Air conditioner waterproof device and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner waterproof device and a vehicle. The air conditioner waterproof device comprises a windscreen wiper cover plate, a gutter channel, an air duct, a water sensor and a controller, the gutter channel is arranged below the windscreen wiper cover plate and corresponds to a through hole of the windscreen wiper cover plate, the air duct is arranged between the gutter channel and an air conditioner of a vehicle, the through hole, the gutter channel, the air duct and an outer circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are sequentially communicated, and the air conditioner is provided with an outer circulation air door; the water sensor is arranged in the air duct and used for detecting whether water exists in the air duct; the controller is connected with the water sensor and the air conditioner and used for receiving a detection signal generated by the water sensor and sending a control signal to the air conditioner; the air conditioner is used for receiving the control signal and adjusting the opening degree of the outer circulation air door so as to prevent water from entering the air conditioner when water exists in the air channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to an air conditioning anti-water ingress device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A car's air conditioning system draws in fresh air from outside the vehicle through the vents in the wiper blades to ventilate. However, in rainy weather, rainwater can easily fall through the vents in the wiper blades and enter the air conditioning system, causing unpleasant odors and even serious problems such as water entering the cabin and damage to electronic components. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, this application provides an air conditioning water ingress prevention device and vehicle, which can effectively prevent water from entering the air conditioning system.

[0004] This application provides a water ingress prevention device for an air conditioner, applied to a vehicle, the vehicle including an air conditioner; the water ingress prevention device includes: a wiper cover; a water channel disposed below the wiper cover and corresponding to a through hole in the wiper cover, for collecting water falling from the through hole; an air duct disposed between the water channel and the air conditioner, the through hole, water channel, air duct and air inlet of the air conditioner being sequentially connected, the air conditioner having an external circulation damper for closing the air inlet; a water sensor disposed in the air duct, the water sensor for detecting whether there is water in the air duct; a controller communicatively connected to the water sensor and the air conditioner, the controller for receiving the detection signal generated by the water sensor and sending a control signal to the air conditioner, the air conditioner for receiving the control signal and adjusting the opening of the external circulation damper. In this way, the air intake of the air conditioner can be adjusted to prevent water in the air duct from being sucked in with the air, thus preventing water in the air duct from entering the air conditioner, thereby avoiding a series of problems caused by water ingress into the air conditioner, such as odor, water ingress into the passenger compartment, and damage to electronic components.

[0005] In one embodiment, a water sensor generates a first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, or a second detection signal when no water is detected in the air duct; a controller receives the first detection signal and sends a first control signal to the air conditioner; the air conditioner receives the first control signal and reduces the opening of the external circulation damper when the air inlet is not fully closed. Compared to directly closing the external circulation damper or directly limiting its opening to a very small degree, this design can adjust the external circulation damper to a suitable opening, neither too large to allow water to enter the air conditioner nor too small to restrict the air intake effect. That is, it can reduce the probability of water entering the air conditioner, while preserving the vehicle's air exchange function as much as possible, ensuring the air quality inside the vehicle. Alternatively, the controller receives the second detection signal and sends a second control signal to the air conditioner; the air conditioner receives the second control signal and increases the opening of the external circulation damper when the air inlet is not fully open, thereby increasing the air intake volume of the air conditioner, which is more conducive to air exchange between the inside and outside of the vehicle and improves the air quality inside the vehicle.

[0006] In one embodiment, a water sensor generates a first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, or a second detection signal when no water is detected in the air duct. A controller sends a first control signal to the air conditioner upon receiving the first detection signal. The air conditioner receives the first control signal and switches from a first circulation mode to a second circulation mode. The opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than that in the second circulation mode. This design ensures the external circulation damper is at a suitable opening degree, reducing the probability of water entering the air conditioner while preserving ventilation between the vehicle and the outside, thus ensuring good air quality inside the vehicle. Alternatively, the controller sends a second control signal to the air conditioner upon receiving the second detection signal. The air conditioner receives the second control signal and switches from the second circulation mode to the first circulation mode. This increases the air intake of the air conditioner, further facilitating ventilation between the vehicle and the outside and improving air quality inside the vehicle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the water sensor is embedded in the wall of the air duct, with a portion of the sensor exposed inside the duct. This design allows the water sensor to easily detect whether there is water inside the air duct.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water trough has a first connecting port, a second connecting port, and a drain outlet, which decrease in height sequentially. The first connecting port connects to a through hole, the second connecting port connects to one end of a ventilation duct, and the other end of the ventilation duct connects to an external air circulation inlet. The ventilation duct is hollow. Thus, the through hole, water trough, ventilation duct, and air conditioner can be connected sequentially, allowing the air conditioner to intake air. The sequentially decreasing height of the first connecting port, second connecting port, and drain outlet facilitates air intake and allows air and water vapor to flow along different paths, thus promoting air and water vapor separation.

[0009] In one embodiment, the air conditioner water ingress prevention device further includes a drain pipe connected to a drain outlet and used to drain the water collected in the drain tank, thereby preventing the water collected in the drain tank from overflowing into the air conditioner.

[0010] In one embodiment, the air duct is configured to curve downwards, resulting in a structure that is high at both ends and low in the middle. This design extends the airflow path, which is beneficial for the convergence and condensation of water droplets or water vapor in the air. The curved shape guides water to collect in the middle of the air duct, preventing water from flowing towards the air conditioner's external circulation inlet.

[0011] In one embodiment, the wiper blade is connected to the vehicle's windshield, and at least a portion of the air duct and air conditioning unit are located below the windshield. Compared to having the air duct and air conditioning unit directly below the wiper blade, this layout is more rational and extends the airflow path, which is conducive to the convergence and condensation of water droplets or moisture in the air, thus reducing the probability of water entering the air conditioning system.

[0012] In one embodiment, the air conditioner includes a damper motor. Both the controller and the external circulation damper are connected to the damper motor. The controller controls the movement of the external circulation damper driven by the damper motor, thereby controlling the opening degree of the external circulation damper. Because the damper motor has high control precision, controlling the opening degree of the external circulation damper through the damper motor allows for more precise and controllable opening adjustment.

[0013] The second aspect of this application provides a vehicle, including an air conditioner and an air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0014] Furthermore, the technical effects brought about by the second aspect can be found in the technical effects brought about by the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner water ingress prevention device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the air conditioning water ingress prevention device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the air conditioner water ingress prevention device and the air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Explanation of main component symbols

[0020] 100 - Vehicle, 10 - Air conditioning, 11 - External circulation air inlet, 12 - External circulation damper, 13 - Damper motor, 14 - Compressor

[0021] 20-Air conditioner water ingress prevention device, 21-Wipe cover plate, 211-Through hole, 22-Drain channel, 221-First connecting port,

[0022] 222-Second connection port, 223-Drain outlet, 23-Drain pipe, 24-Air duct, 25-Water sensor, 26-Controller

[0023] 30 - Front windshield. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. Where there is no conflict, the different embodiments and features described below can be combined with each other.

[0025] Cars are typically equipped with air conditioning to regulate the temperature, humidity, air circulation, and purification inside the vehicle, providing a comfortable and safe riding environment for passengers.

[0026] Air conditioners can have multiple operating modes, such as external circulation mode (also known as fresh air mode), internal circulation mode, and mixed air mode.

[0027] In external circulation mode, the air conditioner's external air intake will be fully open (i.e., 100% open). Since the external air intake is located below the wiper cover between the windshield and the car's hood, the air conditioner can draw in fresh air from outside the car through the holes in the wiper cover to ventilate the interior.

[0028] In recirculation mode, the air conditioner's external air intake will be completely closed (i.e., the opening is 0), and the air conditioner will recirculate and reuse the air inside the car without exchanging air with the outside environment.

[0029] In mixed air mode, both the internal and external air intakes of the air conditioner are partially open (i.e., the opening degree is greater than 0 and less than 100%), so the air conditioner draws in fresh air from outside the vehicle while also recirculating the air inside the vehicle.

[0030] However, in rainy weather, when the external air intake is open, rainwater can easily fall through the vents of the wiper cover and enter the air conditioning unit, causing the air conditioning filter to get wet and moldy, resulting in an odor from the air conditioning unit, and even serious problems such as water entering the cabin and damage to electronic components.

[0031] To address this, the relevant technology involves adding a water-air separation structure to the air conditioner. This structure has water-blocking components such as baffles, walls, or ribs inside its cavity, allowing rainwater to separate from the air at these points, thus preventing rainwater from flowing into the air conditioner casing and filter. However, this solution has several shortcomings, such as:

[0032] Firstly, the water-air separation structure requires a large amount of space, which conflicts with the design requirements of a large engine compartment. However, if the space for the water-air separation structure is insufficient, it will affect the water-air separation effect and create a risk of water ingress into the air conditioning system.

[0033] Secondly, the air conditioning system has limited effectiveness in preventing water ingress. For example, when the air conditioning is set to a high setting and the fan speed is high, small raindrops can easily be drawn into the air conditioning system with the airflow, meaning that it is impossible to prevent a small amount of rainwater from entering the system. However, if the air conditioning setting is limited, the airflow needs of the driver and passengers will not be met, affecting the comfort of the ride.

[0034] Third, the water-blocking part will increase the air intake resistance of the air conditioner, increase the energy consumption and noise of the air conditioner, which is not conducive to the performance of the air conditioner and the user experience.

[0035] Therefore, this application proposes an air conditioning water ingress prevention device and vehicle, which can improve the air conditioning water ingress prevention effect and enhance the user experience. The air conditioning water ingress prevention device has a simple structure and eliminates the need for a traditional, bulky water-air separation structure, thus facilitating optimized vehicle space design.

[0036] First, please refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural block diagram of a vehicle 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 100 includes an air conditioner 10 and an air conditioner water ingress prevention device 20, which can be used to prevent water from entering the air conditioner 10.

[0038] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the type of vehicle 100. Vehicle 100 may be, for example, a fuel vehicle, a new energy vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. It is understood that vehicle 100 may also include other components, such as a frame, seats, windshield 30, engine hood, etc. For the sake of brevity, this application will not provide examples and descriptions of each component.

[0039] Specifically, the air conditioner water ingress prevention device 20 of this application embodiment includes: a wiper cover 21, a water channel 22, an air duct 24, a water sensor 25, and a controller 26. The water channel 22 is located below the wiper cover 21 and corresponds to the through hole 211 of the wiper cover 21. The air duct 24 is located between the water channel 22 and the air conditioner 10. The through hole 11, the water channel 22, the air duct 24, and the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10 are sequentially connected. The air conditioner 10 is provided with an external circulation damper 12 for closing the external circulation air inlet 11. The water sensor 25 is located in the air duct 24 and is used to detect whether there is water in the air duct 24. The controller 26 is connected to the water sensor 25 and the air conditioner 10. The controller 26 is used to receive the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 and send a control signal to the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 is used to receive the control signal and adjust the opening of the external circulation damper 12. This allows for adjustment of the air intake of the air conditioner 10, preventing water in the air duct 24 from being drawn into the air conditioner 10 along with the air, thereby avoiding a series of problems caused by water entering the air conditioner 10, such as odor, water entering the cockpit, and damage to electronic components.

[0040] In this embodiment, the air conditioning water ingress prevention device 20 utilizes a water sensor 25 to detect the real-time water ingress situation of the air duct 24, and adjusts the opening degree of the external circulation damper 12 in real time based on the real-time water ingress situation of the air duct 24. Therefore, the opening degree control of this embodiment has high immediacy and accuracy, and the water ingress prevention effect is excellent.

[0041] Moreover, the air conditioning water ingress prevention device 20 in this application embodiment has a simple structure and eliminates the need for the traditional bulky water-air separation structure. It does not have a water-blocking part that increases the air intake resistance of the air conditioning, thus avoiding increased air conditioning energy consumption and noise. Therefore, this application embodiment is also beneficial for optimizing the space design of the vehicle 100 and optimizing the air conditioning performance.

[0042] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 2 to 4 The embodiments of this application will be further described.

[0043] Please refer to some embodiments of this application as well. Figure 2 and Figure 3 (For ease of description, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The document also defines the directions of up, down, forward, and backward (see also the embodiments in this application). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (For ease of description, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The dimensions (up, down, front, and rear directions) are also defined. The wiper cover 21 is installed in front of the windshield 30, with one end connected to the windshield 30. The other end of the wiper cover 21 is connected to the engine hood (not shown). A water channel 22 is located below the wiper cover 21. An air duct 24 is located between the water channel 22 and the air conditioner 10. The water channel 22 and the air duct 24, as well as the water channel 22 and the air conditioner 10, can be fixed by snap-fit ​​connections, threaded connections, or other connection methods, which are not specifically limited here. At least a portion of the air duct 24 and the air conditioner 10 are located below the windshield 30.

[0044] The water trough 22 is provided with a first connecting port 221, a second connecting port 222 and a drain port 223. The first connecting port 221 corresponds to and is connected to the through hole 211 of the wiper cover plate 21. The second connecting port 222 is connected to one end of the ventilation duct 24, and the other end of the ventilation duct 24 is connected to the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10.

[0045] The internal structure of the water trough 22 is interconnected, and the air duct 24 is hollow. Therefore, the through hole 211, the water trough 22, the air duct 24 and the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10 can be connected in sequence, so that the air conditioner can take in air.

[0046] The first connecting port 221, the second connecting port 222, and the drain port 223 are distributed at different locations on the water channel 22. For example, in one embodiment, as... Figure 3As shown, the water trough 22 has a first connecting port 221 on its top wall, a second connecting port 222 on its side wall, and a drain port 223 on its bottom wall. In other words, in terms of height, the first connecting port 221 is higher than the second connecting port 222, and the second connecting port 222 is higher than the drain port 223. This design facilitates air intake and allows air and water vapor to flow along different paths, which is beneficial for the separation of air and water vapor.

[0047] In one embodiment, the air conditioning water ingress prevention device 20 further includes a drain pipe 23. A drain outlet 223 is connected to one end of the drain pipe 23, and the other end of the drain pipe 23 can be exposed outside the vehicle and communicate with the external environment.

[0048] Continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 A water sensor 25 is installed in the air duct 24 and can be used to detect the water inflow into the air duct 24 in real time. Specifically, the wall of the air duct 24 has mounting holes, the water sensor 25 is installed in the mounting holes and the mounting holes are sealed, and part of the water sensor 25 is exposed inside the air duct 24, so that the water sensor 25 can detect whether there is water in the air duct 24 and generate a corresponding detection signal. The water sensor 25 can be, for example, an electrode-type water sensor, which can generate a voltage change when the electrode is immersed in water, and this voltage is the detection signal.

[0049] Continue reading Figure 4 The controller 26 can be an electronic control unit (ECU) in the vehicle 100. The controller 26 is connected to the water sensor 25 and the air conditioner 10. The controller 26 can receive the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 and send control signals to the air conditioner 10 to control the operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0050] For ease of distinction, in this embodiment, the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 when it detects water in the air duct 24 can be called the first detection signal, and the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 when it does not detect water in the air duct 24 can be called the second detection signal. The control signal sent by the controller 26 to the air conditioner 10 when it receives the first detection signal can be called the first control signal, and the control signal sent by the controller 26 to the air conditioner 10 when it receives the second detection signal can be called the second control signal. The first detection signal is different from the second detection signal, and the first control signal is different from the second control signal.

[0051] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the air conditioner 10 is equipped with an external circulation damper 12 and a damper motor 13. The external circulation damper 12 can be used to close the external circulation air inlet 11. The damper motor 13 is connected to the external circulation damper 12 and a controller 26. The controller 26 can be used to control the movement of the external circulation damper 12 driven by the damper motor 13, thereby controlling the opening degree of the external circulation damper 12. In addition, the air conditioner 10 may also include a compressor 14, which is connected to the controller 26. The controller 26 can be used to control the dehumidification operation of the compressor 14.

[0052] For example, when the air conditioner 10 is operating in external circulation mode or mixed air mode, the external circulation damper 12 of the air conditioner 10 is not closed, therefore, if Figure 3 As shown by the dotted line, the air conditioner 10 can draw in fresh air from outside the vehicle and replace the air inside the vehicle. The fresh air from outside the vehicle can enter through the through hole 211, pass through the water channel 22 and the air duct 24 in sequence, and then enter the external circulation air intake 11 of the air conditioner 10.

[0053] If it rains or the vehicle 100 is sprayed with water, causing water to fall from the through hole 211, the fallen water can be collected in the water trough 22, and the drain outlet 223 can drain the water collected in the water trough 22. If the drain outlet 223 is connected to a drain pipe 23, the drain pipe 23 can drain the water collected in the water trough 22 to the outside, preventing water from overflowing and flowing into the air conditioner 10.

[0054] Because tiny water droplets or water vapor may enter the air duct 24 along with the air (the water flow path may be as follows) Figure 3 (As shown by the long and short dashes in the diagram), in this situation, the water sensor 25 detects water in the air duct 24 and sends a first detection signal to the controller 26. Upon receiving the first detection signal, the controller 26 sends a first control signal to the air conditioner 10. The first control signal instructs the air conditioner 10 to reduce the opening of its external circulation damper 12. The air conditioner 10 can control the rotation of the damper motor 13 according to the first control signal to drive the external circulation damper 12 to reduce its opening, thereby reducing the air intake of the air conditioner 10 and preventing water in the air duct 24 from being drawn into the air conditioner 10 along with the air, thus avoiding a series of problems caused by water ingress into the air conditioner 10, such as odor, water ingress into the cockpit, and damage to electronic components.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the air duct 24 can be configured to be curved downwards, making the air duct 24 have a structure that is high at both ends and low in the middle. This design can extend the airflow path, which is conducive to the convergence and condensation of water droplets or water vapor in the air. The curved shape can guide water to be collected in the middle of the air duct 24, preventing water from flowing to the external circulation air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the water sensor 25 continuously detects water in the air duct 24, the controller 26 can continuously send a first control signal. Each time the air conditioner 10 receives the first control signal, it reduces the opening of the external circulation damper 12 by a first preset amount, provided the external circulation air inlet 11 is not completely closed. The first preset amount can be set according to actual conditions; for example, it can be a fixed value (such as 10% or other values) or a variable value (such as a value within the range of 5% to 15%). That is, the reduction in opening amount each time can be the same or different.

[0057] In one embodiment, when a first control signal is received, the operating mode of the air conditioner 10 can be switched from a first cycle mode to a second cycle mode, wherein the opening degree in the first cycle mode is greater than the opening degree in the second cycle mode.

[0058] For example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the first control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in the mixed air mode, the air conditioner 10 can remain in the mixed air mode, but reduce the opening of the external circulation damper 12; or, the air conditioner 10 can switch to the internal circulation mode, that is, reduce the opening of the external circulation damper 12 directly from greater than 0 and less than 100% to 0.

[0059] For example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the first control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in external circulation mode, the air conditioner 10 can switch to mixed air mode, that is, reduce the opening of the external circulation damper 12 from 100% to greater than 0 and less than 100%; or, the air conditioner 10 can switch to internal circulation mode, that is, reduce the opening of the external circulation damper 12 from 100% to 0.

[0060] When the external air intake 11 of the air conditioner 10 is completely closed, or when the air conditioner 10 is operating in internal air circulation mode, the controller 26 can also send a third control signal to the air conditioner 10. The third control signal is used to instruct the air conditioner 10 to dehumidify. The air conditioner 10 can control the compressor 14 to work according to the third control signal, thereby further reducing the risk of water ingress into the air conditioner 10.

[0061] Additionally, when the air conditioner 10 is operating in recirculation mode, the external circulation damper 12 of the air conditioner 10 is completely closed. If the water sensor 25 does not detect water in the air duct 24 at this time (i.e., no water enters the air duct 24), it will send a second detection signal to the controller 26.

[0062] Upon receiving the second detection signal, the controller 26 sends a second control signal to the air conditioner 10. This second control signal instructs the air conditioner 10 to increase the opening of its external circulation damper 12. The air conditioner 10 can control the rotation of the damper motor 13 according to the first control signal to drive the external circulation damper 12 to increase its opening, thereby increasing the air intake volume. This allows the air conditioner 10 to draw in more fresh air from outside the vehicle, achieving air exchange between the inside and outside of the vehicle and improving the air quality inside. Since moisture in the air can be removed during the air exchange process, if the compressor 14 was previously performing dehumidification, the controller 26 can then control the compressor 14 to stop working, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0063] In one embodiment, when the water sensor 25 continuously detects that there is no water in the air duct 24, the controller 26 can continuously send a second control signal. Each time the air conditioner 10 receives the second control signal, it increases the opening of the external circulation damper 12 by a second preset amount, even if the external circulation air inlet 11 is not fully open. Similar to the first preset amount, the second preset amount can also be set according to actual conditions, and is not specifically limited here.

[0064] In one embodiment, when a first control signal is received, the operating mode of the air conditioner 10 can be switched from a first cycle mode to a second cycle mode.

[0065] For example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the second control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in the mixed air mode, the air conditioner 10 can remain in the mixed air mode, but increase the opening of the external circulation damper 12; or, the air conditioner 10 can switch to the external circulation mode, that is, directly increase the opening of the external circulation damper 12 to 100%.

[0066] For example, when the air conditioner 10 receives the second control signal, if the air conditioner 10 was originally in the internal circulation mode, the air conditioner 10 can switch to the mixed air mode, that is, increase the opening of the external circulation damper 12 from 0 to greater than 0 and less than 100%; or, the air conditioner 10 can switch to the external circulation mode, that is, increase the opening of the external circulation damper 12 from 0 to 100%.

[0067] The following is a general description of the working process of preventing water from entering the air conditioner 10 in the vehicle 100 according to the embodiments of this application.

[0068] The water sensor 25 will detect whether there is water in the air duct 24 in real time. If the water sensor 25 detects water in the air duct 24, it will generate a first detection signal and send it to the controller 26; if the water sensor 25 does not detect water in the air duct 24, it will generate a second detection signal and send it to the controller 26.

[0069] Then, the controller 26 receives the detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 and sends a control signal to the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 adjusts the opening of its external circulation damper 12 according to the control signal.

[0070] For example, the controller 26 receives a first detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 and sends a first control signal to the air conditioner 10. Then, in response to the first control signal, the air conditioner 10 reduces the opening of the external circulation damper 12 by a first set amount when the external circulation air inlet 11 is not completely closed.

[0071] Alternatively, the controller 26 receives the second detection signal generated by the water sensor 25 and sends a second control signal to the air conditioner 10. Then, in response to the first control signal, the air conditioner 10 increases the opening of the external circulation damper 12 by a second set amount when the external circulation air inlet 11 is not fully open.

[0072] It is understood that in other embodiments, the air conditioner 10 may also switch from a first circulation mode to a second circulation mode in response to a first control signal. Alternatively, the air conditioner 10 may switch from a second circulation mode to a first circulation mode in response to a second control signal. In this case, the opening degree in the first circulation mode is greater than the opening degree in the second circulation mode. For example, the first circulation mode may be a mixed air mode, and correspondingly, the second circulation mode may be a mixed air mode or an internal circulation mode. As another example, the first circulation mode may be an external circulation mode, and correspondingly, the second circulation mode may be a mixed air mode or an internal circulation mode.

[0073] During the above process, the vehicle 100 can detect the water ingress of the air duct 24 multiple times through the water sensor 25, and adjust the opening of the external circulation damper 12 of the air conditioner 10 or adjust the working mode of the air conditioner 10 multiple times through the controller 26.

[0074] If the external air intake 11 of the air conditioner 10 is adjusted to be completely closed, or if the air conditioner 10 switches to internal air circulation mode, the controller 26 can also send a third control signal to the air conditioner 10. Then, in response to the third control signal, the air conditioner 10 controls the compressor 14 to operate for dehumidification.

[0075] In summary, in the above embodiments, the air conditioning water ingress prevention device can reduce the opening of the external circulation damper to a suitable degree when there is water in the air duct. This reduces the probability of water flowing into the air conditioner, avoiding a series of problems caused by water ingress, such as odors, water ingress into the passenger compartment, and damage to electronic components. Simultaneously, it preserves the vehicle's air exchange function as much as possible, ensuring air quality inside the vehicle. Furthermore, when there is no water in the air duct, the opening of the external circulation damper can be increased to facilitate air exchange and improve air quality inside the vehicle. Therefore, the air conditioning water ingress prevention device provided in the embodiments of this application can improve the air conditioning water ingress prevention effect and enhance the user experience.

[0076] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0077] In this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0078] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0079] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0080] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner water ingress prevention device, characterized in that, Applied to a vehicle, the vehicle including an air conditioner; the air conditioner water ingress prevention device includes: Wiper cover; A water channel is provided below the wiper cover and corresponds to the through hole of the wiper cover; An air duct is provided between the water tank and the air conditioner. The through hole, the water tank, the air duct and the external circulation air inlet of the air conditioner are connected in sequence. The air conditioner is provided with an external circulation damper that can be used to close the external circulation air inlet. A water sensor is installed in the air duct, and the water sensor is used to detect whether there is water in the air duct; The controller is communicatively connected to the water sensor and the air conditioner. The controller is used to receive the detection signal generated by the water sensor and send a control signal to the air conditioner. The air conditioner is used to receive the control signal and adjust the opening of the external circulation damper.

2. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water sensor is used to generate a first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, or to generate a second detection signal when water is not detected in the air duct. The controller is used to receive the first detection signal and send a first control signal to the air conditioner; the air conditioner is used to receive the first control signal and reduce the opening of the external circulation damper when the external circulation air inlet is not completely closed; Alternatively, the controller is configured to receive the second detection signal and send a second control signal to the air conditioner; the air conditioner is configured to receive the second control signal and increase the opening of the external circulation damper when the external circulation air inlet is not fully open.

3. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water sensor is used to generate a first detection signal when water is detected in the air duct, or to generate a second detection signal when water is not detected in the air duct. The controller is used to send a first control signal to the air conditioner when it receives the first detection signal; The air conditioner is used to receive the first control signal and switch from the first cycle mode to the second cycle mode; Alternatively, the controller is configured to send a second control signal to the air conditioner upon receiving the second detection signal; The air conditioner is used to receive the second control signal and switch from the second cycle mode to the first cycle mode; Wherein, the opening degree in the first cycle mode is greater than the opening degree in the second cycle mode.

4. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water sensor is embedded in the wall of the air duct, with a portion of the water sensor exposed inside the air duct.

5. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water trough has a first connecting port, a second connecting port, and a drain outlet. The first connecting port, the second connecting port, and the drain outlet decrease in height sequentially. The first connecting port is connected to the through hole, the second connecting port is connected to one end of the air duct, and the other end of the air duct is connected to the external circulation air inlet. The air duct is hollow.

6. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The air conditioner water ingress prevention device also includes a drain pipe, which is connected to the drain outlet and used to drain the water collected in the water tank.

7. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct is designed to be curved downwards.

8. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wiper cover is connected to the windshield of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the air duct and the air conditioner are located below the windshield.

9. The air conditioner water ingress prevention device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner is equipped with a damper motor. The controller and the external circulation damper are both connected to the damper motor. The controller is used to control the movement of the external circulation damper driven by the damper motor, thereby controlling the opening degree of the external circulation damper.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes air conditioners and air conditioner water ingress prevention devices as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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