Water inflow prevention device and method for air conditioner and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner water inflow prevention device and method and a vehicle. The air conditioner waterproof device comprises a windscreen wiper cover plate, a gutter channel, an air duct, a water sensor and a controller, the gutter channel is arranged below the windscreen wiper cover plate and corresponds to a through hole of the windscreen wiper cover plate, the air duct is arranged between the gutter channel and an air conditioner of a vehicle, the through hole, the gutter channel, the air duct and an outer circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are sequentially communicated, and the air conditioner is provided with an outer circulation air door; the water sensor is arranged in the air duct and used for detecting whether water exists in the air duct; the controller is connected with the water sensor and the air conditioner, and the controller is used for sending a control signal to the air conditioner when receiving a detection signal generated by the water sensor; the control signal is used for indicating the air conditioner to adjust the opening degree of the external circulation air door so that water can be prevented from entering the air conditioner when water exists in the air duct.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of vehicles, and particularly to an air conditioner water ingress prevention device and method, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The air conditioner of an automobile can inhale fresh air outside the vehicle through the through-hole of the wiper cover plate to achieve the ventilation function. However, in rainy weather, rainwater easily falls into the through-hole of the wiper cover plate and enters the air conditioner, resulting in peculiar smell in the air conditioner, and even serious problems such as water ingress into the cockpit and damage to electronic components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an air conditioner water ingress prevention device and method, and a vehicle, which can effectively prevent water from entering the air conditioner.

[0004] In the first aspect of this application, an air conditioner water ingress prevention device is provided, which is applied to a vehicle equipped with an air conditioner. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device includes: a wiper cover plate; a water chute, which is arranged below the wiper cover plate and corresponds to the through-hole of the wiper cover plate, and is used for collecting the water falling from the through-hole; an air duct, which is arranged between the water chute and the air conditioner, and the through-hole, the water chute, the air duct and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are sequentially connected. The air conditioner is provided with an external circulation air damper that can be used to close the external circulation air inlet; a water sensor, which is arranged in the air duct, and the water sensor is used to detect whether there is water in the air duct; a controller, which is connected to the water sensor and the air conditioner, and the controller is used to send a control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the detection signal generated by the water sensor; the control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to adjust the opening degree of the external circulation air damper. In this way, the air intake volume of the air conditioner can be adjusted to avoid the water in the air duct being sucked into the air conditioner along with the air, thereby avoiding a series of problems such as peculiar smell, water ingress into the cockpit, and damage to electronic components caused by water ingress into the air conditioner.

[0005] In an embodiment, the water sensor is used to generate a first detection signal when detecting that there is water in the air duct, or generate a second detection signal when not detecting water in the air duct; the controller is used to send a first control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the first detection signal; the first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to reduce the opening degree of the external circulation air damper according to a first set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not completely closed. Compared with directly closing the external circulation air damper or directly restricting the external circulation air damper to have only a very small opening degree, such a design can adjust the external circulation air damper to a suitable opening degree, which will neither be too large to cause water to enter the air conditioner nor be too small to limit the intake effect, that is, it can reduce the probability of water entering the air conditioner, and at the same time can retain the vehicle's ventilation function between the inside and outside of the vehicle as much as possible to ensure the air quality inside the vehicle. Or, the controller is used to send a second control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the second detection signal; the second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to increase the opening degree of the external circulation air damper according to a second set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not completely opened, so as to increase the air intake volume of the air conditioner, which is more conducive to ventilation between the inside and outside of the vehicle and improves the air quality inside the vehicle.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first set amplitude is a fixed value or a variable value, and the second set amplitude is a fixed value or a variable value. It can be seen that the controller can flexibly control the opening degree of the external circulation air door of the air conditioner according to the actual situation, which is beneficial to taking into account both the function of preventing water from entering the air conditioner and the ventilation function between the inside and outside of the vehicle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the water sensor is used to generate a first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, or generate a second detection signal when no water is detected in the air duct; the controller is used to send a first control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the first detection signal; the first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from the first circulation mode to the second circulation mode; wherein, the opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than that in the second circulation mode. Such a design can make the external circulation air door in a suitable opening degree, which can not only reduce the probability of water entering the air conditioner, but also retain the ventilation function between the inside and outside of the vehicle as much as possible to ensure the air quality inside the vehicle. Or, the controller is used to send a second control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the second detection signal; the second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from the second circulation mode to the first circulation mode. In this way, the air intake volume of the air conditioner can be increased, which is more conducive to ventilation between the inside and outside of the vehicle and improves the air quality inside the vehicle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first circulation mode is the mixed air mode, and the second circulation mode is the mixed air mode or the internal circulation mode. Or, the first circulation mode is the external circulation mode, and the second circulation mode is the mixed air mode or the internal circulation mode. Obviously, the controller can flexibly control the circulation mode of the air conditioner according to the actual situation.

[0009] In one embodiment, the controller is further used to send a third control signal to the air conditioner when the external circulation air inlet is completely closed or the air conditioner works in the internal circulation mode; the third control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to dehumidify to further reduce the risk of water entering the air conditioner.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water sensor is embedded on the wall surface of the air duct, and a part of the water sensor is exposed in the air duct. Such a design can facilitate the water sensor to detect whether there is water inside the air duct.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water chute is provided with a first communication port, a second communication port and a drain port. The first communication port, the second communication port and the drain port are successively decreasing in position height. The first communication port communicates with the through hole, the second communication port communicates with one end of the air duct, the other end of the air duct communicates with the external circulation air inlet, and the air duct is hollow. In this way, the through hole, the water chute, the air duct and the air conditioner can be successively communicated, and the air conditioner can thus intake air. The position heights of the first communication port, the second communication port and the drain port are successively decreasing, which can facilitate air intake and enable air and water vapor to flow along different paths to facilitate the separation of air and water vapor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the air conditioner water ingress prevention device further includes: a drain pipe, which is connected to the drain outlet and is used to drain the water collected in the water chute, so as to prevent the water collected in the water chute from overflowing into the air conditioner.

[0013] In one embodiment, the air duct is arranged in a downwardly curved shape, so that the air duct presents a structure with higher ends and lower middle part. Such a design can extend the air flow path, which is beneficial to the convergence and condensation of water droplets or water vapor in the air. The curved shape can guide the water to be collected in the middle of the air duct, preventing the water from flowing towards the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner.

[0014] In one embodiment, the wiper cover plate is connected to the front windshield of the vehicle, and at least part of the air duct and the air conditioner are located below the front windshield. Compared with the air duct and the air conditioner being directly located below the wiper cover plate, such a layout is more reasonable and can also extend the air flow path, which is beneficial to the convergence and condensation of water droplets or water vapor in the air, that is, it is beneficial to reduce the probability of water ingress into the air conditioner.

[0015] The second aspect of the present application provides an air conditioner water ingress prevention method, which is applied to a vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a wiper cover plate, a water chute, an air duct, a water sensor, a controller and an air conditioner. The through hole of the wiper cover plate, the water chute, the air duct and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are connected in sequence; the air conditioner water ingress prevention method includes: the water sensor detects whether there is water in the air duct; when the controller receives the detection signal generated by the water sensor, it sends a control signal to the air conditioner; the control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to adjust the opening degree of its external circulation air damper.

[0016] In one embodiment, the process of the controller sending a control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the detection signal generated by the water sensor includes: when the controller receives the first detection signal generated by the water sensor, it sends the first control signal to the air conditioner; or, when the controller receives the second detection signal generated by the water sensor, it sends the second control signal to the air conditioner; wherein, the water sensor generates the first detection signal when detecting that there is water in the air duct, and generates the second detection signal when not detecting that there is water in the air duct; the first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to reduce the opening degree of the external circulation air damper by the first set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not completely closed; the second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to increase the opening degree of the external circulation air damper by the second set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not completely opened.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the controller receives the first detection signal generated by the water sensor, it sends a first control signal to the air conditioner; or, when the controller receives the second detection signal generated by the water sensor, it sends a second control signal to the air conditioner; wherein, the water sensor generates the first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, and generates the second detection signal when no water is detected in the air duct; the first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from the first circulation mode to the second circulation mode, and the second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from the second circulation mode to the first circulation mode, and the opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than that in the second circulation mode.

[0018] The third aspect of the present application provides an air conditioner anti-water ingress method, which is applied to a vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a wiper cover plate, a water chute, an air duct, a water sensor, a controller and an air conditioner. The through hole of the wiper cover plate, the water chute, the air duct and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are sequentially connected; the air conditioner anti-water ingress method includes: the controller obtains the detection signal generated by the water sensor; the controller responds to the detection signal and sends a control signal to the air conditioner; the control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to adjust the opening degree of its external circulation air damper.

[0019] The fourth aspect of the present application provides a vehicle, which includes an air conditioner and the air conditioner anti-water ingress device as described in the first aspect or any one of the embodiments in the first aspect, or the vehicle is used to execute the air conditioner anti-water ingress method of the vehicle as described in the second aspect or any one of the embodiments in the second aspect.

[0020] In addition, for the technical effects brought by any one of the embodiments in the second aspect and the fourth aspect, reference can be made to the technical effects brought by the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the air conditioner anti-water ingress device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the air conditioner anti-water ingress device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 4 is a connection schematic diagram of the air conditioner anti-water ingress device and the air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the air conditioner anti-water ingress method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a refined flowchart of the method.

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 5 Another refined flow chart of the method.

[0028] Figure 8 It is another flow chart of the air conditioner anti-water ingress method provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0029] Description of main component symbols 100 - Vehicle, 10 - Air conditioner, 11 - External circulation air inlet, 12 - External circulation air damper, 13 - Air damper motor, 14 - Compressor, 20 - Air conditioner anti-water ingress device, 21 - Wiper cover plate, 211 - Through hole, 22 - Water chute, 221 - First communication port, 222 - Second communication port, 223 - Drainage port, 23 - Drain pipe, 24 - Air duct, 25 - Water sensor, 26 - Controller, 30 - Front windshield. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects solved by the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application. Without conflict, the following different embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] Automobiles are usually equipped with air conditioners to adjust the temperature, humidity, air circulation and purification inside the vehicle, providing a comfortable and safe driving environment for the passengers.

[0032] The air conditioner can have multiple working modes, such as the external circulation mode (also known as the fresh air mode), the internal circulation mode, and the mixed air mode.

[0033] Among them, in the external circulation mode, the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner will be fully opened (i.e., the opening degree is 100%). Since the external circulation air inlet is located below the wiper cover plate between the front windshield and the engine hood of the vehicle, the air conditioner can inhale fresh air outside the vehicle through the through hole of the wiper cover plate to ventilate and exchange air inside the vehicle.

[0034] In the internal circulation mode, the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner will be fully closed (i.e., the opening degree is 0), and the air conditioner recirculates and re-uses the air inside the vehicle without exchanging air with the external environment.

[0035] In the mixed air mode, both the internal circulation air inlet and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are partially opened (i.e., the opening degree is greater than 0 and less than 100%), and the air conditioner inhales both fresh air outside the vehicle and recirculates and re-uses the air inside the vehicle.

[0036] However, in rainy weather, when the external circulation air inlet is opened, rainwater can easily fall through the through holes of the wiper cover plate and then enter the air conditioner, resulting in the air conditioner filter being wet and moldy, causing the air conditioner to generate an odor, and even leading to serious problems such as water ingress into the cockpit and damage to electronic components.

[0037] In response to this, the related technology is to add a water-gas separation structure to the air conditioner. The water-gas separation structure is provided with water-blocking parts such as a water baffle, a water-blocking wall or a water-blocking rib inside its cavity, so that rainwater is separated from the air at the water-blocking part, thereby preventing rainwater from flowing into the air conditioner box and the filter. However, this solution has many deficiencies. For example: First, the water-gas separation structure requires a relatively large layout space, which conflicts with the design requirements of a large cabin layout space. However, if the layout space of the water-gas separation structure is insufficient, it will affect the water-gas separation effect and pose a risk of water ingress into the air conditioner.

[0038] Second, the water ingress prevention effect of the air conditioner is limited. For example, when the air conditioner gear is large and the wind speed is high, small raindrops are easily sucked into the air conditioner along with the air flow, which means that it is impossible to prevent a small amount of rainwater from entering the air conditioner. However, if the air conditioner gear is restricted, the air volume requirement of the passengers will not be met, affecting the riding comfort.

[0039] Third, the water-blocking part will increase the intake resistance of the air conditioner, increasing the energy consumption and noise of the air conditioner, which is not conducive to the air conditioner performance and user experience.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application propose an air conditioner water ingress prevention device, method and vehicle, which can improve the air conditioner water ingress prevention effect and enhance the user experience. Among them, the air conditioner water ingress prevention device has a simple structure and also omits the traditional large water-gas separation structure, so it is beneficial to optimize the space design of the vehicle.

[0041] First, please refer to Figure 1 , which shows a structural block diagram of a vehicle 100 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] As Figure 1 shown, the vehicle 100 includes an air conditioner 10 and an air conditioner water ingress prevention device 20, and the air conditioner water ingress prevention device 20 can be used to prevent the air conditioner 10 from ingesting water.

[0043] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 can be, for example, a fuel vehicle, a new energy vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. It can be understood that the vehicle 100 can also include other components, such as a vehicle frame, a seat, a front windshield 30, an engine hood, etc. For the sake of simplicity of description, the present application will not give examples and introductions one by one.

[0044] Specifically, the air conditioner water ingress prevention device 20 of the present application embodiment includes: a wiper cover plate 21, a water chute 22, an air duct 24, a water sensor 25, and a controller 26. The water chute 22 is provided below the wiper cover plate 21 and corresponds to the through hole 211 of the wiper cover plate 21. The air duct 24 is provided between the water chute 22 and the air conditioner 10. The through hole 11, the water chute 22, the air duct 24, and the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10 are sequentially connected. The air conditioner 10 is provided with an external circulation air damper 12 that can be used to close the external circulation air inlet 11. The water sensor 25 is provided in the air duct 24, and the water sensor 25 is used to detect whether there is water in the air duct 24. The controller 26 is connected to the water sensor 25 and the air conditioner 10. The controller 26 is used to send a control signal to the air conditioner 10 when receiving the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25. The control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner 10 to adjust the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12. In this way, the air intake volume of the air conditioner 10 can be adjusted to prevent the water in the air duct 24 from being sucked into the air conditioner 10 along with the air, thereby avoiding a series of problems such as peculiar smell, water ingress into the cockpit, and damage to electronic components caused by water ingress into the air conditioner 10.

[0045] Among them, the air conditioner water ingress prevention device 20 of the present application embodiment utilizes the water sensor 25 to detect the real-time water ingress situation of the air duct 24, and adjusts the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12 in real time based on the real-time water ingress situation of the air duct 24. Therefore, the opening degree control of the present application embodiment has high instantaneity and accuracy, and the water ingress prevention effect is good.

[0046] Moreover, the air conditioner water ingress prevention device 20 of the present application embodiment has a simple structure, and also omits the traditional large water-air separation structure. There will be no water-blocking part increasing the air intake resistance of the air conditioner, resulting in an increase in air conditioner energy consumption and noise. Therefore, the present application embodiment is also beneficial to optimizing the space design of the vehicle 100 and optimizing the air conditioner performance.

[0047] The following will further introduce the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the attached Figures 2 to 4 drawings.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present application, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 (for convenience of description, Figure 2 and Figure 3 also define the up, down, front, and back directions), the wiper cover plate 21 is installed in front of the front windshield 30, and one end of the wiper cover plate 21 is connected to the front windshield 30. The other end of the wiper cover plate 21 is connected to the engine hood (not shown in the figure). The water chute 22 is provided below the wiper cover plate 21. The air duct 24 is provided between the water chute 22 and the air conditioner 10. Among them, the water chute 22 and the air duct 24, and the water chute 22 and the air conditioner 10 can be fixed by snap connection, threaded connection, or other connection methods, etc., which are not specifically limited herein. At least part of the air duct 24 and the air conditioner 10 are located below the front windshield 30.

[0049] Among them, the water chute 22 is provided with a first communication port 221, a second communication port 222 and a drain port 223. The first communication port 221 corresponds to and communicates with the through hole 211 of the wiper cover plate 21, and the second communication port 222 communicates with one end of the air duct 24, and the other end of the air duct 24 communicates with the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10.

[0050] Among them, the inside of the water chute 22 is communicated, and the air duct 24 is hollow. Therefore, the through hole 211, the water chute 22, the air duct 24 and the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10 can be communicated in sequence, and the air conditioner can intake air accordingly.

[0051] The first communication port 221, the second communication port 222 and the drain port 223 are distributed at different positions of the water chute 22. By way of example, in one embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the water chute 22 has a first communication port 221 opened on its top wall, a second communication port 222 opened on its side wall, and a drain port 223 opened on its bottom wall. In other words, in terms of position height, the first communication port 221 is higher than the second communication port 222, and the second communication port 222 is higher than the drain port 223. Such a design can facilitate air intake and also enable air and water vapor to flow along different paths, which is conducive to the separation of air and water vapor.

[0052] In one embodiment, the air conditioner water prevention device 20 further includes a drain pipe 23. One end of the drain port 223 is connected to one end of the drain pipe 23, and the other end of the drain pipe 23 can be exposed outside the vehicle and communicated with the external environment.

[0053] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a water sensor 25 is provided in the air duct 24 and can be used to detect the water intake situation of the air duct 24 in real time. Specifically, an installation hole is opened on the wall surface of the air duct 24, and the water sensor 25 is installed in the installation hole on the wall surface and closes the installation hole, and part of the water sensor 25 is exposed in the air duct 24, so that the water sensor 25 can detect whether there is water in the air duct 24 and generate a corresponding detection signal. The water sensor 25 can be, for example, an electrode type water sensor, which can cause a change in the electrode resistance value when the electrode is immersed in water, thereby generating a voltage change, and the voltage is the detection signal.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figure 4 , the controller 26 can be an electronic control unit (ECU) in the vehicle 100. The controller 26 is connected to the water sensor 25 and the air conditioner 10. The controller 26 can receive the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 and send a control signal to the air conditioner 10 to control the operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0055] For the convenience of distinction, in the embodiments of the present application, the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 when water is detected in the air duct 24 may be referred to as the first detection signal, the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 when no water is detected in the air duct 24 may be referred to as the second detection signal, the control signal sent by the controller 26 to the air conditioner 10 when receiving the first detection signal may be referred to as the first control signal, and the control signal sent by the controller 26 to the air conditioner 10 when receiving the second detection signal may be referred to as the second control signal. The first detection signal is different from the second detection signal, and the first control signal is different from the second control signal.

[0056] Further, as Figure 4 shown, the air conditioner 10 is provided with an external circulation air door 12 and an air door motor 13. The external circulation air door 12 can be used to close the external circulation air inlet 11. The air door motor 13 is connected to the external circulation air door 12 and the controller 26. The controller 26 can be used to control the air door motor 13 to drive the movement of the external circulation air door 12, so as to control the opening degree of the external circulation air door 12. Since the control accuracy of the air door motor 13 is high, therefore, by using the air door motor 13 to control the opening degree of the external circulation air door 12, the opening degree adjustment can be made more accurate and controllable. In addition, the air conditioner 10 may further include a compressor 14. The compressor 14 is connected to the controller 26, and the controller 26 can be used to control the dehumidification operation of the compressor 14.

[0057] For example, when the air conditioner 10 operates in the external circulation mode or the mixed air mode, the external circulation air door 12 of the air conditioner 10 is not closed. Therefore, the air conditioner 10 can inhale fresh air outside the vehicle and replace the air inside the vehicle. Among them, as Figure 3 shown by the dotted line in, the fresh air outside the vehicle can enter through the through hole 211, pass through the water chute 22 and the air duct 24 in sequence, and then enter the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10.

[0058] If it rains at this time or the vehicle 100 is sprinkled with water, etc., resulting in water falling from the through hole 211, the fallen water can be collected in the water chute 22, and the drain port 223 can drain the water collected in the water chute 22. If a drain pipe 23 is connected to the drain port 223, the drain pipe 23 can drain the water collected in the water chute 22 to the outside, preventing the water from overflowing and flowing towards the air conditioner 10.

[0059] Since fine water droplets or water vapor may enter the air duct 24 along with the air (the water flow path can be as Figure 3as shown by the long and short dash lines in [FIGURE REFERENCE], in this case, the water sensor 25 detects water in the air duct 24 and sends a first detection signal to the controller 26. When receiving the first detection signal, the controller 26 sends a first control signal to the air conditioner 10. The first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner 10 to reduce the opening degree of its external circulation air damper 12. Among them, the air conditioner 10 can control the rotation of the damper motor 13 according to the first control signal to drive the external circulation air damper 12 to reduce the opening degree, thereby reducing the air intake volume of the air conditioner 10, avoiding the water in the air duct 24 from being sucked into the air conditioner 10 along with the air, and thus avoiding a series of problems such as peculiar smell, cockpit water ingress, and damage to electronic components caused by the water ingress of the air conditioner 10.

[0060] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the air duct 24 can be set to be bent downward, so that the air duct 24 presents a structure with both ends high and the middle low. Such a design can extend the air flow path, which is beneficial to the convergence and condensation of water droplets or water vapor in the air. The bent shape can guide the water to be collected in the middle of the air duct 24, avoiding the water from flowing to the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10.

[0061] In one embodiment, when the water sensor 25 continuously detects water in the air duct 24, the controller 26 can continuously send the first control signal. Each time the air conditioner 10 receives the first control signal, if the external circulation air inlet 11 is not completely closed, the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12 is reduced according to the first set amplitude. Among them, the first set amplitude can be set according to the actual situation. For example, the first set amplitude can be a fixed value (such as 10% or other values) or a variable value (such as a value within the range of 5% - 15%). That is to say, the amplitude of the reduction in the opening degree each time can be the same or different.

[0062] In one embodiment, when receiving the first control signal, the operating mode of the air conditioner 10 can be switched from the first circulation mode to the second circulation mode, where the opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than that in the second circulation mode.

[0063] For example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the first control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in the mixed air mode, the air conditioner 10 can remain in the mixed air mode but reduce the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12; or, the air conditioner 10 can be switched to the internal circulation mode, that is, the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12 is directly reduced from greater than 0 and less than 100% to 0.

[0064] For another example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the first control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in the external circulation mode, the air conditioner 10 can be switched to the mixed air mode, that is, the opening degree of the external circulation air door 12 is reduced from 100% to a value greater than 0 and less than 100%; or, the air conditioner 10 can be switched to the internal circulation mode, that is, the opening degree of the external circulation air door 12 is reduced from 100% to 0.

[0065] Among them, when the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10 is completely closed, or when the air conditioner 10 is operating in the internal circulation mode, the controller 26 can also send a third control signal to the air conditioner 10, and the third control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner 10 to perform dehumidification. The air conditioner 10 can control the compressor 14 to operate according to the third control signal, thereby further reducing the risk of water ingress into the air conditioner 10. In addition, when the air conditioner 10 is operating in the internal circulation mode, the external circulation air door 12 of the air conditioner 10 is completely closed. If the water sensor 25 does not detect water in the air duct 24 at this time (that is, the air duct 24 is not flooded), a second detection signal will be sent to the controller 26.

[0066] When the controller 26 receives the second detection signal, it sends a second control signal to the air conditioner 10. The second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner 10 to increase the opening degree of its external circulation air door 12. Among them, the air conditioner 10 can control the rotation of the air door motor 13 according to the first control signal to drive the external circulation air door 12 to increase the opening degree, so as to increase the air intake of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 can inhale more fresh air outside the vehicle, thereby realizing air exchange between the inside and outside of the vehicle and improving the air quality inside the vehicle. Since the water vapor in the air can be taken away during the air exchange process, if the compressor 14 was originally performing dehumidification work, the controller 26 can control the compressor 14 to stop working at this time to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

[0067] In one embodiment, when the water sensor 25 continuously detects that there is no water in the air duct 24, the controller 26 can continuously send the second control signal. Each time the air conditioner 10 receives the second control signal, if the external circulation air inlet 11 is not fully opened, the opening degree of the external circulation air door 12 is increased according to the second set amplitude. Among them, similar to the first set amplitude, the second set amplitude can also be set according to the actual situation and will not be specifically limited here.

[0068] In one embodiment, when receiving the first control signal, the operating mode of the air conditioner 10 can be switched from the first circulation mode to the second circulation mode.

[0069] For example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the second control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in the mixed air mode, the air conditioner 10 can remain in the mixed air mode but increase the opening degree of the external circulation air door 12; or, the air conditioner 10 can be switched to the external circulation mode, that is, the opening degree of the external circulation air door 12 is directly increased to 100%.

[0070] For another example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the second control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in the internal circulation mode, the air conditioner 10 can be switched to the mixed air mode, that is, the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12 is increased from 0 to greater than 0 and less than 100%; or, the air conditioner 10 can be switched to the external circulation mode, that is, the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12 is increased from 0 to 100%.

[0071] It can be understood that in the above process, the vehicle 100 can detect the water inflow situation of the air duct 24 multiple times through the water sensor 25, and the controller 26 can adjust the opening degree of the external circulation air damper 12 of the air conditioner 10 or adjust the working mode of the air conditioner 10 multiple times.

[0072] In summary, in the above embodiments, when there is water in the air duct, the air conditioner anti-water inlet device can adjust the external circulation air damper to a suitable opening degree, which can not only reduce the probability of water flowing into the air conditioner and avoid a series of problems such as peculiar smell, water inflow into the cockpit, and damage to electronic components caused by water inlet of the air conditioner, but also retain the vehicle's function of exchanging air inside and outside the vehicle as much as possible to ensure the air quality inside the vehicle; in addition, when there is no water in the air duct, the opening degree of the external circulation air damper can be increased to facilitate the air exchange function inside and outside the vehicle and improve the air quality inside the vehicle. Therefore, the air conditioner anti-water inlet device provided by the embodiments of the present application can improve the anti-water inlet effect of the air conditioner and enhance the user experience.

[0073] In addition, the embodiments of the present application also provide an air conditioner anti-water inlet method, which can be applied to the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 can refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0074] Specifically, as Figure 5 shown, the air conditioner anti-water inlet method provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the following steps: Step S11: The water sensor detects whether there is water in the air duct.

[0075] Among them, if the water sensor detects that there is water in the air duct, a first detection signal is generated and sent to the controller; if the water sensor does not detect that there is water in the air duct, a second detection signal is generated and sent to the controller.

[0076] Step S12: When the controller receives the detection signal generated by the water sensor, a control signal is sent to the air conditioner.

[0077] Step S13: The air conditioner adjusts the opening degree of its external circulation air damper according to the control signal.

[0078] Through the above steps, the water inlet condition of the air duct can be detected in real time, and the opening degree of the external circulation air damper of the air conditioner can be adjusted instantaneously and dynamically according to the water inlet condition of the air duct, that is, the air intake volume of the air conditioner is adjusted, thereby preventing the water in the air duct from being sucked into the air conditioner along with the air, resulting in a series of problems such as air conditioner water ingress, cockpit water ingress, and damage to electronic components.

[0079] It can be understood that after the vehicle executes step S30, it can return to step S10 to continue detecting the water inlet condition of the air duct and continue to adjust the opening degree of the external circulation air damper.

[0080] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 shown, the process of step S12 may include: Step S121: When the controller receives the first detection signal generated by the water sensor, it sends a first control signal to the air conditioner.

[0081] Furthermore, the process of step S13 may include: Step S131: In response to the first control signal, when the external circulation air inlet is not completely closed, the air conditioner reduces the opening degree of the external circulation air damper by a first set amplitude.

[0082] In some other embodiments, the process of step S12 may include: Step S122: When the controller receives the second detection signal generated by the water sensor, it sends a second control signal to the air conditioner.

[0083] Furthermore, the process of step S13 may include: Step S132: In response to the first control signal, when the external circulation air inlet is not completely open, the air conditioner increases the opening degree of the external circulation air damper by a second set amplitude.

[0084] It can be understood that in other embodiments, as Figure 7 shown, the process of step S131 may also be replaced with the following steps: Step S133: In response to the first control signal, the air conditioner switches from the first circulation mode to the second circulation mode.

[0085] Correspondingly, the process of step S132 may also be replaced with the following steps: Step S134: In response to the second control signal, the air conditioner switches from the second circulation mode to the first circulation mode.

[0086] Among them, the opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than that in the second circulation mode. For example, the first circulation mode may be the mixed air mode, and correspondingly, the second circulation mode may be the mixed air mode or the internal circulation mode. Another example is that the first circulation mode may be the external circulation mode, and correspondingly, the second circulation mode may be the mixed air mode or the internal circulation mode.

[0087] After the above step S131, if the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner is completely closed, or after the above step S133, if the air conditioner operates in the internal circulation mode, the controller may also send a third control signal to the air conditioner. Further, in response to the third control signal, the air conditioner controls the compressor to operate for dehumidification.

[0088] It can be understood that the embodiments of the present application also provide another method for preventing water ingress into an air conditioner. This method for preventing water ingress into an air conditioner can be applied to the vehicle 100 and is executed by the controller 26 in the device 20 for preventing water ingress into the air conditioner of the vehicle 100.

[0089] Specifically, as Figure 8 shown, this method for preventing water ingress into an air conditioner includes the following steps: Step S21: The controller obtains the detection signal generated by the water sensor.

[0090] Step S22: In response to the detection signal, the controller sends a control signal to the air conditioner; the control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to adjust the opening degree of its external circulation air damper.

[0091] It can be understood that the processes of each step can also refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, so details are not described herein again.

[0092] It should be noted that for the foregoing method embodiments, for the sake of simple description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art should know that the present application is not limited by the described action sequence, because according to the present application, certain steps can be performed in other sequences or simultaneously.

[0093] It can be understood that the method steps executed by the above controller can be implemented by software function modules. The specific implementation of each software function module can be correspondingly referred to the corresponding descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments, so details are not described herein again.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, each functional module can be all integrated in one processing module / unit, or each module can be separately used as one module, or two or more modules can be integrated in one module; the above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware, or in the form of hardware plus software function modules.

[0095] If the above integrated module of the present application is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence, or the part that makes a contribution to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method of the embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as removable storage devices, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs.

[0096] Correspondingly, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer-readable instructions. When the computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor, the method steps executed by the above controller are implemented. Among them, the computer-readable storage medium includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data).

[0097] In the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0098] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly defined, the terms "installation", "connection", and "coupling" shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0099] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the present application are used to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily need to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0100] The term "and / or" in the present application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in the present application generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0101] Unless otherwise specified, all steps of this application can be carried out sequentially or randomly. For example, the method includes steps A and B, which means that the method can include steps A and B carried out sequentially, or steps B and A carried out sequentially. For example, it is mentioned that the method may further include step C, which means that step C can be added to the method in any order. For example, the method can include steps A, B, and C, or steps A, C, and B, or steps C, A, and B, etc.

[0102] The above are only the preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner water ingress prevention device, characterized in that: Applicable to a vehicle, the vehicle is provided with an air conditioner; the air conditioner water ingress prevention device comprises: Wiper covers; A water flow groove is provided below the wiper cover and corresponds to the through hole of the wiper cover; An air duct is provided between the water flow trough and the air conditioner, the through hole, the water flow trough, the air duct and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are connected in sequence, and the air conditioner is provided with an external circulation damper that can be used to close the external circulation air inlet; A water sensor is provided in the air duct, and is used to detect whether there is water in the air duct; A controller is connected to the water sensor and the air conditioner, and is used to send a control signal to the air conditioner when receiving a detection signal generated by the water sensor; the control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to adjust the opening of the external circulation damper.

2. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water sensor is used to generate a first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, or to generate a second detection signal when no water is detected in the air duct; The controller is used to send a first control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the first detection signal; The first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to reduce the opening of the external circulation damper according to a first set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not completely closed; Alternatively, the controller is used to send a second control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the second detection signal; the second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to increase the opening of the external circulation damper according to a second set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not fully opened.

3. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first setting amplitude is a fixed value or a variable value; the second setting amplitude is a fixed value or a variable value.

4. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water sensor is used to generate a first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, or to generate a second detection signal when no water is detected in the air duct; The controller is used to send a first control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the first detection signal; The first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from the first circulation mode to the second circulation mode; Alternatively, the controller is used to send a second control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the second detection signal; The second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from the second circulation mode to the first circulation mode; Wherein, the opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than the opening degree in the second circulation mode.

5. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first circulation mode is a mixed air mode, and the second circulation mode is a mixed air mode or an internal circulation mode; Alternatively, the first circulation mode is an external circulation mode, and the second circulation mode is a mixed air mode or an internal circulation mode.

6. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that: The controller is also used to send a third control signal to the air conditioner when the external circulation air inlet is completely closed or the air conditioner is operating in the internal circulation mode; the third control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to perform dehumidification.

7. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water sensor is embedded on the wall surface of the air duct, and a portion of the water sensor is exposed in the air duct.

8. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water flow trough is provided with a first connecting port, a second connecting port and a drain port, and the first connecting port, the second connecting port and the drain port are arranged in decreasing order in position height. The first connecting port is connected to the through hole, the second connecting port is connected to one end of the air duct, and the other end of the air duct is connected to the external circulation air inlet, and the air duct is hollow.

9. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The air conditioner water ingress prevention device also includes: a drain pipe, which is connected to the drain port and is used to drain the water collected by the water flow trough.

10. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air duct is arranged to be bent downward.

11. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wiper cover is connected to the front windshield of the vehicle, and at least part of the air duct and the air conditioner are located below the front windshield.

12. A method for preventing water ingress to an air conditioner, characterized in that: Applied to a vehicle, the vehicle is provided with a wiper cover, a water flow groove, an air duct, a water sensor, a controller and an air conditioner, the through hole of the wiper cover, the water flow groove, the air duct and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are connected in sequence; the air conditioner water ingress prevention method comprises: The water sensor detects whether there is water in the air duct; When receiving the detection signal generated by the water sensor, the controller sends a control signal to the air conditioner; the control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to adjust the opening of its external circulation damper.

13. The method for preventing water ingress to an air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that: The process of the controller sending a control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the detection signal generated by the water sensor includes: The controller sends a first control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the first detection signal generated by the water sensor; Alternatively, the controller sends a second control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the second detection signal generated by the water sensor; Wherein, the water sensor generates the first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, and generates the second detection signal when water is not detected in the air duct; The first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to reduce the opening of the external circulation damper according to a first set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not completely closed; The second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to increase the opening of the external circulation damper according to a second set amplitude when the external circulation air inlet is not fully opened.

14. The air conditioner water ingress prevention method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The controller sends a first control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the first detection signal generated by the water sensor; Alternatively, the controller sends a second control signal to the air conditioner when receiving the second detection signal generated by the water sensor; Wherein, the water sensor generates the first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, and generates the second detection signal when water is not detected in the air duct; The first control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from a first circulation mode to a second circulation mode, and the second control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to switch from the second circulation mode to the first circulation mode, and the opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than the opening degree in the second circulation mode.

15. A method for preventing water intrusion into an air conditioner, characterized in that: Applied to a vehicle, the vehicle is provided with a wiper cover, a water flow groove, an air duct, a water sensor, a controller and an air conditioner, the through hole of the wiper cover, the water flow groove, the air duct and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are connected in sequence; the air conditioner water ingress prevention method comprises: The controller obtains a detection signal generated by the water sensor; The controller sends a control signal to the air conditioner in response to the detection signal; the control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner to adjust the opening of its external circulation damper.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises an air conditioner and an air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or the vehicle is used to perform an air conditioner water ingress prevention method as described in any one of claims 12 to 15.

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