Heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit (10) for a motor vehicle is proposed, having a first air guide (22) for guiding a first air flow as a cold air flow and a second air guide (24) for guiding a second air flow as a warm air flow separate from the first air flow, wherein a heating device (26) for heating the second air flow is arranged in the second air guide (24). The heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit (10) further has a first mixing chamber (28) and a second mixing chamber (30), wherein the first mixing chamber (28) and the second air guide (24) each have at least one inlet opening (32, 34) leading into the second mixing chamber (30). In the second air guide (24), a shutter (44) is arranged, which is movable between a closed position, in which the flow path of the second air flow to the first mixing chamber (28) is closed, and an open position, in which the second air flow can flow into the first mixing chamber (30), wherein the shutter (44) is arranged downstream of the heating device (26) and at the inlet opening (27) of the second air guide (24) into the first mixing chamber (28).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202080089126.4 entitled "Heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit for automobiles", filed on November 20, 2020. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit for automobiles. Background Technology

[0003] Heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning units are designed to generate one or more temperature-controlled airflows. In automobiles, these units are used for ventilation and air conditioning within the vehicle's interior. Typically, variable airflows may be supplied to different areas of the vehicle's interior, each potentially at a different temperature. To regulate whether and how much air is supplied to a particular area, airflow to different areas of the vehicle's interior can be selectively blocked or allowed.

[0004] In heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning units, a cold airflow is typically obtained downstream of the evaporator. A portion of this cold airflow is split and heated by a heat exchanger. This results in a cold airflow and a warm airflow separated from the cold airflow. To achieve the desired temperature for air conditioning within the vehicle, these two airflows can be mixed in a predetermined ratio.

[0005] To improve the comfort of one or more car passengers, it is desirable for them to be able to set the temperature in different areas of the car interior to their desired temperature in a particularly precise manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit that allows for individual adjustment of temperature and ventilation in different areas of a vehicle interior.

[0007] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit for an automobile, the unit having a first air guide for guiding a first airflow as a cold airflow and a second air guide for guiding a second airflow as a warm airflow separate from the first airflow, wherein a heating device for heating the second airflow is arranged in the second air guide. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit further has a first mixing chamber and a second mixing chamber, wherein the first air guide and the second air guide lead to the first mixing chamber, and each of the first mixing chamber and the second air guide has at least one inlet opening leading to the second mixing chamber. A baffle is arranged in the second air guide, movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the flow path of the second airflow to the first mixing chamber is closed; in the open position, the second airflow can flow into the first mixing chamber. The baffle is arranged downstream of the heating device and at the inlet opening of the second air guide into the first mixing chamber.

[0008] With the aid of the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit according to the invention, cold air and warm air flows can be mixed in a first mixing chamber to generate a mixed air flow. The mixed air flow and at least a portion of the warm air flow can then be mixed together in a second mixing chamber. In this way, two air flows with different controlled temperatures can be generated. Warm air from the second air guide can be supplied to the second mixing chamber by means of a baffle arranged downstream of the heating device and at the inlet opening of the second air guide into the first mixing chamber, while the warm air flow entering the first mixing chamber is blocked. If the baffle is in the closed position, only cold air from the first air guide is supplied to the first mixing chamber. Due to the arrangement of the baffle in the second air guide according to the invention, the temperature of the mixed air already mixed in the two mixing chambers can be set in a particularly flexible manner.

[0009] The baffle in the closed position preferably completely closes the inlet opening of the first mixing chamber, so that no warm air can flow into the first mixing chamber except for a small amount of leaked airflow.

[0010] Heating devices include, for example, heat exchangers. Heat exchangers utilize engine waste heat to heat the airflow, making heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning units particularly energy-efficient. Alternatively or additionally, electric heating elements can be provided to heat the warm airflow particularly quickly. Therefore, a warm airflow can be generated immediately even after a cold start.

[0011] Preferably, another baffle is arranged in the first air guide section, which is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the flow path of the first airflow to the first mixing chamber is closed, particularly completely closed. In the open position, the first airflow can flow into the first mixing chamber. In this way, the flow rate of the cold airflow entering the first mixing chamber can also be adjusted. In this way, the temperature of the mixed air already mixed in the first mixing chamber can be set in a particularly flexible manner, especially by correspondingly controlling the position of the baffle.

[0012] The baffle in the first air guide section is also called the cold air baffle, and the baffle in the second air guide section is also called the warm air baffle.

[0013] In one embodiment, a baffle is arranged at the inlet opening from the first mixing chamber to the second mixing chamber and / or at the inlet opening from the second air guide to the second mixing chamber, in each case. This baffle is movable between an open and a closed position and is used to selectively open or close the inlet opening. Therefore, by the corresponding positioning of the baffle at the inlet opening, the mixing ratio of warm air and mixed air in the second mixing chamber can be set in a particularly flexible manner. Furthermore, in addition to the mixing ratio, the volumetric flow rate exiting the second mixing chamber can also be adjusted. For example, two or at least one baffle can be opened to its maximum extent. Specifically, the two baffles can each be partially opened, such that the volumetric flow rate exiting the second mixing chamber is less than when both baffles are in their maximum open position. In another case, if the second mixing chamber is not needed, both baffles can be closed. With the baffles closed, the inlet opening can be completely closed, so that no air can flow through the inlet opening except for a small amount of leakage airflow.

[0014] In one embodiment, the two baffles are kinetically connected to each other, for example, by a cam mechanism. Thus, the two baffles can be moved by a single drive, specifically from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

[0015] Preferably, the two baffles are kinematically connected to each other, such that both baffles can simultaneously close the inlet opening to the second mixing chamber. This kinematic connection allows for particularly easy control of the baffle positions.

[0016] More specifically, the two baffles can be kinematically connected to each other, allowing them to move relative to each other linearly or non-linearly. This can be achieved through the appropriate design of the insertion mechanism, such as the cam track of a cam mechanism. The advantage of this connection is that the positions of the baffles relative to each other can be set within a certain range of specifications. This means that the possibilities for setting the two baffles relative to each other can be limited, particularly allowing only energy-efficient settings.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the two baffles can move independently of each other, particularly by means of an electric actuator. In this way, the position of each baffle can be set in a particularly flexible manner. Specifically, in this way, any desired ratio of warm air to mixed air can be set in the second mixing chamber.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, a baffle can be installed that is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the baffle closes the inlet opening from the first mixing chamber to the second mixing chamber, and in the second position, it closes, in particular, completely closes, the inlet opening from the second air guide to the second mixing chamber. In both the first and second positions, the baffle constitutes a closed position, thus ensuring that airflow can only pass through one of the two inlet openings. In the intermediate position, airflow can pass through both inlet openings. The advantage of this embodiment is that only one baffle is needed to regulate the air supplied to the second mixing chamber and the mixing ratio of cold and warm air within it. Therefore, this embodiment offers a cost advantage compared to embodiments with a separate baffle at the inlet opening of the second mixing chamber.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first mixing chamber has at least one outlet opening leading to the interior of the vehicle. In this way, temperature-controlled mixed air can be supplied to the interior of the vehicle for its ventilation and temperature control. For example, at least one outlet opening may be provided for each of the following: windshield, front seats, particularly the driver's seat and front passenger seat and / or rear bench seat.

[0020] At the at least one outlet opening, a baffle is preferably also arranged, which is installed to be movable between an open position and a closed position, and which can close the associated outlet opening as needed if airflow is not required in the vehicle area associated with the outlet opening.

[0021] More specifically, the first mixing chamber may have separate passageways leading to different interior areas, each of which can be closed by a dedicated baffle.

[0022] Furthermore, the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit may have an evaporator, with first and second air guides arranged downstream of the evaporator. Through the evaporator, the air can be cooled before entering the air guides. Specifically, at the evaporator, the total airflow is cooled to the temperature of the cold airflow. The total airflow can then be divided into the first and second air guides.

[0023] The first air guide, the second air guide, the first mixing chamber, and / or the second mixing chamber can be formed in a common housing. This allows the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit to have a particularly compact form. Furthermore, this method keeps the assembly cost of the unit low. The housing is formed, for example, by multiple interconnected shells.

[0024] In this configuration, the first and second air guides can share a common partition, at least in certain portions. This also contributes to a compact unit design.

[0025] The heating element and / or evaporator are preferably housed in a common housing. This also contributes to the compact design of the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning units.

[0026] To set the position of all the aforementioned baffles, the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning units may have electronic controls designed to control the position of the movable baffles. Therefore, the desired temperature conditions for the vehicle's passengers can be set inside the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view illustrates a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit according to the present invention, and

[0029] Figure 2 Another heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit according to the present invention is illustrated in schematic cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view shows a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit 10 for an automobile according to the present invention. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit 10 is used for ventilation and air conditioning inside the automobile.

[0031] The heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit 10 has a housing 12, preferably made of plastic.

[0032] The housing 12 has an inlet opening 14 and multiple outlet openings 16, 17, 18, which lead to various air diffusers distributed inside.

[0033] Evaporator 20 is arranged in the area of ​​inlet opening 14. More specifically, evaporator 20 is arranged in housing 12.

[0034] Downstream of the inlet opening 14 and downstream of the evaporator 20, the air guiding passage 21 is divided into a first air guiding section 22 for guiding a first cold air flow and a second air guiding section 24 for guiding a second warm air flow within the formed housing 12. The first air guiding section 22 may also be referred to as the cold air guiding section, and the second air guiding section 24 may be referred to as the warm air guiding section.

[0035] Air guides 22 and 24 are formed as channels in at least some portions and / or are formed by the walls of the housing 12 in at least some portions, along which cold air and / or warm air flows can flow.

[0036] The heating device 26, more specifically a heat exchanger, is arranged in the second air guide section 24. The heating device 26 is also arranged in the housing 12.

[0037] As a replacement or addition to a heat exchanger, the heating device 26 may also include an electric heating element.

[0038] The heating element 26 is sized to completely fill the flow cross-section of the second air guide 24 at the location where it is installed, except for gaps caused by manufacturing in the peripheral area. This means that all of the second warm airflow must flow through the heating element.

[0039] The heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit 10 also includes a first mixing chamber 28 and a second mixing chamber 30. The two mixing chambers 28 and 30 are also formed in the housing 12, but are separated from each other.

[0040] Here, the first air guide 22 is guided past the heating device 26 and directly leads to the first mixing chamber 28 downstream of the heating device 26.

[0041] The second air guide 24 also has an inlet opening 32 leading to the second mixing chamber 30. In other words, the second air guide 24 has a branch leading to the second mixing chamber 30. Here, the inlet opening 32 is formed in the common wall 36 of the second air guide 24 and the second mixing chamber 30.

[0042] In addition, the first mixing chamber 28 has an inlet opening 34 leading to the second mixing chamber 30.

[0043] Of the outlet openings 16, 17, and 18, two outlet openings 16 and 17 are formed in the first mixing chamber 28, and one outlet opening 18 is formed in the second mixing chamber 30.

[0044] Two outlet openings 16, 17 lead to different front areas of the vehicle interior, such as the windshield and front seats, and guide mixed air from the first mixing chamber 28 to said areas. In particular, the first mixing chamber 28 has separate passages 35, 37 leading to different interior areas.

[0045] For example, the outlet opening 18 leads to the footwell and guides the mixed air from the second mixing chamber 30 to the footwell.

[0046] The second mixing chamber 30 has a smaller volume than the first mixing chamber 28 because a smaller volumetric flow rate is required in the footwell of the vehicle for air conditioning compared to other areas inside the vehicle.

[0047] If further segmentation of the mixed airflow is desired, additional outlet openings may be provided optionally.

[0048] In order to regulate the distribution of all airflow in the housing 12 and the supply of mixed airflow to the interior of the vehicle, a number of movable baffles 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 are provided in the housing.

[0049] At each of the two inlet openings 32 and 34 leading to the second mixing chamber 30, a baffle 38 and 40 are arranged, the baffles being movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively open or close the inlets 32 and 34.

[0050] When the baffle 38 is closed, the two mixing chambers 28 and 30 are separated from each other in terms of flow.

[0051] In one embodiment, the two baffles 38, 40 can be kinematically coupled to each other, for example, via a mechanism such as a cam mechanism 50. Therefore, the two baffles 38, 40 can move simultaneously by actuation of the cam shaft 52. The cam mechanism 50... Figure 1 It is shown schematically in full.

[0052] Specifically, the two baffles 38 and 40 are kinematically connected to each other, so that the two baffles can simultaneously close the inlet openings 32 and 34 leading to the second mixing chamber 30.

[0053] Here, baffles 38 and 40 can move relative to each other in a linear manner or in a non-linear manner. This can be achieved through the cam track of the cam mechanism 50 or a corresponding design of a cam mechanism in general.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the two baffles 38, 40 can move completely independently of each other. In this case, it is preferred that each of the two baffles 38, 40 is equipped with an electric actuator 51, 51', which are shown only symbolically.

[0055] Furthermore, a baffle 42, also known as a cold air baffle, is arranged in the first air guide section 22. Viewed from the flow direction, the baffle 42 is located on the side of the heating device 26 and defines an opening to the first mixing chamber 28.

[0056] Furthermore, a baffle 44, also known as a warm air baffle, is arranged in the second air guide section 24. The baffle 44 is arranged downstream of the heating device 26 and is located at the inlet opening 27 of the second air guide section 24 leading to the first mixing chamber 28.

[0057] Both the cold air baffle 42 and the warm air baffle 44 can be moved from the open position to the closed position to regulate the airflow through the associated air guides 22 and 24. In the closed position of the baffles 42 and 44, the airflow through the associated air guides 22 and 24 is preferably completely blocked, except for a small amount of leakage airflow.

[0058] Depending on the positioning of baffles 42 and 44, the temperature of the mixed air is therefore between the temperature of the cold air and the temperature of the warm air.

[0059] Baffles 46 and 48 are arranged at the outlet openings 16 and 17 and can be moved from an open position to a closed position to adjust or completely block the airflow into the vehicle interior through the outlet openings 16 and 17. In particular, passages 35 and 37 leading to different interior areas can each be closed by baffles 46 and 48.

[0060] Another baffle at the outlet opening 18 can be omitted, because the airflow through the outlet opening 18 can already be blocked by baffles 38 and 40.

[0061] Figure 1 The baffles 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 shown are specifically so-called biplane baffles, meaning that they have wings that intersect at the center of rotation and extend to both sides outside the center of rotation with similar or equal extension lengths. The advantage of this form of baffle 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 is that the torque acting on them due to airflow is much lower than that of a single-wing baffle. In particular, the resultant torque can be approximately zero. However, it is also conceivable to design one or more baffles as single-wing baffles.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, baffles 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 are shown in the closed position. For illustrative purposes, the open positions of baffles 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 are additionally shown by dashed lines.

[0063] Below, based on Figure 1 The operation of the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit 10 is discussed. Here, for better understanding, various airflows are indicated by arrows.

[0064] When the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit 10 is in operation, air flows into the housing 12 through the inlet opening 14. Here, the airflow passes through the evaporator 20, thereby generating a total flow of cold air.

[0065] The total airflow can be divided into a first cold airflow and a second warm airflow in a manner that depends on the position of the baffle 42. In order to generate a cold airflow in the first air guide 22, the baffle 42 must be at least partially open so that air can flow into the first air guide 22.

[0066] Here, the temperature of the cold air stream corresponds to the temperature of the total air stream.

[0067] As a portion of the total airflow into the second air guide 24 flows through the heating device 26 and absorbs heat in the process, a warm airflow is generated.

[0068] Subsequently, the cold air stream and optionally at least a portion of the warm air stream can flow into the first mixing chamber 28, where the two air streams that have already entered merge again and mix thoroughly. In this case, the volume of the warm air stream supplied to the first mixing chamber 28 depends on the position of the baffle 44. In this case, the temperature of the mixed air in the first mixing chamber can be set to a desired temperature by correspondingly adjusting the volumes of the warm air stream and the cold air stream.

[0069] If the baffles 46 and 48 are at least partially open, the temperature-controlled mixed air from the mixing chamber 28 can then be supplied to the interior of the vehicle via the outlet openings 16 and 17 for air conditioning of the relevant areas inside the vehicle.

[0070] Furthermore, by supplying the mixed air from the first mixing chamber 28 to the second mixing chamber 30 via the inlet opening 34, and by additionally branching warm air from the second air guide 24 and supplying it to the second mixing chamber 30 via the inlet opening 32, mixed air can be generated in the second mixing chamber 30. Therefore, mixed air with a temperature different from that generated in the first mixing chamber 28 can be generated in the second mixing chamber 30, wherein, in particular, the mixed air generated in the second mixing chamber 30 can be hotter than the mixed air generated in the first mixing chamber 28.

[0071] Even when the warm air baffle 44 is closed, warm air from the second air guide can still be supplied to the second mixing chamber 30 because the baffle 44 is arranged at the inlet opening of the second air guide 24 leading to the first mixing chamber 28, and the inlet opening 32 of the second air guide 24 leading to the second mixing chamber is therefore located inside the second air guide 24.

[0072] The mixed air from the second mixing chamber 30 can be supplied to another area inside the vehicle, particularly the footwell, via the outlet opening 18.

[0073] However, the second mixing chamber 30 does not necessarily need to be used to generate mixed air. If the baffle 38 is completely closed and the baffle 40 is at least partially open, only warm air from the second air guide 24 is supplied to the second mixing chamber 30, that is, no air mixing occurs. In this case, the second mixing chamber 30 is only used as an air guide.

[0074] Alternatively, if the baffle 40 is fully closed and the baffle 38 is at least partially open, then only mixed air from the first mixing chamber 28 may be supplied to the second mixing chamber 30.

[0075] As an alternative example, both baffles 38 and 40 can be completely closed. In this case, only the first mixing chamber 28 is used, and the second mixing chamber 30 is inactive.

[0076] In the same manner, with the corresponding baffle positioned, the first mixing chamber 28 can also be used solely as an air guide.

[0077] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit 10 for automobiles according to the present invention is shown in schematic cross-sectional view.

[0078] according to Figure 2 Implementation examples and according to Figure 1 The difference in this embodiment is that, instead of two baffles 38, 40 at the inlet openings 32, 34 leading to the second mixing chamber 30, only a single baffle 54 is provided to regulate the air supplied to the second mixing chamber 30. Baffle 54 is a single-wing baffle compared to the other baffles.

[0079] The baffle 54 is mounted so that it can move between a first position and a second position. Figure 2 In the first position shown, baffle 54 closes the inlet opening 34 of the first mixing chamber 28 leading to the second mixing chamber 30. Figure 2 In the second position indicated by the dashed line, the baffle 54 closes the inlet opening 32 of the second air guide 24 leading to the second mixing chamber 30. Furthermore, a middle position of the baffle 54 is possible, in which air can flow into the second mixing chamber 30 through both the inlet opening 32 and the inlet opening 34.

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) for an automobile, comprising a first air guide (22) for guiding a first airflow as a cold airflow and a second air guide (24) for guiding a second airflow as a warm airflow separate from the first airflow, wherein, A heating device (26) for heating the second airflow is arranged in the second air guide (24). It has a first mixing chamber (28), wherein the first air guide (22) and the second air guide (24) open into the first mixing chamber (28), and It has a second mixing chamber (30), wherein the first mixing chamber (28) and the second air guide (24) each have at least one inlet opening (32, 34) leading to the second mixing chamber (30), and In the second air guide (24), a baffle (44) is arranged that can move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the flow path of the second air to the first mixing chamber (28) is closed. In the open position, the second air can flow into the first mixing chamber (30). The baffle (44) is arranged downstream of the heating device (26) and at the inlet opening (27) of the second air guide (24) into the first mixing chamber (28). In each case, a baffle (38, 40) is arranged at the inlet opening (34) from the first mixing chamber (28) to the second mixing chamber (30) and / or at the inlet opening (32) from the second air guide (24) to the second mixing chamber (30), the baffle is mounted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and is used to selectively open or close the inlet opening (32, 34).

2. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first air guide (22), another baffle (42) is arranged, which is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the flow path of the first air to the first mixing chamber (28) is closed, and in the open position, the first air can flow into the first mixing chamber (28).

3. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two baffles (38, 40) are kinematically connected to each other.

4. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A baffle (54) is provided, which is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the baffle closes the inlet opening (34) of the first mixing chamber (28) to the second mixing chamber (30), and in the second position, it closes the inlet opening (32) of the second air guide (24) to the second mixing chamber (30).

5. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first mixing chamber (28) has at least one outlet opening (16, 17) leading to the interior of the vehicle.

6. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first mixing chamber (28) has separate passages (35, 37) leading to different internal areas, all of which can be closed by dedicated baffles (46, 48).

7. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning unit (10) has an evaporator (20), wherein the first air guide (22) and the second air guide (24) are arranged downstream of the evaporator (20).

8. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first air guide (22) and the second air guide (24), the first mixing chamber (28) and / or the second mixing chamber (30) are formed in a common housing (12).

9. The heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heating device (26) and / or evaporator (20) are also housed in the common housing (12).

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