receiver installed in the vehicle 1 can be performed smoothly without being hindered by the electromagnetic noise. Moreover, the heater core 18, which is a functional component that is part of the air conditioning function, is used as a component for shielding electromagnetic noise. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the excessive increase in the size, weight, and number of components of the air conditioning unit 6 for the purpose of shielding electromagnetic noise, even if it is not for the purpose of air conditioning function.

[0066] (1) In addition, the circuit section 204 and the heater core section 18 are configured such that the protected area G includes the storage compartment 8 and the cup holder 44 provided for keeping the items carried by the occupants in the cabin 4.

[0067] Electronic devices such as electronic wireless keys and portable information communication terminals are more likely to be placed in the storage compartments 8 and cup holders 44, which are designed to hold the items carried by the occupants in the cabin 4. Therefore, by including such storage compartments 8 and cup holders 44 in the protected area G, even if electronic devices are placed in the storage compartments 8, it will not adversely affect the operation of the electronic devices.

[0068] (2) In addition, the position of the circuit section 204 in the vehicle width direction DR3 is located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and the position of the storage compartment 8 and the cup holder 44 in the vehicle width direction DR3 is located between the driver's seat 41 and the passenger seat 42.

[0069] Thus, storage compartments 8 and cup holders 44 are positioned in locations suitable for occupants to place electronic devices such as electronic wireless keys and portable information communication terminals. Furthermore, a circuit section 204, which serves as a noise source, is located at a position DR3 in the vehicle width direction corresponding to this location. In this situation, electromagnetic noise can easily adversely affect the operation of electronic devices. Therefore, by using the heater core 18 to shield electromagnetic noise between the circuit section 204 and the storage compartments 8 and cup holders 44, the electromagnetic noise shielding function of the heater core 18 can be effectively achieved.

[0070] (3) Furthermore, the heater core 18 is plate-shaped. One side of the heater core 18, plate surface 18a, faces the circuit section 204, which serves as a noise source. The other side of the heater core 18, plate surface 18b, faces the storage compartment 8. Thus, by effectively utilizing the plate-shaped shape of the heater core 18, the position of the storage compartment 8 can be well protected from electromagnetic noise.

[0071] (4) Furthermore, a heat exchanger is used as a functional component for shielding electromagnetic noise, which exchanges heat with the air inside the air conditioner housing 12. Many materials, such as various conductive metals and carbon fibers, are available that can achieve electromagnetic wave shielding while maintaining the high heat transfer performance inherent in its function as a heat exchanger. In other words, the heat transfer performance and electromagnetic wave shielding properties are highly compatible. Therefore, a heat exchanger is suitable as a component for shielding electromagnetic noise.

[0072] (5) Furthermore, the blower 20 is located downstream of the evaporator 16 and upstream of the heater core 18 in the airflow within the air conditioning housing 12. This arrangement within the air conditioning housing 12 allows the blower 20 to be closer to the heater core 18 compared to a conventional arrangement where the blower 20 is located upstream of both the heater core 18 and the evaporator 16 in the airflow. As a result, the heater core 18 becomes more effective as a functional component for shielding electromagnetic noise from the circuit section 204.

[0073] (Second Implementation)

[0074] Next, use Figure 4 The second embodiment will be described. The structure of the blower motor 202 differs from that of the first embodiment. The blower motor 202 in the first embodiment is a brushless motor, but the blower motor 202 in this embodiment is a brushed motor.

[0075] Specifically, the blower motor 202 includes a rectifier 206, brushes 207, and a mechanism 208. Brushes 207 supply current to the rectifier 206. The mechanism 208 includes a rotor, stator, and shaft. The stator generates magnetic force through the current supplied from the rectifier 206, and the rotor rotates due to changes in this magnetic force. The shaft rotates with the rotor by transmitting rotational force from it, and uses this rotational force to rotate the blower fan 201. The rectifier 206 slides relative to the brushes 207 by rotating with the rotor, and the contact position with the brushes 207 is repeatedly switched. Through this sliding, the direction of the current flowing from the brushes 207 to the rectifier 206 changes, resulting in a change in the magnetic force generated by the rotor, causing the stator and shaft to rotate continuously. The rotational force of the shaft is then transmitted to the blower fan 201, causing it to rotate continuously.

[0076] In this type of brushed electric motor, spark noise is also generated when the contact positions of rectifier 206 and brush 207 switch. This spark noise is equivalent to electromagnetic noise. Thus, the rectifier 206 and brush 207 of the blower motor 202 are sources of electromagnetic noise. If this electromagnetic noise is radiated at a high intensity to the electronic equipment in the vehicle compartment 4, the operation of the electronic equipment may become unstable. For example, if this electromagnetic noise is radiated at a high intensity to the aforementioned electronic wireless key, it may interfere with the communication between the electronic wireless key and the receiver installed in vehicle 1. For portable information communication terminals, although the communication target is different, communication will still be hindered.

[0077] The position of the blower motor 202 in the air conditioning unit 6 in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. Therefore, the positional relationship of the heater core 18, cup holder 44, and storage compartment 8 relative to the rectifier 206 and brush 207 is the same as that of the heater core 18, cup holder 44, and storage compartment 8 relative to the circuit section 204 in the first embodiment.

[0078] Therefore, the heater core 18 is positioned between the rectifier 206 and brush 207 in the blower motor 202, which generate electromagnetic noise, and the protection area G inside the vehicle compartment 4, and shields the electromagnetic noise generated by the rectifier 206 and brush 207 that propagates into the protection area G. Thus, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0079] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the protected area G and the cup holder 44 and storage compartment 8 is the same as in the first embodiment. Additionally, the orientation of the plate surface 18a of the heater core 18 relative to the rectifier 206 and brush 207 is the same as the orientation of the plate surface 18a relative to the circuit section 204 in the first embodiment. Other structures are also the same as in the first embodiment. The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained from the same structure.

[0080] (Third Implementation)

[0081] Next, use Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of the air conditioning unit 6 within the central control console 5 differs from the first embodiment, resulting in a different range of protected areas.

[0082] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fan axis DRa is along the vehicle width direction DR3. Therefore, in the air conditioning unit 6, the evaporator 16, the blower 20, and the heater core 18 are arranged in this order along the vehicle width direction DR3. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a storage compartment 51 is provided at the lower part of the vertical DR2 on the driver's seat 41 side of the instrument panel 40. Additionally, a storage compartment 52 is provided at the lower part of the vertical DR2 on the passenger seat 42 side of the instrument panel 40.

[0083] Storage compartments 51 and 52 are retaining members provided for holding and storing small items within the vehicle compartment 4. Storage compartments 51 and 52 can also switch between a state where they are stored inside the instrument panel 40 and a state where they protrude from the instrument panel 40 towards the rear of the vehicle in the forward / rear direction DR1, allowing for the removal and placement of small items. In the former state, occupants cannot access the small items held by storage compartments 51 and 52, but in the latter state, occupants can access the small items held by storage compartments 51 and 52.

[0084] The position of storage compartment 51 in the vehicle width direction DR3 is based on the position of the driver's seat 41 in the vehicle width direction DR3, and is located on the side opposite to the passenger seat 42. The position of storage compartment 52 in the vehicle width direction DR3 overlaps with the position of the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle width direction DR3.

[0085] The positions of storage compartments 51 and 52 on the vehicle's vertical DR2 are lower than the positions of the air conditioning unit 6 on the vehicle's vertical DR2. The positions of storage compartments 51 and 52 on the vehicle's front-rear DR1 overlap with the positions of the air conditioning unit 6 on the vehicle's front-rear DR1.

[0086] Here, the positional relationship between the circuit section 204, the heater core 18, and the storage compartment 51, which are noise sources, will be explained. The heater core 18 is disposed between the circuit section 204 and the protection area G1. Thus, part or all of the circuit section 204 is hidden from the protection area G1 through the heater core 18. That is, for any combination of the position contained in the protection area G and the position contained in that part or all of the circuit section 204, the straight line connecting these two positions also passes through the heater core 18.

[0087] The protected area G1 includes a portion of the external space of the air conditioning unit 6 within the vehicle compartment 4. Additionally, the protected area G1 includes a portion of the internal space of the instrument panel 40 within the vehicle compartment 4 and a portion of the external space (e.g., the footwell F1 of the driver's seat 41). More specifically, the circuit section 204 and the heater core 18 are configured such that the protected area G1 includes the storage compartment 51. The storage compartment 51 is located within the protected area G1, whether it is tucked into the instrument panel 40 or protruding from the instrument panel 40. Furthermore, one side of the heater core 18 faces the circuit section 204. The other side of the heater core 18 may or may not face the storage compartment 51.

[0088] Next, the positional relationship of the circuit section 204, the evaporator 16, and the storage compartment 52, which are noise sources, will be explained. The evaporator 16 is disposed between the circuit section 204 and the protection area G2. Thus, part or all of the circuit section 204 is hidden from the protection area G2 through the evaporator 16. That is, for any combination of the position contained in the protection area G2 and the position contained in that part or all of the circuit section 204, the straight line connecting these two positions also passes through the evaporator 16.

[0089] The protected area G2 includes a portion of the space outside the air conditioning unit 6 within the vehicle compartment 4. Additionally, the protected area G2 includes a portion of the space inside the instrument panel 40 within the vehicle compartment 4 and a portion of the space outside (e.g., the footwell F2 of the passenger seat 42). More specifically, the electrical section 204 and the evaporator 16 are arranged such that the protected area G2 includes the storage compartment 52. The storage compartment 52 is located within the protected area G2, whether it is tucked into the instrument panel 40 or protruding from it. Furthermore, one side of the evaporator 16 faces the electrical section 204. The other side of the evaporator 16 may or may not face the storage compartment 52.

[0090] Thus, in this embodiment, the circuit section 204, which is a noise source, is sandwiched between two functional components with electromagnetic wave shielding capabilities, namely the evaporator 16 and the heater core 18. Therefore, electromagnetic noise generated by the circuit section 204 can be shielded within a wide solid angle centered on the circuit section 204. Furthermore, for either the evaporator 16 or the heater core 18, there is space within the vehicle compartment 4 on the opposite side of the circuit section 204. As a result, multiple protective areas G1 and G2 are formed within the vehicle compartment 4 in non-overlapping and far apart areas. Moreover, electronic devices placed in the protective areas G1 and G2 of storage compartments 51, 52, etc., are less affected by electromagnetic noise generated by the circuit section 204, and can operate the electronic devices well.

[0091] Furthermore, since the surface of the heater core 18 and the surface of the evaporator 16 are both opposite to the circuit section 204, the electromagnetic noise generated by the circuit section 204 can be shielded by the heater core 18 and the evaporator 16 in a position that is suitable for the shape of the heater core 18 and the evaporator 16.

[0092] In addition, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained from a structure similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, similar to the application of the second embodiment to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the blower motor 202 can also be replaced with a brushed motor. In this case, similar to the second embodiment, the rectifier 206 and brush 207 become noise sources.

[0093] (Other implementation methods)

[0094] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified. Also, the above-described embodiments are not mutually exclusive and can be appropriately combined except where such combination is obviously impossible. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or are clearly necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiment, the quantity is not limited to that specific quantity, except where it is specifically stated to be necessary or is clearly limited to a specific quantity in principle. Furthermore, when multiple values ​​are exemplified for a certain quantity, values ​​between these multiple values ​​can be used, except where they are specifically described separately or are obviously impossible in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, the shape, positional relationship, etc., is not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc., except where it is specifically stated or is limited to a specific shape, positional relationship in principle. Furthermore, this disclosure also allows the following modifications and equivalent modifications relative to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the following modifications can be independently selected to be applied to or not applied to the above-described embodiments. That is, any combination of the following variations can be applied to the above implementation method.

[0095] (Variation Example 1)

[0096] In the above embodiment, the heater core 18 and the evaporator 16 are examples of functional components for shielding electromagnetic noise from noise sources. However, a protected area can also be formed in the vehicle compartment 4 by shielding the noise with other functional components.

[0097] For example, movable components such as the upper air mixing door 23 and the lower air mixing door 24 can also form a protected area within the vehicle compartment 4 by shielding the electromagnetic noise of the noise source with a material containing electromagnetic noise shielding. In addition, the upper air mixing door 23 and the lower air mixing door 24 realize the function of adjusting the degree of air heating in the air conditioning function.

[0098] Furthermore, movable parts such as the blades of the air supply fan 201 can also form a protective zone within the vehicle compartment 4 by shielding the electromagnetic noise of the noise source primarily with a material that shields electromagnetic noise. In this case, the air supply fan 201 is positioned closer to the vehicle compartment 4 than the noise source. Additionally, the blades of the air supply fan 201 perform the air supply function of the air conditioning system.

[0099] In addition, air conditioning components that perform functions other than heating, cooling, adjusting heating levels, and air supply can also form a protected area within the vehicle compartment 4 by shielding electromagnetic noise from the noise source, primarily using materials that shield electromagnetic noise. Such components could be, for example, a front door 25 or foot door 26 that adjusts the air distribution destination within the vehicle compartment 4. Furthermore, such components could be filters 14 that purify the air within the vehicle compartment 4. Additionally, such components could be devices that add odors to the air within the vehicle compartment 4. Finally, such components could be devices that increase the humidity of the air within the vehicle compartment 4.

[0100] (Variation Example 2)

[0101] In the above embodiment, the protective area formed by shielding electromagnetic noise by functional components occupies only a portion of the vehicle compartment 4. However, the protective area may also occupy the entire vehicle compartment 4.

[0102] (Variation Example 3)

[0103] In the above embodiment, the protected area includes the location of a retaining member provided for holding items carried by the occupant within the vehicle compartment 4. However, the protected area may also exclude the location of such a retaining member.

[0104] (Variation Example 4)

[0105] In the above embodiment, the circuit section 204, rectifier 206, and brush 207, which are noise sources, are located between the driver's seat 41 and the passenger seat 42 in the vehicle width direction DR3. However, the location of the noise source in the vehicle width direction DR3 may also be located elsewhere than between the driver's seat 41 and the passenger seat 42.

[0106] (Variation Example 5)

[0107] In the above embodiment, the evaporator 16, the blower 20, and the heater core 18 are arranged sequentially from the upstream of the airflow. However, the arrangement of the evaporator 16, the blower 20, and the heater core 18 in the air conditioning unit 6 is not limited to this. For example, the blower 20, the evaporator 16, and the heater core 18 may be arranged sequentially from the upstream of the airflow, or other arrangements may be used.

[0108] (Variation Example 6)

[0109] In the above embodiments, the air conditioning unit 6 has air supply, heating, and cooling functions. However, the air conditioning unit 6 does not need to include all of these functions. For example, it may only include the cooling and air supply functions, or it may only include the air supply function. Alternatively, the air conditioning unit 6 may only include the air supply and humidification functions.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit, the air conditioning unit being installed in a vehicle, the air conditioning unit comprising: Air conditioner housing; A blower that delivers air from the air conditioning housing to the vehicle interior; A blower motor, which drives the blower; as well as Functional components, which are part of the air conditioning function and are located within the air conditioning housing. The functional component is disposed between the noise source that generates electromagnetic noise in the blower motor and a protective area that is at least part of the vehicle interior, and includes a material for shielding the electromagnetic noise. For any combination of a location contained within the protected area and a location contained in part or all of the noise source, a straight line connecting these two locations passes through the functional component. The noise source and the functional components are configured such that the protected area includes the location of a retaining member provided during the manufacture of the vehicle to retain items carried by passengers within the vehicle interior.

2. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The noise source is located between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat in the width direction of the vehicle. The retaining member is positioned in the width direction of the vehicle between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.

3. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The functional component is plate-shaped. One side of the panel of the functional component faces the noise source. The plate surface on the other side of the functional component is opposite to the retaining member.

4. The air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The functional component is a heat exchanger that facilitates heat exchange between air and other media within the air conditioner housing.

5. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling heat exchanger for cooling the air inside the air conditioner housing. The heat exchanger is a heating heat exchanger used to heat the air inside the air conditioner housing. The blower is located downstream of the cooling heat exchanger and upstream of the heating heat exchanger in the airflow within the air conditioning housing.

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