Air conditioning unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an air-conditioning unit for controlling the temperature of cabin air (KL). The air conditioning unit (2) comprises a heat exchanger (7) arranged inside the air channel (3) and a thermal management unit (8) arranged outside the air channel (3). The heat exchanger (7) and the heat management unit (8) are connected to each other directly and through which a temperature control fluid can flow through the wall (4). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1) having an air conditioning unit (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning unit for a vehicle for regulating the temperature of cabin air flowing into the vehicle compartment according to the preamble of claim 1, and a vehicle equipped with the air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] In a vehicle, the temperature of the air flowing into the vehicle cabin or cabin air, as well as the temperature of drive-related components, is regulated by a coolant circuit and / or a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit and coolant circuit can be implemented at least partially through a so-called thermal management module or thermal management structural unit. Components of the air conditioning system or refrigerant circuit are fluidly coupled to components of the thermal management module or coolant circuit to form an air conditioning unit. In the prior art, the components of the air conditioning system and the thermal management module are installed in different parts of the vehicle and interconnected via wiring to guide the coolant and / or refrigerant. The disadvantage is the increased structural space requirement for the coolant and / or refrigerant guiding wiring and thus the overall air conditioning unit. Furthermore, the wiring and its assembly also increase costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment of the air conditioning unit of the same type, wherein the above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome. A further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having the air conditioning unit.

[0004] According to the invention, this task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. For advantageous embodiments, please refer to the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The present invention is based on the following basic concept: in an air conditioning unit, the thermal management module or thermal management structural unit is directly arranged on the components of the air conditioning system, so as to achieve structural space and cost advantages by eliminating the need for coolant and / or refrigerant guiding lines.

[0006] An air conditioning unit according to the invention is provided or designed for use in a vehicle to regulate the temperature of air flowing into the vehicle cabin or cabin air. Here, the air conditioning unit has an air passage through which cabin air can flow and a wall portion for a fixed air passage to the outside. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit has at least one thermal management structure unit through which at least one temperature-regulating fluid can flow, and at least one heat exchanger through which cabin air and at least one temperature-regulating fluid can flow to regulate the temperature of the cabin air. According to the invention, at least one heat exchanger is arranged within the air passage, and the thermal management structure unit is arranged outside the air passage and directly on the air passage. Here, at least one heat exchanger and the thermal management structure unit are interconnected through the wall portion in a direct manner allowing at least one temperature-regulating fluid to flow through.

[0007] In the air conditioning unit according to the invention, the thermal management structure unit is arranged directly adjacent to the air passage or the wall defining the air passage. Thus, the heat exchanger and the thermal management structure unit can be directly interconnected through the wall, thereby eliminating the need for coolant and / or refrigerant guide lines between them. Eliminating these guide lines provides a cost advantage. Furthermore, at least the heat exchanger and the thermal management structure unit can be standardized. For example, customer-specific variations can be created using different piping assemblies, but these assemblies can be omitted in the air conditioning unit according to the invention, thereby improving standardization and thus providing a cost advantage. By increasing the integration of the air conditioning unit's components, the unit can also be constructed to save structural space. This simplifies operation and logistics.

[0008] The air conditioning unit is set up or designed for use in a vehicle to regulate the temperature of the air. If the vehicle has a traction battery, the thermal management structure unit of the air conditioning unit can also serve to cool the traction battery.

[0009] In possible implementations, the thermal management unit may have at least two functional components, wherein at least one functional component may be configured as a separate component capable of being traversed by at least one temperature-regulating fluid. At least one heat exchanger may be interconnected with the separate component of the thermal management unit through the wall in a direct manner and in a manner capable of being traversed by at least one temperature-regulating fluid.

[0010] The functional components of the thermal management unit can be, for example, components of the vehicle's coolant circuit. Therefore, these functional components can be, for example, a coolant cooler (fluid-air cooler or fluid-fluid cooler), a pump, a regulating valve, or a shut-off valve. The functional components of the thermal management unit can also be, for example, components of the vehicle's refrigerant circuit. Therefore, these functional components can be, for example, a condenser, a refrigerant heater, a heat pump heater, an evaporator, a refrigerator, an expansion valve, a regulating valve, a shut-off valve, or a compressor.

[0011] As described above, the thermal management structural unit can have at least two functional components. In particular, the functional components can be different from each other and have different functions. Here, the various functional components of the thermal management structural unit can be securely connected to each other to form individually assembled structural units. Inside the thermal management structural unit, the functional components can be fluidly connected to each other (i.e., connected in a way that guides coolant and / or refrigerant).

[0012] Individual components of the thermal management structure unit can be, for example, a fluid-fluid heat exchanger in the vehicle's coolant circuit or a refrigerator in the vehicle's refrigerant circuit. Here, depending on the individual component, at least one temperature-regulating fluid can be a coolant and / or a refrigerant. The difference between the functional component of the thermal management structure unit constructed as an individual component and other functional components of the thermal management structure unit is that the functional component constructed as an individual component is interconnected with the heat exchanger of the air conditioning unit in a manner that allows at least one temperature-regulating fluid (i.e., coolant and / or refrigerant) to flow through it.

[0013] At least one heat exchanger may be, for example, a radiator for the vehicle's coolant circuit, a condenser for the vehicle's refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant heater, a heat pump heater, or an evaporator for the vehicle's refrigerant circuit. Here, depending on the heat exchanger, at least one temperature-regulating fluid may be a coolant and / or a refrigerant. Furthermore, cabin air may flow through the heat exchanger, enabling the cabin air to be temperature-regulated by means of at least one temperature-regulating fluid (i.e., coolant and / or refrigerant).

[0014] Suitablely, the thermal management structural unit and at least one heat exchanger may be adapted, selected or designed to such that their fluid connection (i.e., connection in a manner that guides the coolant and / or refrigerant) supports or does not affect the function of the vehicle's refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit.

[0015] The thermal management structural unit and at least one heat exchanger can be directly connected through the wall via a flow-through fitting. The fitting can be a separate element from the heat exchanger and the thermal management structural unit, which is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger's connector or interface and to the thermal management structural unit's connector or interface, respectively. This simplifies and standardizes the connection between the heat exchanger and the thermal management structural unit. As mentioned above, standardization eliminates project-specific and / or customer-specific variations of the heat exchanger and thermal management structural unit, thereby saving costs. In particular, the fitting can be fixed-shape, rigid, or robust. Fixed-shape, rigid, or robust fittings can securely connect the heat exchanger and the thermal management structural unit to each other, thereby additionally protecting the fluid connection between the heat exchanger and the thermal management structural unit. Alternatively, the fitting can be at least partially flexible. The fitting can be constructed, in particular, of flexible wiring.

[0016] Alternatively, at least one heat exchanger may have a first sleeve through which flow can pass, and the thermal management structural unit may have a second sleeve through which flow can pass. These sleeves may be directly connected through the wall. For this purpose, the two sleeves may be suitably constructed in a complementary or interconnectable manner. In particular, the heat exchanger and the thermal management structural unit may be securely interconnected via the sleeves, thereby additionally protecting the fluid connection between the heat exchanger and the thermal management structural unit. Furthermore, the connection between the heat exchanger and the thermal management structural unit can be simplified and standardized. As mentioned above, standardization eliminates project-specific and / or customer-specific variations of the heat exchanger and thermal management structural unit, thereby saving costs.

[0017] At least one heat exchanger can be connected and secured to the thermal management structural unit via a flange through the wall. In this way, the heat exchanger can be securely connected to the thermal management structural unit, allowing the air conditioning unit to form a unique, pre-assembled structural unit, thereby simplifying the assembly of the air conditioning unit.

[0018] In addition to at least one heat exchanger and thermal management structural unit, the air conditioning unit may also have other components. Thus, the air conditioning unit may, for example, have a fresh air / recirculated air unit, wherein the fresh air / recirculated air unit is fluidly arranged in an air passage and secured upstream of at least one heat exchanger. The fresh air / recirculated air unit is designed to mix fresh air from the outside and recirculated air from the vehicle's cabin in any proportion to form air flowing into the cabin. Alternatively or additionally, the air conditioning unit may have an internal fan capable of being circulated by cabin air to deliver air through the air conditioning unit, wherein the internal fan is fluidly arranged in an air passage and secured upstream of at least one heat exchanger. It is also conceivable that the air conditioning unit has an electric heater capable of being circulated by cabin air to heat the cabin air, wherein the heater is fluidly arranged in an air passage and secured downstream or upstream of at least one heat exchanger. Alternatively or additionally, the air conditioning unit may have an air distributor capable of being circulated by cabin air, wherein the air distributor is fluidly arranged in an air passage and secured downstream of at least one heat exchanger. It is also conceivable that the air conditioning unit has a fan that can be circulated by cabin air, wherein the fan is arranged fluidly in the air passage downstream of at least one heat exchanger.

[0019] The aforementioned components in the air passage can be fastened, for example, to the wall of the air passage leading to the outside. Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned components can be fastened to each other and / or to at least one heat exchanger and / or to a thermal management structural unit.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a vehicle having the aforementioned air conditioning unit and passenger compartment. Here, the air duct of the air conditioning unit is connected to the passenger compartment in a way that guides air, allowing temperature-controlled cabin air to flow into the passenger compartment from at least one heat exchanger of the air conditioning unit.

[0021] In a possible first embodiment, the vehicle may have a front wall arranged in the direction of travel ahead of the passenger compartment. An air conditioning unit may be arranged at least partially in the direction of travel ahead of the front wall. Here, the thermal management structure unit may be arranged particularly ahead of the front wall. The air passage of the air conditioning unit is connected to the passenger compartment through the front wall in a way that guides air. The air conditioning unit, or at least the thermal management device, may be connected and secured to the front wall, for example, via a flange. The air passage of the air conditioning unit may extend into the vehicle compartment through a notch in the front wall below the Type I dashboard. As described above, the air conditioning unit may include an air distributor or air mixer, which is fluidly arranged in the air passage of the air conditioning unit and secured downstream of the heat exchanger. In the first embodiment described above, the air distributor or air mixer may be located within the air passage inside the vehicle compartment, allowing for direct distribution or mixing of cabin air within the passenger compartment.

[0022] In a possible second embodiment, the vehicle may have a rear wall arranged behind the passenger compartment in the direction of travel, and the air conditioning unit may be arranged at least partially behind the rear wall in the direction of travel. The air duct of the air conditioning unit may be connected to the passenger compartment through the rear wall in a way that guides air.

[0023] In a possible third embodiment, the vehicle may have a floor and a bottom portion arranged below the floor in the direction of gravity. An intermediate space may be formed between the floor and the bottom portion, and the air conditioning unit may be at least partially arranged in this intermediate space. The thermal management structure unit may be arranged, in particular, in this intermediate space. This third embodiment is particularly applicable to battery-powered vehicles. The vehicle's traction battery can be arranged in the intermediate space and its temperature regulated by means of the thermal management structure unit. Thus, the thermal management structure unit of the air conditioning unit and the traction battery can be arranged adjacent to each other, thereby shortening the wiring length between the traction battery and the air conditioning unit, and correspondingly reducing cost and structural space requirements.

[0024] To avoid further elaboration, please refer to the aforementioned implementation plan.

[0025] For other important features and advantages of the present invention, please refer to the dependent claims, drawings and related descriptions of the drawings.

[0026] It goes without saying that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the above features and the features to be described below can be applied not only in their respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the following specific embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0028] These accompanying figures are all in schematic form:

[0029] Figure 1 A view of a vehicle according to the invention, with an air conditioning unit according to the invention in a first embodiment, is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A view of a vehicle according to the invention, with an air conditioning unit according to the invention, is shown in a second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A view of a vehicle 1 according to the invention, equipped with an air conditioning unit 2 according to the invention in the first embodiment, is shown. Here, the air conditioning unit 2 has an air passage 3 and a wall portion 4 defining the air passage 3 externally. The air passage 3 includes a fresh air inlet 5a for fresh air FL, a recirculating air inlet 5b for recirculating air UL, and a cabin air outlet 6 for air flowing into the vehicle 1's cabin or cabin air KL. Fresh air FL flows into the air passage 3 via the fresh air inlet 5a, and recirculating air UL flows into the air passage 3 via the recirculating air inlet 5b; they mix and then flow out of the air passage 3 as cabin air KL via the cabin air outlet 6.

[0032] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 2 includes at least one heat exchanger 7, a thermal management structure unit 8, a fresh air / recirculated air unit 9, an interior fan 10, an electric heater 11, and an air distributor 12. The heat exchanger 7, the fresh air / recirculated air unit 9, the interior fan 10, the electric heater 11, and the air distributor 12 are arranged in the air passage 3 in a manner that allows cabin air KL to flow through them. Here, the fresh air / recirculated air unit 9 is fluidly connected upstream of the interior fan 10, the interior fan 10 is fluidly connected upstream of the heat exchanger 7, the heat exchanger 7 is fluidly connected upstream of the heater 11, and the heater 11 is fluidly connected upstream of the air distributor 12. In the air passage 3, fresh air FL flows into the fresh air / recirculated air unit 9 via fresh air inlet 5a and / or recirculated air UL via recirculated air inlet 5b and mixes to form cabin air KL. Then, the cabin air KL flows sequentially through the interior fan 10, the heat exchanger 7, the electric heater 11, and the air distributor 12.

[0033] The heat exchanger 7 is directly connected to the thermal management structural unit 8 in a manner that allows at least one temperature-regulating fluid to flow through it. In addition to the cabin air KL, at least one temperature-regulating fluid can also flow through the heat exchanger 7, allowing the cabin air KL to be heated and / or cooled via the temperature-regulating fluid. Here, the thermal management structural unit 8 has multiple functional components (not shown) connected to a common assembled structural unit. At least one of the functional components of the thermal management structural unit 8 is configured as a separate component that allows at least one temperature-regulating fluid to flow through it and is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger 7. This separate component can be, for example, a component of the refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit of the vehicle 1, such that the at least one temperature-regulating fluid can be a coolant and / or refrigerant. Similarly, the heat exchanger 7 can be a component of the refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit of the vehicle 1 and can be configured, for example, as a radiator for the coolant circuit, a condenser for the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant heater, a heat pump heater, or an evaporator for the refrigerant circuit.

[0034] The thermal management unit 8 is disposed outside the air passage 3 and is directly connected to the heat exchanger 7 through the wall 4. Specifically, the heat exchanger 7 can be connected to the thermal management unit 8 via a flange through the wall 4. This reduces the number of lines required to connect the heat exchanger 7 and the thermal management unit 8, and correspondingly reduces cost and assembly expenses. The fluid connection between the heat exchanger 7 and the thermal management unit 8 can be achieved, for example, via a separate fitting. Alternatively, the fluid connection between the heat exchanger 7 and the thermal management unit 8 can be achieved via a sleeve constructed thereon.

[0035] Air conditioning unit 2 is arranged in the vehicle 1 along the driving direction FR in front of the passenger compartment 13, so that the cabin air KL can flow directly into the passenger compartment 13. In a first embodiment of vehicle 1, air conditioning unit 2 is arranged along the driving direction FR in front of the front wall 14, and the air passage 3 of air conditioning unit 2 is connected to the passenger compartment 13 through the front wall 14 in a way that guides air. For this purpose, air passage 3 passes through a notch 15 in the front wall 14.

[0036] Figure 2 A view of a vehicle 1 according to the invention, with an air conditioning unit 2 according to the invention, is shown in a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the vehicle 1 has a floor 16 and a bottom 17 arranged below the floor 16 with respect to the direction of gravity. An intermediate space 18 is formed between the floor 16 and the bottom 17. In the second embodiment, the vehicle 1 can be battery-powered and has a traction battery 19 arranged in the intermediate space 18.

[0037] The structure of air conditioning unit 2 corresponds in detail to Figure 1The structure of the air conditioning unit 2 is shown. However, unlike the first embodiment of vehicle 1, the air conditioning unit 2 is partially arranged in the intermediate space 18. Here, the thermal management structure unit 8 also undertakes the temperature regulation, especially cooling, of the traction battery 19. By arranging the air conditioning unit 2 in the intermediate space 18, the wiring length required to connect the thermal management structure unit 8 to the traction battery 19 can be shortened, thereby correspondingly reducing costs and assembly expenses.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit (2) for a vehicle (1), the air conditioning unit being used to regulate the temperature of cabin air (KL) flowing into the cabin of the vehicle (1), - in, The air conditioning unit (2) has an air passage (3) through which the cabin air (KL) can flow and a wall portion (4) that directs the air passage (3) to the outside. - Wherein, the air conditioning unit (2) has at least one thermal management structure unit (8) through which at least one temperature-regulating fluid can flow and at least one heat exchanger (7) through which the cabin air (KL) and the at least one temperature-regulating fluid can flow to regulate the temperature of the cabin air (KL). Its features are, - The at least one heat exchanger (7) is arranged in the air passage (3), and the thermal management structure unit (8) is arranged outside the air passage (3) and directly on the air passage (3), and - The at least one heat exchanger (7) and the thermal management structure unit (8) are interconnected through the wall (4) in a direct manner and in a manner that allows the at least one temperature-regulating fluid to flow through them.

2. The air conditioning unit (2) according to claim 1. Its features are, - The thermal management structural unit (8) has at least two functional components, and at least one of the functional components is configured as a separate component capable of being traversed by the at least one temperature-regulating fluid, and - The at least one heat exchanger (7) and the individual components of the thermal management structure unit are interconnected through the wall (4) in a direct manner and in a manner that allows the at least one temperature-regulating fluid to flow through.

3. The air conditioning unit (2) according to claim 2. Its features are, The respective functional components of the thermal management structural unit (8) are the coolant cooler of the coolant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the pump of the coolant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the regulating valve of the coolant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the shut-off valve of the coolant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the condenser of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the cooler of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the expansion valve of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the regulating valve of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the shut-off valve of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1), or the compressor of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1).

4. The air conditioning unit (2) according to claim 2 or 3. Its features are, The individual components of the thermal management structure unit (8) are either the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1) or the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger of the coolant circuit of the vehicle (1).

5. The air conditioning unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The at least one heat exchanger (7) is a heat sink of the coolant circuit of the vehicle (1), a heat pump heater of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1), or an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle (1).

6. The air conditioning unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, - The at least one heat exchanger (7) is directly connected to the thermal management structure unit (8) through the wall (4) via a flow-through connector, or - The at least one heat exchanger (7) has a first flow-through sleeve, and the thermal management structure unit (8) has a second flow-through sleeve, wherein these sleeves are directly connected through the wall portion (4).

7. The air conditioning unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The at least one heat exchanger (7) is connected to and secured to the thermal management structural unit (8) via a flange through the wall portion (4).

8. The air conditioning unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, - The air conditioning unit (2) has a fresh air / recirculated air unit (9), and the fresh air / recirculated air unit (9) is fluidly arranged in the air passage (3) and secured upstream of the at least one heat exchanger (7), and / or - The air conditioning unit (2) has an internal fan (10) that can be circulated by the cabin air (KL), and the internal fan (10) is fluidly arranged in the air passage (3) and secured upstream of the at least one heat exchanger (7), and / or - The air conditioning unit (2) has an electric heater (11) that can be circulated through the cabin air (KL) to heat the cabin air (KL), and the heater (11) is fluidly arranged in the air passage (3) and fastened downstream or upstream of the at least one heat exchanger (7), and / or - The air conditioning unit (2) has an air distributor (12) that can be circulated by the cabin air (KL), and the air distributor (12) is fluidly arranged in the air passage (3) and fastened downstream of the at least one heat exchanger (7), and / or - The air conditioning unit (2) has a fan that can be circulated by the cabin air (KL), and the fan is fluidly arranged in the air passage (3) and fastened downstream of the at least one heat exchanger (7).

9. A vehicle (1) having an air conditioning unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vehicle (1) has a passenger compartment (13), and the air passage (3) of the air conditioning unit (2) is connected to the passenger compartment (13) in a way that guides air, so that temperature-controlled cabin air (KL) can flow into the passenger compartment (13) from at least one heat exchanger (7) of the air conditioning unit (2).

10. The vehicle (1) according to claim 9. Its features are, - The vehicle (1) has a front wall (14) arranged in the direction of travel (FR) before the passenger compartment (13), and the air conditioning unit (2) is arranged at least partially in the direction of travel (FR) before the front wall (14), and - The air passage (3) of the air conditioning unit (2) is connected to the passenger compartment (13) through the front wall (14) in a way that guides air.

11. The vehicle (1) according to claim 9. Its features are, - The vehicle (1) has a rear wall arranged in the direction of travel (FR) behind the passenger compartment (13), and the air conditioning unit (2) is arranged at least partially in the direction of travel (FR) behind the rear wall, and - The air passage (3) of the air conditioning unit (2) is connected to the passenger compartment (13) through the rear wall in a way that guides air.

12. The vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11. Its features are, - The vehicle (1) has a floor (16) and a bottom (17) disposed below the floor (16). - An intermediate space (18) for arranging the traction battery (19) of the vehicle (1) is formed between the base plate (16) and the bottom (17), and - The air conditioning unit (2) is arranged at least partially in the intermediate space (18).

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