Air conditioning device

Abstract

An air conditioning device (1) is provided with an inside / outside air suction case (10) disposed on the engine room or motor room (2) side with respect to an opening hole (5) formed in a partition wall (4), and an air conditioning case (20) disposed on the passenger compartment (3) side with respect to the opening hole (5) formed in the partition wall (4). A blower fan (30) is disposed in the air conditioning case (20) so that an air suction port (33) of a fan (31) rotating about a prescribed axis (CL) faces the opening hole (5). A partition wall (40) divides a space on the radially outer side of the axis (CL) of the fan (31) into a plurality of regions in the direction of rotation of the fan (31) in the air conditioning case (20). A plurality of outer side passages (50) are divided by an inner wall (22) on the radially outer side of the axis (CL) of the fan (31), an inner wall (23) on the partition wall (4) side, and the partition wall (40) in the air conditioning case (20), and are formed on the radially outer side of the axis (CL) of the fan (31).

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-006259, filed on January 18, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning unit installed in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, an air conditioning unit was known to be installed in a partition (i.e., a firewall) that separates the engine compartment or motor compartment of a vehicle from the passenger compartment, and was installed across the engine compartment or motor compartment and the passenger compartment.

[0004] In the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, the air intake housing for drawing in both interior and exterior air is disposed in the region on the engine compartment side relative to the partition wall, while the air conditioning housing equipped with a blower is disposed in the region on the interior side of the vehicle compartment relative to the partition wall. The air conditioning system is fixed to the area around the opening formed in the partition wall by means of a fixing member via a sealing gasket.

[0005] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-182226 Summary of the Invention However, the air conditioning unit described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the passage on the downstream side of the fan of the blower extends only radially outward relative to the fan's axis of rotation. Therefore, this air conditioning unit suffers from a problem of increased vibration due to a deviation in air pressure balance, as this air pressure acts on the inner wall surrounding the radially outer side of the fan. As a result, the sealing gasket between the air conditioning unit and the partition wall deteriorates due to vibration. Furthermore, when the air conditioning unit is fixed to the partition wall with screws or the like, the vibration of the air conditioning unit is directly transmitted to the partition wall, causing abnormal noises, etc.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioning device capable of suppressing vibration.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning unit disposed in a partition separating the engine compartment or motor compartment of a vehicle from the passenger compartment includes: The internal and external air intake housing is located on the engine compartment or motor compartment side, relative to the opening formed on the partition wall. The air conditioning housing is located inside the vehicle compartment, relative to the opening formed in the partition wall; The blower has a fan that rotates around a predetermined axis and is installed inside the air conditioning housing with the air intake of the fan facing the opening. A partition wall, inside the air conditioner housing, divides the space radially outward relative to the fan axis into multiple regions in the direction of fan rotation; And multiple outer passages, which are divided by the inner wall of the air conditioner housing on the radially outer side relative to the fan axis, the inner wall of the partition side and the partition wall, and are formed on the radially outer side relative to the fan axis.

[0008] Therefore, the air blown out by the fan flows in multiple outer passages formed radially outward relative to the fan's axis. This achieves a balance in the air pressure acting on the inner walls of the multiple outer passages, thereby suppressing vibration. Furthermore, when the airflow rate of the blower described in Patent Document 1 is the same as that of the blower in the air conditioning device of this disclosure, compared to the air conditioning device of Patent Document 1, the air conditioning device of this disclosure reduces the air pressure acting on the inner walls of the multiple outer passages, thus suppressing vibration. As a result, when a sealing gasket is provided between the air conditioning housing and the partition wall, the deterioration of the sealing gasket due to vibration can be prevented. Moreover, when the air conditioning housing and the partition wall are fixed by screws or the like, abnormal noise caused by the vibration of the partition wall can be suppressed.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning unit disposed in a partition separating the engine compartment or motor compartment of a vehicle from the passenger compartment includes: The internal and external air intake housing is located on the engine compartment or motor compartment side, relative to the opening formed on the partition wall. The air conditioning housing is located inside the vehicle compartment, relative to the opening formed in the partition wall; The blower has a fan that rotates around a predetermined axis and is installed inside the air conditioning housing with the air intake of the fan facing the opening. The outer passage is divided by the inner wall of the air conditioner housing surrounding the entire circumference of the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan and the inner wall of the partition side, and is formed on the entire circumference of the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan. And a downstream passage, formed inside the air conditioner housing on the side of the fan opposite to the partition wall, and connected to the outer passage.

[0010] Therefore, the air blown out by the fan flows in an outer passage formed radially outward from the fan's axis. This achieves a balance of air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the outer passage, thereby suppressing vibration. Furthermore, when the airflow rate of the blower described in Patent Document 1 is the same as that of the blower in another aspect of this disclosure, compared to the air conditioning device of Patent Document 1, the air conditioning device of this disclosure reduces the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the outer passage, thus suppressing vibration. As a result, when a sealing gasket is provided between the air conditioning housing and the partition wall, the deterioration of the sealing gasket due to vibration can be prevented. Additionally, when the air conditioning housing and the partition wall are fixed with screws or the like, abnormal noise caused by the vibration of the partition wall can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0015] Figure 5 In the air conditioning device according to the third embodiment, and with Figure 2 Sectional view of the corresponding part.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A sectional view along line VII-VII. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals will be used to label the same or equivalent parts, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0019] (First Embodiment) The air conditioning device of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is installed in the partition 4 (i.e., firewall) that separates the engine compartment or motor compartment 2 of the vehicle from the passenger compartment 3, and is a structure that spans the engine compartment or motor compartment 2 and the passenger compartment 3.

[0020] In addition, the coordinates shown in the attached figures are: "front" and "rear" to indicate the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the air conditioning unit 1 is installed on the vehicle; "up" and "down" to indicate the vertical direction of the vehicle; and "left" and "right" to indicate the horizontal direction of the vehicle width.

[0021] The air conditioning unit 1 includes an inner and outer air intake housing 10, an air conditioning housing 20, a blower 30, a partition wall 40, multiple outer passages 50, and a downstream passage 60.

[0022] The inner and outer air intake housing 10 is located in the region on the side of the engine compartment or motor compartment 2, relative to the opening 5 formed on the partition wall 4. The inner and outer air intake housing 10 has an inner air intake 11 for drawing in air from inside the vehicle compartment (hereinafter referred to as "inner air") and an outer air intake 12 for drawing in air from outside the vehicle compartment (hereinafter referred to as "outer air"). Furthermore, an inner and outer air door 13 is provided on the inner side of the inner and outer air intake housing 10 to open and close the inner air intake 11 and the outer air intake 12. The inner and outer air door 13 can switch the intake ratio of inner air and outer air.

[0023] The air conditioning housing 20 is disposed in the region on the 3rd side of the passenger compartment relative to the opening 5 formed on the partition wall 4. Specifically, the air conditioning housing 20 is disposed inside the dashboard (not shown) in the region on the 3rd side of the passenger compartment. By disposing of the indoor and outdoor air intake housing 10 in the region on the engine compartment or motor compartment 2 side, the air conditioning housing 20 disposed in the region on the 3rd side of the passenger compartment in this embodiment can be miniaturized. As a result, the space inside the dashboard where the air conditioning housing 20 is disposed can be reduced, and correspondingly, a more spacious passenger compartment 3 can be ensured.

[0024] The air conditioner housing 20 is fixed to the partition wall 4. A sealing gasket 6 is provided between the air conditioner housing 20 and the partition wall 4. The sealing gasket 6 prevents air leakage from inside the air conditioner housing 20 and suppresses the transmission of vibration between the air conditioner housing 20 and the partition wall 4. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, the sealing gasket 6 can be omitted, and the air conditioner housing 20 can be directly fixed to the partition wall 4 by screws or the like (not shown). Alternatively, the air conditioner housing 20 can be fixed to the partition wall 4 by screws or the like, using the sealing gasket 6.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the blower 30 includes a fan 31 and an electric motor 32 that rotates the fan 31. Driven by the electric motor 32, the fan 31 rotates around a predetermined axis CL. The fan 31 can be, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a turbine fan or a multi-blade fan. The blower 30 is installed inside the air conditioning housing 20 with the air intake 33 of the fan 31 facing the opening 5 of the partition wall 4. Furthermore, a flared opening 21 is provided on the partition wall 4 side of the air conditioning housing 20. The opening inside the flared opening 21 is approximately aligned with the air intake 33 of the fan 31. Moreover, the opening 5 of the partition wall 4, the opening inside the flared opening 21, and the air intake 33 of the fan 31 are arranged approximately coaxially.

[0026] In addition, in the following description, the radial direction of the virtual circle perpendicular to the rotation axis CL of the fan 31 and centered on the axis CL is referred to as the "radial direction relative to the axis CL of the fan 31". Furthermore, in the radial direction relative to the axis CL of the fan 31, the direction away from the axis CL is referred to as the "radial outer direction relative to the axis CL of the fan 31".

[0027] Within the air conditioning housing 20, two partition walls 40 are provided radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31. The partition walls 40 divide the space radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31 into multiple regions in the rotation direction of the fan 31. In this embodiment, the two partition walls 40 are positioned approximately to the left and right of the fan 31 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the two partition walls 40 are positioned symmetrically relative to the axis CL of the fan 31.

[0028] Inside the air conditioner housing 20, a plurality of outer passages 50 are formed radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31. These outer passages 50 are divided by an inner wall 22 radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31, inner walls 23 on the partition walls 4, and two partition walls 40. Furthermore, the inner wall 22 radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31 is arranged to surround the entire circumference of the radially outward side relative to the axis CL of the fan 31.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the plurality of outer passages 50 have a first outer passage 51 and a second outer passage 52. The first outer passage 51 and the second outer passage 52 are formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31. Specifically, the first outer passage 51 is formed on the upper side of the vehicle with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31, and the second outer passage 52 is formed on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31. Figure 2 As shown, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis CL of the fan 31, the flow area of ​​the first outer passage 51 and the second outer passage 52 are preferably approximately the same. Furthermore, as... Figure 1As shown, in a cross-sectional view parallel to the axis CL of the fan 31, the flow areas of the first outer passage 51 and the second outer passage 52 are preferably substantially the same. Furthermore, in this disclosure, "substantially the same" means that, in addition to being completely identical, it also includes an error of about 10 to 20%.

[0030] Inside the air conditioner housing 20, on the side of the fan 31 opposite to the partition wall 4, a downstream passage 60 is formed. Figure 1 In the diagram, for illustrative purposes, the boundary between the outer passage 50 and the downstream passage 60 is represented by a dashed line B. However, in reality, the outer passage 50 and the downstream passage 60 are continuous spaces. Therefore, the first outer passage 51, the second outer passage 52, and the downstream passage 60 are connected.

[0031] Although not shown in the figure in the first embodiment, the downstream passage 60 is provided with a cooling device for cooling the air flowing through the downstream passage 60, a heating device for heating the air passing through the cooling device, etc. In addition, the downstream passage 60 is connected to an air outlet provided on the instrument panel, etc., via a pipe (not shown).

[0032] In the air conditioning device 1 of the first embodiment described above, when the electric motor 32 of the blower 30 is driven, the fan 31 rotates, drawing in external air from the external air intake 12 or internal air from the internal air intake 11. This air is drawn into the fan 31 through the opening of the horn 21, blown out from the trailing edge of the fan 31 blades to the first outer passage 51 and the second outer passage 52, and then flows in the downstream passage 60. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, arrow F1 indicates the direction of airflow from fan 31 in the first outer passage 51, and arrow F2 indicates the direction of airflow from fan 31 in the second outer passage 52. Arrows F3 and F4 indicate the direction of airflow in the downstream passage 60. As shown by arrows F1 and F2, the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the first outer passage 51 and the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the second outer passage 52 are in equilibrium. Furthermore, the airflow in the downstream passage 60, as indicated by arrows F3 and F4, has its temperature and humidity adjusted by cooling and heating equipment (not shown), and is blown into the carriage 3 from the outlet.

[0033] The air conditioning device 1 of the first embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0034] (1) The air conditioning device 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that: an inner and outer air intake housing 10 is provided on the engine compartment or motor compartment 2 side relative to the opening 5 of the partition wall 4 of the vehicle, and an air conditioning housing 20 is provided on the passenger compartment 3 side. In the air conditioning housing 20, a plurality of outer passages 50 are formed in the region radially outer of the axis CL of the fan 31. The plurality of outer passages 50 are divided by the inner wall 22 radially outer of the air conditioning housing 20 relative to the axis CL of the fan 31, the inner wall 23 on the partition wall 4 side, and the partition wall 40.

[0035] Therefore, the airflow from the fan 31 passes through multiple outer passages 50, which are formed in a region radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31. Thus, since the air pressure acting on the inner walls of the multiple outer passages 50 is balanced, vibration can be suppressed. Furthermore, compared to the structure in Patent Document 1, with the same airflow from the fan 31, the air pressure acting on the inner walls of the multiple outer passages 50 can be reduced, thus suppressing vibration. As a result, the deterioration of the sealing gasket 6 provided between the air conditioner housing 20 and the partition wall 4 due to vibration can be suppressed. Additionally, when the air conditioner housing 20 and the partition wall 4 are fixed by screws or the like, abnormal noise caused by the vibration of the partition wall 4 can be suppressed.

[0036] (2) In the first embodiment, a plurality of outer passages 50 are formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31. Specifically, the first outer passage 51 and the second outer passage 52 are formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31. As a result, the wind pressure acting on the inner wall forming the first outer passage 51 and the wind pressure acting on the inner wall forming the second outer passage 52 are in a balanced state. Furthermore, compared with the structure of Patent Document 1, with the same amount of air blown out from the fan 31, the air conditioning device 1 of the first embodiment can reduce the wind pressure acting on the inner wall forming the first outer passage 51 and the wind pressure acting on the inner wall forming the second outer passage 52. Therefore, the vibration of the air conditioning device 1 can be suppressed.

[0037] (3) In the first embodiment, the downstream passage 60, which communicates with the outer passage 50, is formed in the air conditioner housing 20 on the side of the fan 31 opposite to the partition wall 4. As a result, the inner wall 22 of the air conditioner housing 20 can be provided in such a way that it surrounds the entire circumference of the radially outer side of the axis CL of the fan 31.

[0038] (Second Implementation) The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the structure of the outer passage 50 is changed from the first embodiment. Since other aspects are the same as the first embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the second embodiment of the air conditioning unit 1, no partition wall 40 is provided radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31. Therefore, an outer passage 50 is formed on the entire circumference radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31. The outer passage 50 is divided by the inner wall 22 of the air conditioning housing 20 radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31 and the inner wall 23 on the partition wall 4 side. In addition, the inner wall 22 of the air conditioning housing 20 radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31 is provided in such a way that it surrounds the entire circumference radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the distance between the inner wall 22 of the air conditioning housing 20, which is radially outer relative to the axis CL of the fan 31, and the outer periphery 34 of the fan 31, is preferably approximately the same at positions symmetrical with respect to the axis CL. For example, the distance between the inner wall 221 on the upper side of the vehicle and the outer periphery 34 of the fan 31, and the distance between the inner wall 222 on the lower side of the vehicle and the outer periphery 34 of the fan 31, are preferably approximately the same. Furthermore, the distance between the inner wall 223 on the right side of the vehicle width direction and the outer periphery 34 of the fan 31, and the distance between the inner wall 224 on the left side of the vehicle width direction and the outer periphery 34 of the fan 31, are preferably approximately the same. In this disclosure, "approximately the same" means that, in addition to being completely identical, it also includes an error of about 10% to 20%.

[0041] Inside the air conditioner housing 20, on the side of the fan 31 opposite to the partition wall 4, a downstream passage 60 is formed. For illustrative purposes, in... Figure 3 The boundary between the outer passage 50 and the downstream passage 60 is represented by a dashed line B, but in reality, the outer passage 50 and the downstream passage 60 are continuous spaces. Therefore, the outer passage 50 and the downstream passage 60 are connected.

[0042] In the air conditioning device 1 of the second embodiment described above, when the electric motor 32 of the blower 30 is driven, the fan 31 rotates, drawing in external air from the external air intake 12 or internal air from the internal air intake 11. This air is drawn into the fan 31 through the opening of the horn 21, and is then blown out radially from the trailing edge of the fan 31 blades to the outer passage 50, where it flows in the downstream passage 60. Figure 3 and Figure 4Arrows F5 to F12 indicate the direction of airflow from fan 31 in the outer passage 50, and arrows F13 and F14 indicate the direction of airflow in the downstream passage 60. As shown by arrows F5 to F12, the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the outer passage 50 reaches a state of equilibrium. Furthermore, the airflow in the downstream passage 60, as shown by arrows F13 and F14, has its temperature and humidity adjusted by cooling and heating equipment (not shown), and is blown into the carriage 3 from the outlet.

[0043] The air conditioning device 1 of the second embodiment described above has an outer passage 50 formed within the air conditioning housing 20, circumferentially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31. The outer passage 50 is divided by an inner wall 22 surrounding the radially outward circumference of the air conditioning housing 20 relative to the axis CL of the fan 31, and an inner wall 23 on the side of the partition wall 4. A downstream passage 60 communicating with the outer passage 50 is formed within the air conditioning housing 20 on the side of the fan 31 opposite to the partition wall 4.

[0044] Therefore, the airflow from the fan 31 passes through the outer passage 50, which is formed on the entire circumference radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31. Thus, since the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the outer passage 50 is balanced, vibration can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the airflow rate of the blower described in Patent Document 1 is set to the same as the airflow rate of the blower 30 included in the air conditioning device 1 of the second embodiment, the air conditioning device 1 of the second embodiment can reduce the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the multiple outer passages 50 compared to the device in Patent Document 1, thereby suppressing vibration.

[0045] Furthermore, compared to the device in the first embodiment, the air conditioning unit 1 of the second embodiment achieves a more balanced state in terms of the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the outer passage 50. That is, the air pressure balance of the air conditioning unit 1 of the second embodiment is further improved. Furthermore, since the air outlet area of ​​the air conditioning unit 1 of the second embodiment is increased, the air pressure is correspondingly dispersed, making it more difficult to vibrate.

[0046] (Third implementation) The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is also an embodiment in which the structure of the outer passage 50 is changed from the first embodiment. Since other aspects are the same as the first embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0047] like Figure 5As shown, in the third embodiment, three partition walls 40 are provided radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31 within the air conditioner housing 20. The three partition walls 40 are provided at approximately equal intervals (in other words, approximately 120° intervals) in the circumferential direction centered on the axis CL of the fan 31.

[0048] Inside the air conditioner housing 20, in the region radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31, three outer passages 50 are formed. The three outer passages 50 are all divided by the inner wall 22, the inner wall 23 on the partition wall 4 side, and the partition wall 40 of the air conditioner housing 20 radially outward relative to the axis CL of the fan 31.

[0049] In the third embodiment, the plurality of outer passages 50 have a first outer passage 51, a second outer passage 52, and a third outer passage 53. Specifically, the first outer passage 51 is formed on the upper side of the vehicle relative to the axle CL of the fan 31, the second outer passage 52 is formed on the right side in the vehicle width direction relative to the axle CL of the fan 31, and the third outer passage 53 is formed on the left side in the vehicle width direction relative to the axle CL of the fan 31. The first outer passage 51, the second outer passage 52, and the third outer passage 53 are arranged at approximately equal intervals (in other words, approximately 120° intervals) in the circumferential direction centered on the axle CL of the fan 31. In addition, in this disclosure, approximately equal intervals means that in addition to being perfectly equal, it also includes an error of about 10 to 20%.

[0050] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, a downstream passage 60 is formed on the inner side of the air conditioner housing 20, on the side of the fan 31 opposite to the partition wall 4. The first outer passage 51, the second outer passage 52, and the third outer passage 53 are all connected to the downstream passage 60.

[0051] In the air conditioning unit 1 described above, when the electric motor 32 of the blower 30 is driven, the fan 31 rotates, drawing in external air from the external air intake 12 or internal air from the internal air intake 11. This air is drawn into the fan 31 through the opening of the horn 21, blown out from the trailing edge of the fan 31 blades to the first outer passage 51, the second outer passage 52, and the third outer passage 53, and then flows in the downstream passage 60. Figure 5 Arrows F15 to F17 indicate the direction of airflow from fan 31 in the first outer passage 51, the second outer passage 52, and the third outer passage 53, respectively. As shown by arrows F15 to F17, the wind pressure acting on the inner wall forming the first outer passage 51, the wind pressure acting on the inner wall forming the second outer passage 52, and the wind pressure acting on the inner wall forming the third outer passage 53 are in a state of equilibrium.

[0052] The air conditioning unit 1 of the third embodiment described above also has the same effect as that of the first and second embodiments. In addition, more specifically, the air conditioning unit 1 of the third embodiment provides a vibration suppression effect between that of the first and second embodiments.

[0053] (Fourth implementation) The fourth embodiment will be described. Compared with the first to third embodiments, the fourth embodiment describes the components disposed in the downstream passage 60 and their operation. Since other aspects are the same as those in the first to third embodiments, only the parts that are different from those in the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the air conditioning device 1 of the fourth embodiment includes, starting from the upstream side, a filter 70, a cooling device 80, an air mixing door 90, and a heating device 100 in the downstream passage 60.

[0055] The filter 70, for example, is made of non-woven fabric, and traps foreign matter contained in the air flowing in the downstream passage 60. The cooling device 80, for example, is an evaporator of a refrigeration cycle device, which cools the air by exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing inside the evaporator's pipes and the air passing through the evaporator. The heating device 100, for example, is a heater core for supplying cooling water to an engine or motor, which heats the air by exchanging heat between high-temperature cooling water flowing inside the heater core's pipes and the air passing through the heater core. Alternatively, the heating device 100 may also be a condenser of a refrigeration cycle device or a PTC heater, etc.

[0056] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, within the air conditioning housing 20, a plurality of bypass passages 61 and 62 are formed between the inner wall of the downstream passage 60 and the heating device 100. In this embodiment, among the plurality of bypass passages 61 and 62, the passage formed on the side above the heating device 100 relative to the vehicle is referred to as the first bypass passage 61, and the passage formed on the side below the heating device 100 relative to the vehicle is referred to as the second bypass passage 62. The first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62 are formed symmetrically across the heating device 100. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the flow path centerline of the downstream passage 60, the flow path areas of the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62 are preferably approximately the same.

[0057] Two air mixing doors 90 are provided on the upstream side of the heating device 100. The air mixing doors 90 are, for example, sliding doors. In this embodiment, among the plurality of air mixing doors 90, the air mixing door disposed on the upper side of the vehicle is referred to as the first air mixing door 91, and the air mixing door disposed on the lower side of the vehicle is referred to as the second air mixing door 92.

[0058] Two air mixing doors 90 can open and close bypass passages 61 and 62 and heating equipment 100. Specifically, Figure 6 This indicates that the two air mixing doors 90 open the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62 and shield the heating device 100. In this state, as shown by arrows F18 and F19, the air flowing in the downstream passage 60 bypasses the heating device 100 and flows in the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62.

[0059] Although the illustration is omitted, the first air mixing gate 91 is able to... Figure 6 The state shown moves upwards, and the second air mixing gate 92 can move from... Figure 6 The indicated state moves downwards. When the first air mixing gate 91 moves from... Figure 6 When the indicated state moves upwards, the first bypass passage 61 is blocked, and the heating device 100 is opened. When the second air mixing door 92 moves from... Figure 6 When the shown state is moved downwards, the second bypass passage 62 is blocked, and the heating device 100 is opened. In this case, the air flowing in the downstream passage 60 does not flow through the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62, but flows through the heating device 100 instead. In addition, by adjusting the opening degree of the first air mixing door 91 and the second air mixing door 92, the airflow through the first bypass passage 61, the airflow through the second bypass passage 62, and the airflow through the heating device 100 can be adjusted respectively.

[0060] The first air mixing door 91 and the second air mixing door 92 are driven and controlled by the air conditioning control unit 7 (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning ECU7"). ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit. The air conditioning ECU7 consists of a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits. The microcomputer includes a processor for control and arithmetic processing, and storage units such as ROM and RAM for storing programs and data. The storage unit (i.e., memory) is a non-transient tangible storage medium. In the air conditioning ECU7, the processor performs various control and arithmetic processing based on the programs stored in the storage unit.

[0061] When the air conditioning ECU7 is at maximum cooling speed, such as Figure 6The first air mixing door 91 and the second air mixing door 92 are driven to fully open the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62, thus shielding the heating device 100. As a result, airflow bypassing the heating device 100 flows in the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62. Therefore, the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the first bypass passage 61 and the air pressure acting on the inner wall forming the second bypass passage 62 within the air conditioning housing 20 can be balanced, suppressing vibration of the air conditioning unit 1. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, symmetrical airflow is achieved during the maximum cooling condition with the highest air volume and greatest vibration.

[0062] Furthermore, depending on the blowing pattern, the opening degree of the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62 may sometimes differ, resulting in a difference in the amount of air blown upwards and downwards from the blower 30. For example, in the dual-layer mode, since a cool head and warm feet are required, it is advisable to reduce the opening degree of the second bypass passage 62 through the second air mixing door 92 and increase the opening degree of the first bypass passage 61 through the first air mixing door 91. However, since the total air volume in the dual-layer mode is smaller than that in the maximum cooling mode, the impact of vibration from the blower 30 is smaller than that in the maximum cooling mode. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the configuration is such that the vibration suppression effect is maximized during the maximum cooling mode when the impact of vibration from the blower 30 is greater.

[0063] In the air conditioning device 1 of the fourth embodiment described above, a plurality of bypass passages 61 and 62 are formed symmetrically in the air conditioning housing 20, separated from the heating device 100. When the air conditioning ECU 7 is in maximum cooling mode, it drives and controls the air mixing door 90 in a manner that fully opens the plurality of bypass passages 61 and 62 and shields the heating device 100.

[0064] Therefore, when the air supply fan 30 is operating at its maximum cooling capacity, the air conditioning ECU7 fully opens the multiple bypass passages 61 and 62 through the air mixing door 90 and shields the heating device 100. As a result, the air pressure acting on the inner walls that form the multiple bypass passages 61 and 62 can be balanced, and the vibration of the air conditioning unit 1 can be suppressed.

[0065] (Other implementation methods) (1) In the first embodiment described above, the first outer passage 51 and the second outer passage 52 are symmetrically arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first outer passage 51 and the second outer passage 52 may also be symmetrically arranged in the horizontal direction of the vehicle width, or they may be symmetrically arranged in the diagonal direction.

[0066] (2) In the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, the case where the air conditioning device 1 has 1 to 3 external passages 50 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioning device 1 may also have 4 or more external passages 50.

[0067] (3) In the first embodiment described above, the case where the multiple outer passages 50 of the air conditioning device 1 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple outer passages 50 may also be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the axis CL of the fan 31. In this case, although the balance of air pressure is poor, the vibration can be reduced because the effect of reducing the air volume in one direction can be obtained.

[0068] (4) In the fourth embodiment described above, the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62 are symmetrically arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle, separated by the heating device 100, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first bypass passage 61 and the second bypass passage 62 may also be symmetrically arranged in the horizontal direction of the vehicle width, separated by the heating device 100, or they may be symmetrically arranged in the diagonal direction.

[0069] (5) In the above embodiments, although the cooling device 80 and the filter 70 are arranged in the downstream passage 60, it is not limited thereto. For example, the cooling device 80 or the filter 70 may be arranged in the passage inside the inner and outer air intake housing 10, or it may be arranged in the passage formed between the inner and outer air intake housing 10 and the partition wall 4.

[0070] (6) In the above embodiments, it is described that the fan 31 of the blower 30 is a centrifugal fan, but it is not limited to this. For example, an axial fan or a diagonal fan may also be used.

[0071] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and parts thereof are not unrelated and can be appropriately combined except in cases where they are clearly impossible to combine. Moreover, in the above-described embodiments, it is self-evident that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiments, they are not limited to that specific quantity, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or where they are clearly limited to a specific quantity in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, they are not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc., except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or where they are limited to a specific shape, positional relationship in principle.

[0072] The control unit and methods described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a special-purpose computer provided by means of a processor and memory, the processor being programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and methods described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a special-purpose computer provided by means of a processor composed of one or more special-purpose hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and methods described in this disclosure can also be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, the special-purpose computers being composed of a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program can also be stored as instructions executed by the computer in a non-transient tangible recording medium that can be read by the computer.

[0073] (This is the viewpoint of the publication) The above disclosure can be understood, for example, as shown below.

[0074] [First Opinion] An air conditioning unit is disposed in a partition (4) separating the engine compartment or motor compartment (2) of a vehicle from the passenger compartment (3), the air conditioning unit comprising: An inner and outer air intake housing (10) is disposed on the side of the engine compartment or motor compartment relative to the opening (5) formed on the partition wall; An air conditioning housing (20) is disposed inside the vehicle compartment relative to the opening formed on the partition wall; The blower (30) has a fan (31) that rotates around a predetermined axis (CL) and is disposed inside the air conditioning housing such that the air intake (33) of the fan faces the opening; A partition wall (40) within the air conditioner housing divides the space radially outward relative to the axis of the fan into multiple regions in the direction of the fan's rotation. And multiple outer passages (50), which are divided by the inner wall (22) of the air conditioner housing on the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan, the inner wall (23) of the partition wall side and the partition wall, and are formed on the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan.

[0075] [Second viewpoint] As described in the first viewpoint, the plurality of outer passages are formed in a position symmetrical with respect to the axis of the fan.

[0076] [Third Viewpoint] The air conditioning device as described in the first or second viewpoint has a first outer passage (51) and a second outer passage (52). The first outer passage and the second outer passage are formed at a position symmetrical with respect to the axis of the fan.

[0077] [Fourth viewpoint] The air conditioning device as described in any of the first to third views further includes a downstream passage (60) formed within the air conditioning housing on the side of the fan opposite to the partition wall and communicating with the plurality of outer passages.

[0078] [Fifth viewpoint] An air conditioning unit is disposed in a partition (4) separating the engine compartment or motor compartment (2) of a vehicle from the passenger compartment (3), the air conditioning unit comprising: An inner and outer air intake housing (10) is disposed on the side of the engine compartment or motor compartment relative to the opening (5) formed on the partition wall; An air conditioning housing (20) is disposed inside the vehicle compartment relative to the opening formed on the partition wall; The blower (30) has a fan (31) that rotates around a predetermined axis (CL) and is disposed inside the air conditioning housing such that the air intake (33) of the fan faces the opening; The outer passage (50) is divided by the inner wall (22) of the air conditioner housing on the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan and the inner wall (23) of the partition side, and is formed on the entire circumference on the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan. And a downstream passage (60) is formed inside the air conditioning housing on the side of the fan opposite to the partition wall and communicates with the outer passage.

[0079] [Sixth viewpoint] The air conditioning device as described in viewpoint 4 or 5 further comprises: Cooling equipment for cooling air (80); A heating device (100) is disposed downstream of the cooling device and heats the air flowing in the downstream passage; Multiple bypass passages (61, 62) are formed within the air conditioner housing between the inner wall of the downstream passage and the heating device, and are formed at symmetrical positions across the heating device; An air mixing door (90) opens and shields the heating equipment and the multiple bypass passages; And an air conditioning control device (7) drives and controls the air mixing door so that when the air supply volume of the blower is at its maximum cooling condition, the multiple bypass passages are fully opened and the heating equipment is shielded.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit disposed in a partition (4) separating the engine compartment or motor compartment (2) of a vehicle from the passenger compartment (3), said air conditioning unit comprising: An inner and outer air intake housing (10) is disposed on the side of the engine compartment or motor compartment relative to the opening (5) formed on the partition wall; An air conditioning housing (20) is disposed inside the vehicle compartment relative to the opening formed on the partition wall; The blower (30) has a fan (31) that rotates around a predetermined axis (CL) and is disposed inside the air conditioning housing such that the air intake (33) of the fan faces the opening; A partition wall (40) within the air conditioner housing divides the space radially outward relative to the axis of the fan into multiple regions in the direction of the fan's rotation. And multiple outer passages (50), which are divided by the inner wall (22) of the air conditioner housing on the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan, the inner wall (23) of the partition wall side and the partition wall, and are formed on the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan.

2. The air conditioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of outer passages are formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the axis of the fan.

3. The air conditioning device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of lateral pathways have a first lateral pathway (51) and a second lateral pathway (52). The first outer passage and the second outer passage are formed at a position symmetrical with respect to the axis of the fan.

4. The air conditioning device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a downstream passage (60) formed within the air conditioning housing on the side of the fan opposite to the partition wall, and communicating with the plurality of outer passages.

5. An air conditioning unit disposed in a partition (4) separating the engine compartment or motor compartment (2) of a vehicle from the passenger compartment (3), said air conditioning unit comprising: An inner and outer air intake housing (10) is disposed on the side of the engine compartment or motor compartment relative to the opening (5) formed on the partition wall; An air conditioning housing (20) is disposed inside the vehicle compartment relative to the opening formed on the partition wall; The blower (30) has a fan (31) that rotates around a predetermined axis (CL) and is disposed inside the air conditioning housing such that the air intake (33) of the fan faces the opening; The outer passage (50) is divided by the inner wall (22) of the air conditioner housing surrounding the entire circumference of the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan and the inner wall (23) of the partition side, and is formed on the entire circumference of the radially outer side relative to the axis of the fan. And a downstream passage (60) is formed inside the air conditioning housing on the side of the fan opposite to the partition wall and communicates with the outer passage.

6. The air conditioning device as described in claim 4 or 5, further comprising: Cooling equipment for cooling air (80); A heating device (100) is disposed downstream of the cooling device and heats the air flowing in the downstream passage; Multiple bypass passages (61, 62) are formed within the air conditioner housing between the inner wall of the downstream passage and the heating device, and are formed at symmetrical positions across the heating device; An air mixing door (90) opens and shields the heating equipment and the multiple bypass passages; And an air conditioning control device (7) drives and controls the air mixing door so that when the air supply volume of the blower is at its maximum cooling condition, the multiple bypass passages are fully opened and the heating equipment is shielded.

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