Blower for vehicle air conditioner, vehicle air conditioner and vehicle

Abstract

A blower for a vehicle air conditioner is provided. The air blower comprises a shell and a wind wheel, the wind wheel is arranged in the shell and can rotate around a central axis, the wind wheel is provided with a plurality of fins, each fin is provided with a peripheral edge located at the non-air-inlet end of the fin, and each fin is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The shell is provided with a first radial flange located at the first end of the shell along the central axis and a second radial flange located at the second end, opposite to the first end, of the shell along the central axis, the wind wheel is arranged between the first radial flange and the second radial flange, the first radial flange forms an air inlet of the air blower, and the second radial flange forms an air outlet of the air blower. A wind blocking component is arranged on the second radial flange and extends towards the wind wheel in the direction of the central axis. The utility model further provides a vehicle air conditioner and a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a blower for a vehicle air conditioner, a vehicle air conditioner, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive air conditioning systems cool, heat, replace, and purify the air inside a car. During operation, these systems generate noise, with low-frequency noise (e.g., frequencies between 100 and 500 Hz) being the most easily detected and increasingly attracting attention from automakers and passengers. Especially with the expansion of the new energy vehicle market, the control of low-frequency noise from automotive air conditioning systems has become extremely stringent.

[0003] Currently, many manufacturers lack an effective method to directly address low-frequency noise. For some experienced manufacturers, a common improvement is to add a baffle to the air intake vortex housing at the top of the blower impeller near the air conditioner, or a muffler to the air outlet near the impeller. However, these methods do not completely solve the low-frequency noise problem and therefore still affect the passenger experience. For example, adding a baffle to the vortex housing can reduce vortices at the top of the impeller, but it has no effect on vortices at the bottom of the impeller. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a blower for a vehicle air conditioner, a vehicle air conditioner including such a blower, and a vehicle including such a vehicle air conditioner, wherein a baffle member is provided in the blower to block the backflow of air at the bottom of the impeller and reduce the airflow at the bottom of the impeller, thereby effectively reducing low-frequency noise.

[0005] The above objectives are achieved through the blower for vehicle air conditioning, the vehicle air conditioning system, and the vehicle as described below.

[0006] On one hand, this disclosure provides a blower for a vehicle air conditioner, the blower including a housing and a fan wheel, the fan wheel being disposed within the housing and rotatable about a central axis, wherein the fan wheel has a plurality of fins, each of the plurality of fins having an outer peripheral edge located at its non-air inlet end, and wherein the housing has a first radial flange located at a first end along the central axis and a second radial flange located at a second end opposite to the first end, the fan wheel being disposed between the first radial flange and the second radial flange, the first radial flange forming the air inlet of the blower, and a wind-blocking member being disposed on the second radial flange, the wind-blocking member extending toward the fan wheel along the direction of the central axis.

[0007] The blower for vehicle air conditioning according to this disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0008] In one embodiment, the windbreak member is a windbreak ring that extends continuously around the central axis.

[0009] In one embodiment, the wind deflector is located directly below the fins.

[0010] In one embodiment, the wind deflector is located radially on the outer or inner side of the fin.

[0011] In one embodiment, the radial distance between the wind deflector ring and the fin is 3 mm to 6 mm. In another embodiment, an axial distance is formed between the free end of the wind deflector ring and the free end of the outer peripheral edge along the direction of the central axis.

[0012] In one embodiment, the axial spacing ranges from 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the axial spacing is 4 mm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the windbreak component is a plurality of windbreak rings centered on the central axis.

[0015] In one embodiment, the blower further includes a motor, the housing includes a first housing for accommodating the impeller and a second housing for accommodating the motor, a first radial flange is formed on the first housing, a second radial flange is formed on the second housing, and the windbreak member is integrally formed with the second housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, a further windbreak member is provided on the first radial flange, the further windbreak member extending toward the wind turbine along the direction of the central axis.

[0017] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a vehicle air conditioner, which includes a blower as described above.

[0018] In another aspect, this disclosure also provides a vehicle, including a vehicle air conditioner as described above.

[0019] The blower disclosed herein reduces airflow at the bottom of the impeller by installing a baffle component near the bottom of the impeller, thereby effectively reducing low-frequency noise and, in some cases, completely eliminating it. Due to the reduction or elimination of low-frequency noise, the blower of this disclosure improves product performance and enhances product quality. Furthermore, the design of the baffle component in the blower of this disclosure is simple and easy to manufacture, thus saving development and manufacturing costs. In addition, the blower of this disclosure can improve the passenger experience and avoid after-sales problems. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. The drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 An external schematic diagram of a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a blower for a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, illustrating the airflow.

[0024] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a blower for a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of a blower for a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including a top view and a side view.

[0026] Figure 6 A partial schematic diagram of a blower for a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including a top view and a side view.

[0027] Figure 7 A partial schematic diagram of a blower for a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including a top view and a side view.

[0028] Figure 8 The experimental results of the blower with baffle rings of different heights according to the present disclosure are shown in graphs, where different curves represent the noise distribution when using baffle rings of different heights.

[0029] Figure 9 The diagram shows experimental results of the baffle ring at different positions of the blower according to the present disclosure, where different curves represent the noise distribution when using the baffle ring at different positions. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “connected,” and similar terms are not limited to the physical or mechanical connection or connection shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, which may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0032] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 9 This disclosure provides a detailed description of various embodiments of a blower for a vehicle air conditioner, a vehicle air conditioner, and a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1 A vehicle air conditioner 200 is shown, installed in a vehicle, for example, in the front of the vehicle, and includes a blower 100. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 200 includes multiple air ducts enclosed within the housing of the vehicle air conditioner, which can be used to deliver airflow. Air enters the air ducts of the vehicle air conditioner through the air inlet of the blower 100, and after undergoing processes such as heat exchange, is delivered to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0034] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a vehicle air conditioning unit 200 is shown to illustrate the internal structure of a blower 100. The blower 100 includes a housing 1 and a motor 10 and a fan 2 disposed within the housing 1. The motor 10 has a rotatable motor shaft. The fan 2 is mounted on the motor shaft and is capable of rotating about a central axis X as the motor shaft rotates. The central axis X is as follows: Figure 2As shown by the dashed line, the motor shaft extends along the central axis X and protrudes from the motor 10 toward the wind turbine 2.

[0035] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the impeller 2 has a main body 11 and multiple fins 5 mounted on the main body. The main body 11 has a bowl shape with the rim facing away from the air inlet 14 of the blower 100. Each fin 5 extends parallel to the central axis X, and the multiple fins are parallel to each other. Furthermore, each fin 5 of the impeller 2 has an outer peripheral edge 13 located at its non-air inlet end, which is opposite to the air inlet end of the fin 5 located near the air inlet 14 of the blower 100. Figure 4 The lower end of the middle.

[0036] See Figure 2 and 4 The housing 1 has a first radial flange 3 located at its first end along the central axis X and a second radial flange 4 located at its second end opposite to the first end. Here, radial refers to a direction in a plane perpendicular to the central axis X, and the impeller 2, having a cylindrical profile, has a radial radius or diameter. A radial flange means a flange extending in a radial direction. The first radial flange 3 forms the air inlet 14 of the blower 100. The impeller 2 is disposed between the first radial flange 3 and the second radial flange 4. A windbreak member 6 is provided on the second radial flange 4, extending toward the impeller 2 along the central axis X. It should be noted that the first end and the second end mentioned herein should be understood as the housing portions respectively close to both ends of the impeller 2.

[0037] The following is combined with Figure 3 The airflow shown illustrates the effect of the windbreak member 6. When the motor 10 is running, the rotation of the impeller 2 causes ambient air to enter the blower through the air inlet 14 formed by the first radial flange 3 of the housing 1, such as... Figure 3 As shown in A. Under the centrifugal force of the high-speed rotation of the impeller 2, most of the airflow flows radially towards the outlet of the blower or volute, such as... Figure 3 As shown in B. However, a small portion of the airflow will flow back to the bottom of the blower, as... Figure 3 As shown in C, this is because the structure and gaps within the casing cause some air to be resisted and return. Due to its high speed and irregular flow direction, this airflow creates turbulence near the bottom of the impeller, especially when the impeller fins are placed closer to the motor for better cooling. This phenomenon is more pronounced, generating low-frequency noise and causing airflow loss. By providing a baffle member 6 on the second radial flange 4, this airflow can be blocked, reducing the airflow velocity and thus decreasing low-frequency noise.

[0038] For example, the housing 1 includes a first housing 7 for accommodating the wind turbine 2 and a second housing 8 for accommodating the motor 10. The first housing 7 and the second housing 8 can be joined together. It should be noted that... Figure 2 Only a portion of the second housing 8 is shown. The first housing 7 may be part of the outer casing of the vehicle air conditioner 200, or, for example, part of a volute. The second housing 8 may include a body supporting the motor 10 and a bracket (also referred to as a motor bracket) mounted on the body, the bracket surrounding the motor 10 and having an internal space to accommodate the motor. The body and the bracket may be separate components or integral. A first radial flange 3 is formed on the first housing 7, and a second radial flange 4 is formed on the second housing 8. For example, the second radial flange 4 may be formed on the bracket of the second housing 8.

[0039] For example, the windbreak component 6 and the second housing 8 are integrally molded parts, for example, they are formed by injection molding.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the windbreak component 6 is a windbreak ring that extends continuously around the central axis X. The windbreak component 6 can be multiple windbreak rings centered on the central axis X, i.e., multiple concentric rings. By reasonably setting the size and position of the windbreak rings, it is also possible to use only one windbreak ring. Figure 2 Two windshield rings are shown in the image. Figures 5 to 7 The examples show the case with a single wind deflector ring. A configuration with multiple wind deflector rings can further reduce low-frequency noise.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, an additional windbreak member 9 is provided on the first radial flange 3, and the additional windbreak member 9 extends toward the impeller 2 along the direction of the central axis X. For example, the additional windbreak member 9 can be one or more windbreak rings, such as multiple concentric windbreak rings. In addition, the additional windbreak member 9 can also be formed with the first housing 7 by injection molding, that is, the two are integrally molded parts. The windbreak member at the air inlet can reduce noise at other frequencies.

[0042] The windshield ring may have a height along the central axis X and a diameter in the radial direction perpendicular to the central axis, as described above.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, an axial distance d is formed between the free end of the windshield ring and the free end of the outer peripheral edge 13 of the impeller 2 along the direction of the central axis X. The free end refers to the end of the windshield ring that is away from the second radial flange 4, and may have a stepped shape, such as... Figure 3 and 4As shown. The free end of the outer peripheral edge 13 is the end of the outer peripheral edge that is away from the air inlet, and is the lower end in the figure, close to the second radial flange 4.

[0044] For example, the axial spacing d can be set to a range of approximately 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm to 6 mm, more preferably approximately 3 mm to 5 mm, and in particular approximately 4 mm. The axial spacing d can be varied by selecting windshields of different heights.

[0045] During installation and operation, the impeller 2 of the blower 100 should not come into contact with the motor 10, otherwise there is a risk of component damage, such as scratches. For example, Figure 4 The distance S between the bowl-shaped body 11 of the impeller 2 and the nearest structural member 12 should be greater than zero. The structural member 12 can be part of the motor 10 or part of the housing. For this purpose, there is a minimum installation distance threshold between the free end of the outer peripheral edge 13 and the second radial flange 4, which is the minimum installation distance to ensure that the impeller 2 does not contact the motor 10. For example, to ensure that the distance S is greater than zero, the axial distance between the free end of the outer peripheral edge 13 of the fin 5 and the second radial flange 4 along the central axis X should be no less than 3 mm to 5 mm, for example, 4 mm. That is, the installation distance threshold should be no less than 3 mm to 5 mm, which is the data without a baffle ring.

[0046] The height of the windshield ring must meet the requirements of the aforementioned axial spacing and installation distance threshold. This will prevent scratch damage and ensure the elimination or reduction of low-frequency noise.

[0047] For example, when a wind deflector ring is installed, the axial distance between the free end of the outer peripheral edge 13 of the fin 5 and the second radial flange 4 can be selected as 8 mm. With an axial distance of 8 mm between the free end of the outer peripheral edge 13 of the fin 5 and the second radial flange 4, a wind deflector ring with a height of 4 mm can be selected to achieve the aforementioned axial spacing d of 4 mm.

[0048] The experimental results obtained through testing at different axial spacings are shown in Figure 8 middle, Figure 8 The horizontal axis represents the noise frequency, and the vertical axis represents the noise in decibels. L1 represents the noise curve without a windshield ring, L2 represents the noise curve with an axial spacing d of 2 mm, and L3 represents the noise curve with an axial spacing d of 4 mm. Figure 8The graph shows that, compared to other spacing values, using a 4 mm high windshield ring with an axial spacing d of 4 mm can achieve the best effect in suppressing low-frequency noise. For example, it can greatly reduce noise in the frequency range of 125 to 250 Hz, with a noise reduction of at least 10 dB.

[0049] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the windbreak ring, serving as the windbreak component 6, is located directly below the fins 5 of the impeller 2. It can be said that the inner diameter of the windbreak ring can be greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the fins, and the outer diameter of the windbreak ring can be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the fins. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter D1 of the wind deflector ring can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the fin 5, or they can be equal. The outer diameter mentioned in this article refers to the diameter of the outer edge 13. The phrase "located directly below the fin 5 of the impeller 2" can be understood as being located within a certain radial projection range directly below the fin of the impeller 2.

[0050] In other examples, such as Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the windbreak ring, serving as the windbreak component 6, is located radially outside the fins 5 of the impeller 2. It can be said that the inner diameter of the windbreak ring can be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the fins, and the outer diameter of the windbreak ring can be greater than the outer diameter of the fins. Figure 6 In the top view on the left, the outer diameter D1' of the windshield ring is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the fins 5 of the impeller 2. Figure 7 In the top view on the left, the outer diameter D1'' of the wind deflector ring is also larger than the outer diameter D2 of the fins 5 of the impeller 2. For example, the outer diameter D1' or D1'' of the wind deflector ring can be greater than 105% of the outer diameter D2 of the fins 5. Other values ​​are also possible, depending on the specific design of the blower, such as the radial extension range of the second radial flange 4 and the dimensions of the first housing 7.

[0051] In other examples, the windbreak ring, which serves as the windbreak member 6, is located radially inside the fins 5 of the impeller 2.

[0052] Whether located on the inner or outer side, the axial distance d between the free end of the wind deflector ring and the free end of the outer peripheral edge along the central axis can be approximately 2 mm to 4 mm, or 3 mm to 6 mm. Compared to the wind deflector ring located directly below fin 5, the wind deflector ring located on the inner or outer side of fin 5 can have a greater height.

[0053] During blower operation, fin 5 exhibits radial upward movement. When the baffle ring is located inside or outside fin 5, the radial distance between the baffle ring and the fin is approximately 3 mm to 6 mm to prevent fin 5 from contacting or colliding with the baffle ring.

[0054] Compare Figures 5 to 7 It can be seen that, Figure 6The windshield ring is located on the outermost side of the second radial flange 4. Figure 5 The windshield ring is located on the innermost side of the second radial flange 4. Figure 7 The wind deflector ring is located in the middle position. Experimental results obtained through testing using wind deflector rings in different positions show... Figure 9 middle, Figure 9 The horizontal axis represents the noise frequency, and the vertical axis represents the noise decibels. C1 represents the noise curve without the wind deflector, C2 represents the noise curve when the wind deflector is located at the outermost edge of the second radial flange 4, C3 represents the noise curve when the wind deflector is located in the middle position, and C4 represents the noise curve when the wind deflector is located at the innermost edge of the second radial flange 4. Figure 9 This indicates that, compared to other locations, the baffle ring located directly below the fins 5 of the impeller 2 achieves the best effect in suppressing low-frequency noise, as shown by curve C4. For example, when using a baffle ring with a height of 4 mm, the baffle ring located directly below the fins 5 of the impeller 2 can significantly reduce noise in the frequency range of 125 to 250 Hz, with a noise reduction of at least 10 dB.

[0055] The values ​​mentioned above are illustrative and do not represent actual conditions. Depending on the application and design, other values ​​may be possible to obtain the optimal solution for suppressing low-frequency noise.

[0056] In other examples, the "directly below" mentioned above is not necessarily exactly below the center of the fins of wind turbine 2. Variation within a certain range is acceptable, and the precise position can be determined through simulation or experimental testing.

[0057] Furthermore, the "optimal effect" mentioned above refers to reducing low-frequency noise by a large proportion, and in some cases, it means that low-frequency noise is completely eliminated or suppressed.

[0058] The blower disclosed herein reduces airflow at the bottom of the impeller by installing a wind-blocking component near the bottom of the impeller, thereby effectively reducing low-frequency noise and, in some cases, completely eliminating it. This blower further improves product performance and quality. The design and manufacture of the wind-blocking component are simple, saving development and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, by reducing or eliminating low-frequency noise, the riding experience can be improved, avoiding after-sales problems.

[0059] The vehicle air conditioning system disclosed herein has the blower described above, and therefore has the advantages described above regarding the blower.

[0060] The vehicles disclosed herein include the vehicle air conditioning described above, and can be motor vehicles or electrified vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). The vehicles disclosed herein can also be hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It should be understood that the vehicles disclosed herein also possess the advantages described above regarding the blower and vehicle air conditioning.

[0061] The technical features disclosed above are not limited to the combinations of the disclosed features with other features. Those skilled in the art may also make other combinations of the technical features according to the purpose of the disclosure in order to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A blower (100) for a vehicle air conditioner (200), the blower comprising a housing (1) and an impeller (2) arranged in the housing (1) and rotatable about a central axis (X), wherein the impeller (2) having a plurality of fins (5) each having an outer peripheral edge (13) at a non-air inlet end thereof, and wherein the housing (1) has a first radial flange (3) at a first end thereof along the central axis and a second radial flange (4) at a second end thereof opposite the first end, the impeller (2) being arranged between the first radial flange (3) and the second radial flange (4), the first radial flange (3) forming an air inlet (14) of the blower (100), characterized in that a wind barrier member (6) is arranged on the second radial flange (4) and extends towards the impeller (2) in the direction of the central axis.

2. The air blower of claim 1, wherein The wind barrier member (6) is a wind barrier ring extending continuously around the central axis (X).

3. The air blower of claim 2, wherein The wind barrier ring is located directly below the fins (5).

4. The air blower of claim 2, wherein The wind barrier ring is located radially outside or inside the fins (5).

5. The air blower of claim 4, wherein The radial spacing between the wind barrier ring and the fins (5) is 3 mm to 6 mm.

6. The air blower of claim 2, wherein An axial spacing (d) is formed between the free end of the wind barrier ring and the free end of the outer peripheral edge (13) in the direction of the central axis.

7. The air blower of claim 6, wherein The axial spacing (d) is in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm.

8. The air blower of claim 7, wherein The axial spacing (d) is 4 mm.

9. The air blower of claim 2, wherein The wind barrier member (6) is a plurality of wind barrier rings centered on the central axis.

10. The air blower of claim 1, wherein The blower further comprises a motor (10), the housing (1) comprising a first housing (7) for accommodating the impeller and a second housing (8) for accommodating the motor, the first radial flange (3) being formed on the first housing (7), the second radial flange (4) being formed on the second housing (8), and the wind barrier member (6) being a one-piece component with the second housing (8).

11. The air blower of claim 1, wherein An additional wind barrier member (9) is arranged on the first radial flange (3) and extends towards the impeller (2) in the direction of the central axis.

12. A vehicle air conditioner (200) characterized by comprising: The vehicle air conditioner comprises the blower (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The vehicle comprises the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 12.

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