An HVAC with self-cleaning function for filtering cabin air and working method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of HVAC of filtering cockpit air and with self-cleaning function, including box, air blower and evaporator, the box two ends are equipped with air inlet and air outlet respectively, it is characterized in that: the evaporator is located between air blower and air outlet, the evaporator side is equipped with cleaning mechanism, the air blower side is equipped with reversing damper, using the HVAC of filtering cockpit air and with self-cleaning function of the application, effectively filter cockpit air and remove the attached dust of evaporator core, save the after-sales cost of HVAC, applicable to commercial vehicle use or in harsh areas vehicle use.The application further discloses a kind of working method of HVAC of filtering cockpit air and with self-cleaning function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive air conditioning technology. Specifically, this invention relates to an HVAC system that filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function. Background Technology

[0002] The competition in new energy vehicle technology innovation is fierce. While continuously exploring the enabling functions of this system, it was found that the existing air purification systems on the market do not meet the problems of excessive floating dust caused by the sealing problem in the cab of commercial vehicles, resulting in poor purification effect and long purification time.

[0003] Current mainstream air purification systems only use PM2.5 sensors to identify the amount of airborne dust in the cabin through photosensitive sensors. The compressor is continuously started and stopped by the controller. The wet saturated vapor of the evaporator adheres to the condensate on the outer surface of the core body to adsorb airborne dust. Moreover, it can only be drawn in from the passenger-side air intake, which is located inside the dashboard and has extremely low dust filtration efficiency.

[0004] After the evaporator condensate absorbs dust and dirt, it is discharged from the HVAC system and the passenger compartment through the drain pipe. However, the dust adhering to the evaporator core itself is not effectively removed. Even after defrosting, the dust is still blown back into the passenger compartment by the blower. Furthermore, the dust and dirt accumulate in the dead corners of the HVAC system, producing an unpleasant, dusty smell. After-sales HVAC disassembly and cleaning is time-consuming, requiring the disassembly of the dashboard body, dashboard pipe beams, HVAC components, etc., and is expensive.

[0005] Chinese patent application CN 111196249B, published on August 2, 2024, discloses a cleaner entitled "A Cleaner Using a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Module." This cleaner connects a ventilation fan for the HVAC module and a suction fan for vacuum cleaning to a single motor, allowing the ventilation fan to be driven independently when operating the HVAC module and the suction fan to be driven independently when performing vacuum cleaning. However, this cleaner does not completely solve the technical problems described above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an HVAC system that effectively filters cabin air, removes adhering dust from the evaporator core, saves on HVAC after-sales costs, is suitable for use in commercial vehicles or vehicles in harsh environments, and has a self-cleaning function.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] This HVAC system, which filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function, includes a housing, a blower, and an evaporator. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet at both ends. The evaporator is located between the blower and the air outlet. A cleaning mechanism is provided on one side of the evaporator, and a reversing damper is provided on one side of the blower.

[0009] The reversing damper is located in the following: the housing includes an air outlet channel, the air outlet channel is located between the evaporator and the blower, the length of the reversing damper is equal to half the width of the air outlet channel, the end of the reversing damper is hinged to the middle of the air outlet channel, and the reversing damper is connected to a reversing damper actuator.

[0010] An air damper is movably connected inside the air outlet. The air damper includes a rotating shaft with a hollow structure. The cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning nozzle connected to the rotating shaft. A cleaning nozzle is provided at one end of the rotating shaft near the evaporator. The cleaning nozzle is also connected to a water pump.

[0011] The air outlet is also equipped with a PTC heater, which includes a heater housing, and the cleaning nozzle passes through the heater housing.

[0012] The reversing damper actuator is located at the bottom of the air outlet duct.

[0013] Both sides of the reversing damper have an arc surface structure.

[0014] The casing has a sloping section located below the evaporator. One end of the sloping section is connected to a drain pipe, and the bottom of the sloping section is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0015] The water pump is located on the outside of the tank.

[0016] The operating method of this HVAC system, which filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function, includes the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: The reversing damper actuator is activated to change the position of the reversing damper;

[0018] Step 2: Stop the compressor, but keep the blower running for 5-10 minutes;

[0019] Step 3: Start the water pump and PTC heater, and spray the cleaning solution onto the evaporator surface through the cleaning nozzle for 1-2 minutes;

[0020] Step 4: Start the reversing damper actuator to reset the reversing damper.

[0021] The technical advantages of this invention are as follows: The HVAC system of this invention, which filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function, utilizes the reversing damper and the forward and reverse air supply and suction structure of the blower volute to adjust the air outlet of the housing to a return air outlet. After filtering dust through condensation on the evaporator, some of the floating dust is discharged outside the cabin. It also has the function of spraying cleaning agent to clean the evaporator and the dead corners of dirt inside the HVAC system. This solves the problem that users cannot effectively clean the cabin when there is a dusty or musty smell, or when the air environment in the cabin is polluted and there is a lot of dust. After-sales service stations need to disassemble the dashboard and clean the HVAC housing and evaporator core separately when cleaning the HVAC system, which incurs time and cost. The air purification efficiency in the cabin is high and the effect is significant. The system can clean itself, has a simple principle, a reliable structure, and provides a good experience and effect in areas with poor air quality. Attached Figure Description

[0022] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following:

[0023] Figure 1 This invention relates to an HVAC system that filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction at the initial position of the reversing damper of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction after the reversing damper of the present invention has been repositioned;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the housing of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the box body of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the reversing damper of the present invention.

[0029] The following are marked in the diagram: 1. Housing; 11. Air inlet; 12. Air outlet; 13. Air outlet duct; 14. sloping surface; 15. Drain pipe; 2. Blower; 3. Evaporator; 4. Cleaning mechanism; 41. Cleaning nozzle; 42. Cleaning nozzle; 43. Water pump; 5. Reversing damper; 51. Reversing damper actuator; 6. Damper; 61. Shaft; 7. PTC heater; 71. Heater housing. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, this HVAC system, which filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function, includes a housing 1, a blower 2, and an evaporator 3. The housing 1 has an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12 at both ends. The key feature is that the evaporator 3 is located between the blower 2 and the air outlet 12. A cleaning mechanism 4 is located on one side of the evaporator 3, and a reversing damper 5 is located on one side of the blower 2. This HVAC system, which filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function, replaces current mainstream air purification systems by using the cleaning mechanism 4 and the reversing damper 5. It has high dust filtration efficiency and is suitable for the dusty environment inside the cabin of commercial vehicles. It effectively cleans the dust attached to the evaporator 3 core, resulting in good purification effect and short purification time, saving the time required for disassembling dashboard components and cleaning the HVAC system.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 includes an air outlet duct 13 located between the evaporator 3 and the blower 2. A reversing damper 5 has a length equal to half the width of the air outlet duct 13, and its end is hinged to the middle of the air outlet duct 13. A reversing damper actuator 51 is connected to the reversing damper 5. The reversing damper 5 is located between the evaporator 3 and the blower 2, and is hinged to the housing 1 via its central axis. Its rotational power is provided by the reversing damper actuator 51. The air outlet duct 13 is the air outlet 12 of the blower 2. The reversing damper 5 covers half the area of ​​the air outlet duct 13. Because the length of the reversing damper 5 is equal to half the width of the housing 1, when the reversing damper 5 is in its initial position, the opening area of ​​the air outlet duct 13 corresponds to one side of the impeller of the blower 2 in the tangential direction, and the air conditioning housing 1 performs normal cooling. After the reversing damper 5 is nearly 180° repositioned, the blower 2's rotation direction remains unchanged, while the opening area of ​​the air outlet duct 13 changes and corresponds to the tangential direction on the other side of the blower 2 impeller. The operation of the blower 2 creates negative pressure inside the housing 1, thereby drawing the floating dust in the cockpit into the housing 1, where it is then attached by the condensate water of the evaporator 3 core. Before and after the reversing damper 5 is repositioned, the airflow direction inside the housing 1 is changed. Since the blower 2's rotation direction remains unchanged, there is no need to reverse the blower 2, which can save air filtration time and improve the user experience.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, an air damper 6 is movably connected inside the air outlet 12. The air damper 6 includes a rotating shaft 61, which is a hollow structure. The cleaning mechanism 4 includes a cleaning nozzle 41, which is connected to the rotating shaft 61. A cleaning nozzle 42 is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 61 near the evaporator 3. The cleaning nozzle 41 is also connected to a water pump 43. The rotating shaft 61 of the air damper 6 is fixed in position, and the rotating shaft 61 of the air damper 6 is used as the flow channel and nozzle of the cleaning fluid. No additional connecting parts are added, which facilitates the modification of existing products, thereby reducing development and design costs. The water pump 43, once activated, accelerates the flow rate of the cleaning fluid, spraying it along the cleaning nozzle 41, rotating shaft 61, and cleaning nozzle 42 onto the evaporator 3. This effectively removes dust adhering to the condensate on the evaporator 3, improving its cleaning efficiency. It provides rapid and effective purification of dust, particles, and odors in the driver's cab and features a self-cleaning function for the HVAC evaporator 3. This solves the problems of excessive dust and particles in the driver's cabin, odors caused by HVAC filth, and the inconvenience of disassembling the dashboard and cleaning the HVAC housing 1 and core separately. The evaporator 3 cleaning process is simple and easy to program using the controller. Users simply press the corresponding function button, and the program activates, enabling self-cleaning of the evaporator 3. The water pump 43 is mounted on the outside of the housing 1, without occupying internal space. The cleaning nozzle 42 has a straight or other suitable opening cross-section, ensuring that the cleaning also covers the surface of the evaporator 3 core.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, a PTC heater 7 is also provided inside the air outlet 12. The PTC heater 7 includes a heater housing 71, and the cleaning spray pipe 41 passes through the heater housing 71. Utilizing the waste heat generated by the PTC heater, the cleaning water pipe enters from its side and heats the cleaning fluid. After being heated, the cleaning fluid is more likely to clean the surface of the evaporator core 3, improving the cleaning effect and ensuring long-term reliability.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, the reversing damper actuator 51 is located at the bottom of the air outlet duct 13. The main functional component of the reversing damper actuator 51 is a motor, and its base is externally mounted on the housing 1 using multiple bolts, which does not occupy the internal space of the housing 1 and is beneficial for the modification and application of the existing housing 1.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, both sides of the reversing damper 5 have an arc-shaped structure. The arc-shaped surface of the reversing damper 5 facilitates airflow guidance, ensuring that its position before and after reversal does not obstruct airflow.

[0037] like Figure 5As shown, a sloping section 14 is provided on the casing 1 below the evaporator 3. One end of the sloping section 14 is connected to a drain pipe 15, and a reinforcing rib is provided at the bottom of the sloping section 14. The sloping section 14 can smoothly discharge the wastewater after cleaning the evaporator 3 along the drain pipe 15 in a timely manner, and the reinforcing rib of the sloping section 14 improves the structural strength.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the water pump 43 is located on the outside of the housing 1. The main pipeline of the water pump 43 and the cleaning nozzle 41 is located outside the housing 1, which does not occupy the original internal space of the housing 1, and is conducive to the modification and application of the existing housing 1.

[0039] The operating method of this HVAC system, which filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function, includes the following steps:

[0040] Step 1: The reversing damper actuator 51 is activated to change the position of the reversing damper 5;

[0041] Step 2: The compressor stops, but blower 2 continues to run for 5-10 minutes;

[0042] Step 3: The water pump 43 and PTC heater 7 are started, and the cleaning nozzle 42 sprays the cleaning solution onto the surface of the evaporator 3 for 1-2 minutes;

[0043] Step 4: Start the reversing damper actuator 51 to reset the reversing damper 5.

[0044] Existing automotive air conditioning self-cleaning methods generally control the frosting time or defrosting time of the evaporator 3 to capture dust in the air, but do not consider filtration efficiency and actual user experience. Furthermore, once the evaporator 3 is covered with a mixture of aerosols, dust particles, and other substances in the air, it is adsorbed onto the core, making it impossible to completely clean the air in the passenger compartment and achieve the self-cleaning function of the HVAC system.

[0045] The working principle of this HVAC system, which filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function, is as follows: Normal cooling airflow in the air conditioning unit 1 is achieved by drawing in air through the blower motor and impeller via the internal or external circulation port, which is then delivered to the evaporator 3 for heat exchange, converting the air into cold air. This cold air then passes through the air distribution mechanism, defrost duct, surface air outlet 12, and blades before being delivered to the passenger compartment. Figure 2As shown. The electric compressor is the core component of the refrigeration system. Driven by a high-voltage power supply from the battery, it compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gaseous refrigerant. The condenser is usually installed at the front of the vehicle, cooling the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and releasing heat. Electronic or thermal expansion valves: precisely control the refrigerant flow according to actual needs to ensure optimal cooling effect, or release a small amount of refrigerant to continuously collect water on the surface according to cleaning function requirements. In the evaporator 3, the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat, lowering the temperature of the surrounding air and generating cold air. The heating system PTC heater 7 generates heat by passing current through a resistor, which can quickly raise the temperature inside the vehicle. It has a simple structure and good heating effect. The blower 2: provides the power for airflow to the HVAC system, enabling air circulation inside the vehicle. It usually uses a mixed-flow fan or a centrifugal fan. The air ducts include air inlets and outlets, used to guide airflow and deliver hot and cold air to various areas inside the vehicle.

[0046] The damper 6, by controlling its opening, closing, and angle, regulates the airflow and temperature in different areas, achieving multiple functions such as defrosting, face blowing, and foot blowing. The HVAC control module controls the high-voltage contactor, connecting or disconnecting the high-voltage battery from the BLDC motor, PTC heater 7, etc., and also includes the damper 6 motor controller, defrosting heater, communication interface, and power subsystem. The air conditioning speed control module's main function is to dynamically adjust the blower 2 speed based on control signals, thereby controlling the airflow. It receives command signals from the air conditioning panel, amplifies the signals, and drives the blower 2 to operate at different speeds to achieve airflow regulation.

[0047] Temperature sensor: Monitors the interior and exterior temperatures, as well as the temperatures of components such as the evaporator 3 and condenser, in real time, providing temperature signals to the control system for precise control of the interior temperature. HVAC control module: Controls the high-voltage contactor, connecting or disconnecting the high-voltage battery from the BLDC motor, PTC heater 7, etc., and also includes a damper motor controller, defrost heater, communication interface, and power subsystem.

[0048] When performing air filtration, press the air filter icon button on the control panel, or simultaneously press the internal / external circulation and fan speed buttons for more than 3 seconds. The system will then recognize and enter air purification mode, with the compressor shutting off and restarting every 30 seconds. Alternatively, the compressor speed can be controlled between 1000 rpm and 500 rpm (based on feedback from indoor and outdoor temperature sensors) to reduce compressor power output. This reduces the amount of refrigerant flowing through the condenser and expansion valve, thus decreasing the saturated wet vapor in the air conditioner evaporator 3.

[0049] When it is necessary to activate the purification function to filter dust and polluted air in the cockpit, such as Figure 3As shown, the reversing damper 5, driven by the reversing damper actuator 51, swings to the opposite position of the air conditioning unit's movement trajectory. At this time, the rotation direction of the blower motor and the impeller of blower 2 remains unchanged, but because the reversing damper 5 blocks the airflow direction to the blower 2 volute, the airflow to the HVAC unit is reversed, and the airflow from the cab outlet 12 becomes the intake. The negative pressure generated by the rotation of the blower 2 motor and the blower 2 impeller performs suction work, drawing back the dirty and dusty air from the cab through the outlet 12 and the HVAC unit's air duct to the blower 2, and then exhausting it through the intake. When the dust flows over the surface of the evaporator 3 core, the compressor is stopped, allowing the condensate on the surface of the evaporator 3 to adsorb the dust, thus achieving the purpose of filtering the dusty and dirty air.

[0050] The second stage is the HVAC self-cleaning process. Approximately 5-10 minutes after the cockpit cleaning is completed, air conditioning cleaner (or water) is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the evaporator 3 through the cleaning nozzle 42, which extends from the hollow layer of the air conditioning unit's built-in damper shaft 61 towards the front of the evaporator 3 core. Simultaneously, the reversing damper 5 can also be a double-opening structure with inner and outer layers; when it opens inwards, it effectively prevents splashed water from entering the blower 2. Wastewater flows out of the cabin through the drain pipe 15. After the evaporator 3 core is sprayed cleaned for 1-2 minutes, the reversing damper 5 returns to its normal air supply position, completing the cleaning of the cockpit and air conditioning unit 1.

[0051] This HVAC system, which filters cabin air and has a self-cleaning function, utilizes the reversing damper and the forward and reverse air supply and suction structure of the blower 2's volute to adjust the air outlet of the housing to a return air outlet. After condensation and filtration of dust by the evaporator 3, some of the floating dust is discharged outside the cabin. It also has the function of spraying cleaning agent to clean the evaporator 3 and the dead corners of dirt inside the HVAC system. This solves the problem of users being unable to effectively clean the cabin when there is a dusty or musty smell, or when the air environment in the cabin is polluted and there is a lot of dust. After-sales service stations need to disassemble the dashboard and separately clean the HVAC housing 1 and the evaporator 3 core when cleaning the HVAC system, which incurs time and cost. The system has high cabin air purification efficiency and significant effect, and the system can clean itself. The principle is simple, the structure is reliable, and the experience and effect are good in areas with poor air quality.

[0052] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An HVAC system that filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function, comprising a housing (1), a blower (2), and an evaporator (3), wherein the housing (1) is provided with an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12) at both ends, characterized in that: The evaporator (3) is located between the blower (2) and the air outlet (12). A cleaning mechanism (4) is provided on one side of the evaporator (3), and a reversing damper (5) is provided on one side of the blower (2). The housing (1) includes an air outlet channel (13), which is located between the evaporator (3) and the blower (2). The length of the reversing damper (5) is equal to half the width of the air outlet channel (13). The end of the reversing damper (5) is hinged to the middle of the air outlet channel (13). The reversing damper (5) is connected to a reversing damper actuator (51). An air damper (6) is movably connected inside the air outlet (12). The air damper (6) includes a rotating shaft (61), which is a hollow structure. The cleaning mechanism (4) includes a cleaning nozzle (41), which is connected to the rotating shaft (61). A cleaning nozzle (42) is provided at one end of the rotating shaft (61) near the evaporator (3). The cleaning nozzle (41) is also connected to a water pump (43). When the reversing damper (5) is in its initial position, the opening area of ​​the air outlet duct (13) corresponds to the tangential direction on one side of the blower (2) impeller. The air conditioning unit (1) performs normal cooling air flow. After the reversing damper (5) is nearly 180° repositioned, the blower (2) does not change direction, the opening area of ​​the air outlet duct (13) changes and corresponds to the tangential direction on the other side of the blower (2) impeller. The operation of the blower (2) causes negative pressure to be generated inside the unit (1), thereby sucking the floating dust in the cockpit into the unit (1).

2. The HVAC system according to claim 1, which filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function, is characterized in that: The air outlet (12) is also provided with a PTC heater (7), which includes a heater housing (71) and the cleaning nozzle (41) passes through the heater housing (71).

3. The HVAC system according to claim 2, which filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function, is characterized in that: The reversing damper actuator (51) is located at the bottom of the air outlet duct (13).

4. The HVAC system according to claim 2, which filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function, is characterized in that: Both sides of the reversing damper (5) are curved structures.

5. The HVAC system according to claim 2, which filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function, is characterized in that: The casing (1) has a sloping section (14) located below the evaporator (3). One end of the sloping section (14) is connected to a drain pipe (15), and the bottom of the sloping section (14) is provided with reinforcing ribs.

6. The HVAC system according to claim 2, which filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function, is characterized in that: The water pump (43) is located on the outside of the housing (1).

7. A method for operating an HVAC system that filters cockpit air and has a self-cleaning function as described in any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The reversing damper actuator (51) is activated to change the position of the reversing damper (5); Step 2: The compressor stops, and the blower (2) continues to run for 5-10 minutes; Step 3: The water pump (43) and PTC heater (7) are started, and the cleaning nozzle (42) sprays the cleaning liquid onto the surface of the evaporator (3) for 1-2 minutes; Step 4: Start the reversing damper actuator (51) to reset the reversing damper (5).

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