Air conditioning system for conditioning the air in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Air conditioning system (1') for conditioning the air of a passenger compartment (9) of a motor vehicle, which is designed for operation in refrigeration system mode for cooling and in heat pump mode for heating as well as for operation in reheating mode of the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment (9), comprising - a housing (2) with a first flow channel (3) and a second flow channel (4) for conducting air, - a refrigerant circuit with at least two heat exchangers, wherein a first heat exchanger operated independently of the operating mode as an evaporator (7) is arranged in the first flow channel (3) and a second heat exchanger operated independently of the operating mode as a condenser / gas cooler (8a, 8b) is arranged in the second flow channel (4), and - an air guiding device (18') arranged within the first flow channel (3) between the evaporator (7) and the passenger compartment (9) and an air guiding device (20') arranged within the second flow channel (4) between the condenser / gas cooler (8a, 8b) and the passenger compartment (9), wherein - the first flow channel (3) and the second flow channel (4) are separated from each other by a partition wall (10), - the air guiding device (18') arranged within the first flow channel (3) and the air guiding device (20') arranged within the second flow channel (4) are each formed from at least two elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) in several parts, wherein - the air guiding device (18') arranged within the first flow channel (3) is divided into a first element (18a) and a second element (18b) in the region of a separating element (29) and - the air guiding device (20') arranged within the second flow channel (4) is divided into a first element (20a) and a second element (20b) in the region of the separating element (29), wherein - the elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) of the air guiding devices (18', 20') are each assigned to an air duct extending to the passenger compartment (9) and are independently controllable and are designed to be movable so as to open or close the air duct, and - the separating element (29) is arranged between the elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) of the respective air guiding device (18', 20') in such a way that each air duct to which one of the elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) is assigned is delimited by the housing (2), the partition wall (10) and the separating element (29).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air conditioning system for conditioning the air in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The air conditioning system is designed for operation in refrigeration system mode for cooling and in heat pump mode for heating, as well as for operation in reheating mode of the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment. It comprises a housing with a first flow channel and a second flow channel for conducting air, as well as a refrigerant circuit with at least two heat exchangers. A first heat exchanger, operated as an evaporator independently of the operating mode, is arranged in the first flow channel, and a second heat exchanger, operated as a condenser independently of the operating mode, is arranged in the second flow channel. Furthermore, air guiding devices are formed within the first and second flow channels.

[0002] State-of-the-art air conditioning systems for motor vehicles are known for combined operation in refrigeration system mode and heat pump mode for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying the air supplied to and conditioned in the passenger compartment. The air conditioning systems are controlled either on the refrigerant circuit side or on the air side.

[0003] Conventional compact, air-side controlled air conditioning systems with heat pump functionality feature a simple refrigerant circuit with an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser / gas cooler, and an expansion device. The evaporator operates as an evaporator in both refrigeration and heat pump modes, and the condenser operates as a condenser in both refrigeration and heat pump modes. Heat flow control is achieved entirely via the air-side flow control.

[0004] Through targeted air-side wiring of the air conditioning system, the heating, cooling, and dehumidification functions are provided with any desired mixed temperature of the air supplied to the passenger compartment. As required, an airflow over the condenser can be mixed as a warm airflow and an airflow over the evaporator as a cold airflow, depending on the required outlet air temperature. The mixed airflow is directed into the passenger compartment through a flow duct. An air distribution system located in the vehicle with various outlet control elements directs the airflow to the appropriate outlets, including at least one outlet to the windshield, one outlet for direct airflow to the occupants, and one outlet to the footwell. Excess air is discharged into the environment through additional outlets in the housing of the compact air conditioning system.

[0005] FR 2 743 027 A1 discloses a vehicle air conditioning system with a conventional refrigerant circuit, comprising only an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion element. The heat exchangers are arranged in separate flow channels, which are at least fluidically separated from one another. The flow channels have cross connections or bypasses. The air mass flows drawn in by fans are directed over the surfaces of the heat exchangers by closing and opening flaps and passing through the bypasses as required and depending on the operating mode. The air mass flows are cooled and / or dehumidified or heated, respectively, and then discharged into the passenger compartment and / or the environment.

[0006] DE 10 2011 052 752 A1 discloses a modular vehicle air conditioning system with heat pump functionality for heating and cooling air. The vehicle air conditioning system comprises a housing with a fan and flaps for adjusting air flow paths, as well as a refrigerant circuit with a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, an expansion device, and associated connecting lines. An evaporator air flow path with an integrated evaporator and a condenser air flow path with an integrated condenser are formed in the housing. The two air flow paths are connected to each other via controllable flaps such that heating or cooling of the passenger compartment is achieved solely by adjusting the air flow path.

[0007] DE 10 2012 108 891 A1 describes an air conditioning system for conditioning the air in a passenger compartment. The air conditioning system comprises a housing with a first and a second flow channel for conducting air, as well as a refrigerant circuit with an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator is arranged in the first flow channel, and the condenser is arranged in the second flow channel. At least one of the heat exchangers, evaporator or condenser, is arranged with a portion of the heat transfer surface in both the first and second flow channels. The portion of the heat transfer surface required for the respective operating mode can be adjusted by means of air guiding devices.

[0008] US 2005 / 0 263 277 A1 discloses a left- and right-independent air conditioning system for a motor vehicle. This system allows not only independent temperature control when operating the air conditioning system in a refrigeration mode or a heating mode for the supply air to the passenger compartment, but also independent control of the air mass flows. Within a housing of the air conditioning system, between a fan and a heat exchanger of a refrigerant circuit operating as an evaporator, an air guiding device in the form of a flap is provided to divide an air mass flow conveyed into the housing into a left flow path and a right flow path.

[0009] DE 103 20 750 A1 discloses an air conditioning system for motor vehicles comprising a heat exchanger arranged in a housing through which an air flow can pass, and at least one air control element associated with the heat exchanger for adjusting the air flow passing through the heat exchanger. To provide an air conditioning system that can be used to control a different number of climate zones in the passenger compartment with minimal or no conversion, the at least one air control element is arranged in a separate frame part that is replaceably fixed in the housing.

[0010] A characteristic of state-of-the-art air conditioning systems is that the air supplied to the passenger compartment is mixed from different air streams and has a mixed temperature. These systems are also referred to as single-zone air conditioning systems. Consequently, an air stream with a uniform temperature is supplied to the air distribution system located in the vehicle, so that all air streams supplied from open outlets into the passenger compartment exit at a common temperature.

[0011] Air conditioning systems installed in motor vehicles also allow for individual air temperature setpoints for different zones within the passenger compartment, such as the driver's side, the passenger side, the rear compartment, or each individual seat. The use of a multi-zone air conditioning system therefore requires that at least the temperature in each zone can be individually adjusted, which is not possible with a single-zone air conditioning system where the air flow from all outlets is at a uniform temperature.

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a compact, air-side-controlled air conditioning system with heat pump functionality for heating, cooling, and / or dehumidifying the air, particularly for use in motor vehicles. The air conditioning system should be able to adjust the temperatures of individual air streams, which are directed through various outlets into different zones in the passenger compartment, in order to supply the individual zones with air streams of correspondingly adjusted temperatures. The air conditioning system, in particular the refrigerant circuit, should be designed with only a minimum number of components and thus be cost-effective and low-maintenance.

[0013] The object is achieved by an air conditioning system according to the invention for conditioning the air in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The air conditioning system is designed for operation in refrigeration system mode for cooling and in heat pump mode for heating, as well as for operation in reheating mode of the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment. It comprises a housing with a first flow channel and a second flow channel for conducting air, as well as a refrigerant circuit with at least two heat exchangers. A first heat exchanger is arranged in the first flow channel and a second heat exchanger in the second flow channel. The first heat exchanger is designed and operable as an evaporator for cooling and / or dehumidifying an air mass flow, regardless of the operating mode, and the second heat exchanger is designed and operable as a condenser / gas cooler for heating an air mass flow, regardless of the operating mode.

[0014] In addition, an air guiding device, also referred to as a cold air flap due to the cooled and / or dehumidified air mass flow, is arranged within the first flow channel in the direction of air flow between the evaporator and the passenger compartment, and a further air guiding device, also referred to as a warm air flap due to the heated air mass flow, is arranged within the second flow channel in the direction of air flow between the condenser / gas cooler and the passenger compartment.

[0015] When the refrigerant is liquefied during subcritical operation of the refrigerant circuit, such as with the refrigerant R134a or, under certain ambient conditions, with carbon dioxide, the heat exchanger is referred to as a condenser. Part of the heat transfer takes place at a constant temperature. During supercritical operation, or with supercritical heat dissipation in the heat exchanger, the temperature of the refrigerant decreases continuously. In this case, the heat exchanger is also referred to as a gas cooler. Supercritical operation can occur under certain ambient conditions or operating modes of the refrigerant circuit, for example, with the refrigerant carbon dioxide. The term condenser also refers to a gas cooler in the following.

[0016] According to the concept of the invention, the air guiding device arranged within the first flow channel is constructed in a multi-part manner from at least two elements. Each of the elements is assigned to an air channel extending into the passenger compartment, is independently controllable, and is arranged to move so as to open or close the air channel.

[0017] The air guiding device is advantageously designed as a dual cold air flap, with each element serving one side of an air distribution system within the motor vehicle or the passenger compartment. Different sides are understood to be, for example, the driver's side and the passenger side, so-called zones, which can be individually controlled with the air conditioning system according to the invention.

[0018] The air conditioning system is also preferably designed as a so-called multi-zone air conditioning system, in particular as a two-zone air conditioning system, in such a way that the different operating modes are set only via the control of air guiding devices.

[0019] According to the invention, the air guiding device arranged within the second flow channel is formed in several parts from at least two elements. Each of the elements is assigned to an air channel extending into the passenger compartment, is independently controllable, and is arranged to be movable to open or close the air channel.

[0020] The air guiding device is advantageously designed as a dual warm air flap, with each element serving one side of the air distribution system within the vehicle or the passenger compartment, for example, the driver's side and the passenger side. The different zones can be controlled individually with the air conditioning system.

[0021] By operating the air control devices and zones differently, it is possible, for example, to completely shut off or close the passenger side zone. Switching off the air conditioning system in specific zones requires less power than operating all zones. This is because, in particular, a lower air mass flow needs to be delivered, which reduces the fan's performance. The refrigerant circuit requires less heating or cooling power to heat or cool the air mass flow supplied to the passenger compartment, thus requiring less compressor power.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elements of the multi-part air guiding devices are continuously movable between two end positions: fully open and fully closed. The positions of the individual elements are preferably controlled by a control element.

[0023] A further preferred embodiment of the invention is that the condenser can be arranged with a portion of the heat transfer surface in both the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The portion of the heat transfer surface arranged in the second flow channel required for the respective operating mode, in particular the reheating mode, can be adjusted by means of air guiding devices. The various air guiding devices are advantageously arranged in a movable or static manner.

[0024] The air mass flows conditioned as they flow through the first and / or second flow channel as well as the evaporator and / or the condenser can advantageously be discharged through flow paths into the passenger compartment and / or into the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0025] In this case, the first flow channel is advantageously divided in the direction of air flow downstream of the evaporator into a cold air flow path with the cold air flap and a cold air flow path with a further air guiding device. Thus, a conditioned air mass flow directed through the first flow channel can be divided into partial air mass flows depending on the position of the air guiding devices. A first partial air mass flow can be directed through the cold air flow path into the passenger compartment, and a second partial air mass flow can be directed through the cold air flow path into the surroundings of the housing.

[0026] The second flow channel is advantageously divided, in the direction of air flow downstream of the condenser, into a warm air flow path with the warm air flap and a warm air flow path with a further air guiding device. Thus, a conditioned air mass flow directed through the second flow channel can be divided into partial air mass flows depending on the position of the air guiding devices. A first partial air mass flow can be directed through a warm air flow path into the passenger compartment, and a second partial air mass flow can be directed through the warm air flow path into the surroundings of the housing.

[0027] The flow channels are preferably designed to be supplied with fresh air from the environment, recirculated air from the passenger compartment or a mixture of fresh air and recirculated air.

[0028] The flow channels are advantageously arranged such that the main air flow directions within the flow channels are aligned parallel to each other and point in a common direction. At least the flow directions of the air mass flows toward the passenger compartment are essentially identical.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one fan is formed which promotes an air mass flow through the air conditioning system.

[0030] According to a further development of the invention, two independently operable fans are formed within the housing, wherein a first fan conveys an air mass flow into the first flow channel and a second fan conveys an air mass flow into the second flow channel.

[0031] A method for operating an air conditioning system for combined operation in refrigeration system mode and heat pump mode for cooling and heating as well as for a reheating mode for conditioning the air of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle may comprise the following steps: - conveying at least two air mass flows in one housing of the air conditioning system, - Cooling and / or dehumidifying a first air mass flow when flowing over an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit and - Dividing the cooled and / or dehumidified air mass flow into at least two partial cold air mass flows, whereby the air mass flow is divided in a ratio between 0% and 100% and the partial cold air mass flows are directed to different outlets in the passenger compartment, - Heating a second air mass flow as it flows over a condenser of the refrigerant circuit and directing the air mass flow to different outlets in the passenger compartment, - Mixing at least one of the cooled and / or dehumidified partial cold air mass flows with at least a portion of the heated air mass flow and - Introducing the air mass flows into the passenger compartment.

[0032] When flowing over the evaporator, the cooled and / or dehumidified first air mass flow can be divided into a partial air mass flow, which is discharged into the environment, and the air mass flow, which is divided into the at least two further partial cold air mass flows, in a ratio between 0% and 100%.

[0033] The procedure for operating the air conditioning system when operating in reheat mode may include the following steps: - dividing at least one of the at least two partial cold air mass flows into a first partial cold air mass flow for reheating and a second partial cold air mass flow in a ratio of between 0% and 100%, wherein the proportion of the partial cold air mass flow for reheating is greater than 0%, - Heating of the first partial cold air mass flow for reheating when flowing over the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, - Mixing the reheated first partial cold air mass flow with the preconditioned second partial cold air mass flow and - introducing the mixed air mass flow into the passenger compartment, wherein the second air mass flow heated when flowing over the condenser is directed at least in portions to different outlets in the passenger compartment and / or into the environment.

[0034] The second air mass flow, heated as it flows over the condenser, can be divided into at least two partial air mass flows. The air mass flow can be divided in a ratio between 0% and 100% for each. The partial air mass flows can be directed to different outlets in the passenger compartment.

[0035] The second air mass flow heated as it flows over the condenser can be divided into a partial air mass flow, which is discharged into the environment, and the air mass flow, which is directed to the passenger compartment, in a ratio between 0% and 100%.

[0036] In summary, the solution according to the invention has further advantages: - individually adjustable air temperatures for different zones in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and thus increased, individually adjustable comfort for the occupants, - increased efficiency in the operation of the air conditioning system through the possible targeted shutdown of zones to which no conditioned air is to be supplied, thereby - Reduction of the amount of air to be conveyed and conditioned and - Reduction of energy consumption and - Reduction of the power required to heat the passenger compartment through targeted air flow within the flow channels.

[0037] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1a to 1c: an air conditioning system with two flow ducts, air guiding devices and an evaporator and a condenser in different operating modes, Fig. 2a: a multi-zone air conditioning system with flow ducts, air guiding devices, in particular cold air dampers and warm air dampers, as well as an evaporator and a condenser, Fig. 2b: Sectional view of the multi-zone air conditioning system with a two-part cold air flap and a two-part warm air flap as well as Fig. 2c: Sectional view of the multi-zone air conditioning system with a two-part cold air flap and a one-part warm air flap.

[0038] The Fig. 1a to 1c show an air conditioning system 1 from the prior art with a housing 2, comprising a first flow channel 3 and a second flow channel 4, wherein each flow channel 3, 4 is assigned a fan 5, 6 and can be supplied with fresh air from the environment, recirculated air from the passenger compartment 9 or a mixture of both. Fig. 1a is the air conditioning system 1 operating in refrigeration mode, in Fig. 1b when operating in post-heating mode and in Fig. 1c shown when operating in heat pump mode.

[0039] An evaporator 7 is arranged in the first flow channel 3, and a condenser 8a, 8b is arranged in the second flow channel 4. Both are designed as components of a refrigerant circuit (not shown) of the air conditioning system 1 and as air-charged heat exchangers. The condenser can be designed as a single piece or, as shown, in two parts.

[0040] The evaporator 7 occupies the entire flow cross-section of the first flow channel 3. The condenser 8a, 8b is arranged across the flow channels and has two regions. The first region is arranged within the second flow channel 4, covering the entire flow cross-section, and has a larger heat transfer surface compared to the second region. The second region of the condenser 8a, 8b can be arranged within the first flow channel 3 or within the second flow channel 4, depending on the requirements and operating mode of the air conditioning system 1. The second region of the condenser 8a, 8b can then be arranged within the flow path 13 of the first flow channel 3, which is particularly advantageous for Fig. 1b, and occupies the entire flow cross-section of the flow path 13, which is variable in its extent.

[0041] The first and second flow channels 3, 4 are separated from each other by a partition wall 10 and by two additional air guiding devices 21, 22 designed as movable flaps and by static air guiding devices 23, 24 designed as air guiding plates.

[0042] The air guiding devices 21, 22, which have coordinated shapes, as well as the cooling system mode according to Fig. 1a or in heat pump mode after Fig. 1c, the air baffles 23, 24 arranged parallel to the partition wall 10 form an air guiding device for the condenser 8a, 8b and serve to prevent mixing of the air mass flow within the first flow channel 3, which is cooled and conditioned as it flows through the evaporator 7, with the air mass flow within the second flow channel 4.

[0043] The air baffles 23, 24, which extend into the second flow channel 4 and are thus arranged further away from the partition wall 10, have increasing lengths. The further the air baffles 23, 24 are arranged from the partition wall 10, the greater the length of the air baffles 23, 24, with the lengths of the adjacent air baffles 23, 24 increasing such that the ends of the entire arrangement of air baffles 23, 24 form two concave surfaces. The surfaces are each curved uniformly around an axis aligned parallel to the surfaces, describing a circular arc. The centers of the circular arcs each represent the axis around which the rectangular surface is curved. The axes correspond to the axes of rotation of the movable air guiding devices 21, 22.The radii of the circularly curved surfaces correspond to the longitudinal extent of the air guiding devices 21, 22, i.e. the extent of the movable air guiding devices 21, 22 in the flow direction of the air mass flows through the flow channels 3, 4.

[0044] The pivotable air guide devices 21, 22 are aligned with the side edge facing away from the axis of rotation toward the concavely curved surface defined by the ends of the air guide plates 23, 24. To allow free movement of the air guide devices 21, 22, a gap of minimal width remains between the surface and the side edge of the air guide devices 21, 22, which gap has no or only a negligible influence on the flow of the air mass flow.

[0045] By simultaneously rotating the air guiding devices 21, 22 around their respective rotational axes in opposite directions, the proportion of the areas of the condenser 8a, 8b in the first flow channel 3 and in the second flow channel 4 can be adjusted. The distribution of the areas of the condenser 8a, 8b can be achieved essentially continuously. After rotation, the air guiding devices 21, 22 are aligned such that the side edges arranged parallel to and facing away from the rotational axis face one end of an air guiding plate 23, 24, so that the air mass flow can flow along a continuous flow surface. The leakage flows occurring at intermediate positions of the air guiding devices 21, 22 with respect to the air guiding plates 23, 24 are negligible.An intermediate position is understood to mean a position of the air guiding devices 21, 22 in which the side edges of the air guiding devices 21, 22 are not exactly opposite an edge of an air guiding plate 23, 24, but are arranged between two air guiding plates 23, 24.

[0046] The separately controllable fans 5, 6 result in advantageous dynamics of the air conditioning system 1, since the first flow channel 3 with the evaporator 7 and the second flow channel 4 with the condenser 8a, 8b can be supplied with air mass flows of different speeds and thus enable a rapid reaction to changed operating conditions.

[0047] The fan 5 of the first flow channel 3 guides the air sucked in in the flow direction 25a as an air mass flow to the evaporator 7. When flowing over the evaporator 7, the air mass flow is cooled and / or dehumidified.

[0048] The cold air mass flow exiting the evaporator 7 is divided into a partial air mass flow in flow direction 26b via the cold air flow path 11, also referred to as the exhaust air duct 11, into the environment and into a partial air mass flow in flow direction 26a via the cold air flow path 12 into the passenger compartment 9 in a required ratio or is allocated entirely to one of the cold air flow paths 11, 12. The cold air mass flow is divided by means of the air guiding devices 17, 18 designed as flaps.

[0049] Analogous to the fan 5, the fan 6 sucks in air in the flow direction 25b and leads the sucked in air as an air mass flow to the condenser 8a, 8b.

[0050] When flowing over the condenser 8a, 8b, the air mass flow is heated.

[0051] The warm air mass flow exiting the condenser 8a, 8b is divided into a partial air mass flow in flow direction 27b via the warm air flow path 15 into the environment and into a partial air mass flow in flow direction 27a via the warm air flow path 16 into the passenger compartment 9 in a required ratio or is allocated entirely to one of the warm air flow paths 15, 16. The warm air mass flow is divided by means of the air guiding devices 19, 20 designed as flaps.

[0052] When the air conditioning system 1 is operating in refrigeration mode, i.e. when cooling the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment 9, after Fig. 1a, the air guiding device 18 is open. The air guiding devices 21, 22 are aligned with the partition wall 10 in such a way that the flow path 13 passing through a region of the condenser 8a, 8b, see Fig. 1b, is closed, so that the air mass flow in flow direction 26a flows completely past the condenser 8a, 8b and is guided through the cold air flow path 12 to the passenger compartment 9, while the cold air flow path 11 is closed. The air mass flow guided through the first flow channel 3 is guided as a bypass flow through the bypass channel 14 around the condenser 8a, 8b.

[0053] The air guiding devices 19, 20 are aligned such that the air mass flow is guided in the flow direction 27b through the warm air flow path 15 to the environment, while the warm air flow path 16 to the passenger compartment 9 is closed.

[0054] The fan 5 conveys the air in flow direction 25a through the first flow channel 3 to the evaporator 7. The air is cooled and dehumidified and flows in flow direction 26a through the cold air flow path 12 into the passenger compartment 9. The fan 6 conveys the air in flow direction 25b in the second flow channel 4 to the condenser 8a, 8b. The air is heated and discharged into the environment in flow direction 27b through the warm air flow path 15.

[0055] When the air conditioning system 1 is operating in heat pump mode, i.e. when heating the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment 9, Fig. 1c, the air guiding devices 17, 20 are open, so that the air mass flow conveyed through the first flow channel 3 is directed in flow direction 26b through the cold air flow path 11 into the environment, while the bypass channel 14 is closed by the air guiding device 18. The air guiding devices 21, 22 are aligned with the partition wall 10, so that the flow path 13 is also closed.

[0056] The air mass flow conveyed through the second flow channel 4 is guided in the flow direction 27a through the warm air flow path 16 to the passenger compartment 9, while the warm air flow path 15 is closed by the air guiding device 19.

[0057] The fan 5 conveys the air in flow direction 25a through the first flow channel 3 to the evaporator 7. The air is cooled and flows in flow direction 26b through the cold air flow path 11 into the environment. The fan 6 conveys the air in flow direction 25b through the second flow channel 4 to the condenser 8a, 8b. The air is heated and flows in flow direction 27a through the warm air flow path 16 into the passenger compartment 9.

[0058] When the air conditioning system 1 is operated in the reheating mode, i.e. when cooling and / or dehumidifying and reheating the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment 9, after Fig. 1b, the air guiding devices 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 are arranged in various positions between fully open and fully closed, as required. The positions of the air guiding devices 17, 18, 21, 22 and the speed of the fan 5 vary the air mass flow to be heated. The area of ​​the condenser 8a, 8b located in the flow path 13 is primarily used for operation in the afterheating mode.

[0059] The air guiding devices 21, 22 are aligned such that the flow path 13 running through a region of the condenser 8a, 8b is open, so that the air mass flow flowing through the first flow channel 3 is guided in a first partial air mass flow in the flow direction 26a past the condenser 8a, 8b through the bypass channel 14 to the cold air flow path 12, while a second partial air mass flow in the flow path 13 is reheated as it flows over a region of the condenser 8a, 8b. The cold air flow path 11 is closed but can also be open in an alternative operating mode (not shown). The air mass flow guided through the first flow channel 3 is consequently guided as a first partial air mass flow and bypass flow through the bypass channel 14 around the condenser 8a, 8b and is guided as a second partial air mass flow in the flow direction 28 through the flow path 13 and reheated.

[0060] When the air guiding devices 18, 21, 22 are open, the partial air mass flow reheated as it flows over the condenser 8a, 8b is mixed with the partial air mass flow of the cold air mass flow flowing through the bypass duct 14 in the cold air flow path 12. The partial air mass flow through the first flow duct 3 can be regulated by adjusting the air guiding device 17, the power supply of the fan 5, or the speed of the fan 5. When the air guiding device 17 is open, the partial air mass flow through the first flow duct 3 is reduced depending on the position of the air guiding device 17.

[0061] The first partial air mass flow with the temperature of the cold air mass flow and the second heated partial air mass flow are mixed in the cold air flow path 12 and supplied to the passenger compartment 9 as an air mass flow with a uniform temperature.

[0062] When the air guiding device 18 is closed, the air mass flow, which is reheated when flowing over the condenser 8a, 8b, is guided unmixed into the passenger compartment 9.

[0063] In addition, a portion of the cold air mass flow conditioned when flowing over the evaporator 7 can be diverted through the opened air guiding device 17 and the cold air flow path 11 into the environment of the air conditioning system 1.

[0064] The air guiding devices 19, 20 are aligned such that the air mass flow is guided in the flow direction 27b through the warm air flow path 15 to the environment, while the warm air flow path 16 to the passenger compartment 9 is closed.

[0065] The fan 5 conveys the air in flow direction 25a through the first flow channel 3 to the evaporator 7. The air is cooled and dehumidified and flows in two partial mass flows in flow direction 26a through the bypass channel 14 and the flow path 13 to the cold air flow path 12 and mixed into the passenger compartment 9. The fan 6 conveys the air in flow direction 25b in the second flow channel 4 to the condenser 8a, 8b. The air is heated and discharged into the environment in flow direction 27b through the warm air flow path 15.

[0066] The two flaps 17, 18 and 19, 20 can each be coupled by a kinematic device and adjustable by a single drive. Alternatively, the air guiding devices 17, 18 and 19, 20 designed as flaps can each be designed as a single flap.

[0067] Out of Fig. 2a shows an air conditioning system 1', 1" with several zones, in particular with two zones, with two flow channels 3, 4, air guiding devices 17, 18', 19, 20', 20", 21, 22, 23, 24, in particular a cold air flap 18' and a warm air flap 20', 20", as well as an evaporator 7 and a condenser 8a, 8b.

[0068] The air conditioning system 1', 1" corresponds in terms of functions and construction essentially to the air conditioning system 1 with a single zone from the Fig. 1a to 1c. The difference between the climate control system 1', 1" with at least two zones and the climate control system 1 with one zone from the Fig. 1a to 1c lies primarily in the design of the cold air flap 18' as an air guiding device 18' arranged within the bypass duct 14 and the design of the warm air flap 20', 20" as an air guiding device 20', 20" arranged within the warm air flow path 16, as the Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c illustrate.

[0069] Fig. Figure 2b shows a sectional view through the air conditioning system 1' with a two-part cold air flap 18' and a two-part warm air flap 20'. The cold air flap 18' opens or closes the bypass channel 14 of the first flow channel 3. The bypass channel 14 is defined by the housing 2 and the partition wall 10. The warm air flap 20' of the second flow channel 4 opens or closes the warm air flow path 16. The warm air flow path 16 is also defined by the housing 2 and the partition wall 10.

[0070] The cold air flap 18' is divided in the area of ​​a separating element 29 into a first element 18a and a second element 18b, which can be controlled and moved independently of one another. The warm air flap 20' is also divided in the area of ​​the separating element 29 into a first element 20a and a second element 20b. Both elements 20a, 20b of the warm air flap 20' can be controlled and moved independently of one another.

[0071] By dividing the cold air flap 18' within the bypass duct 14 or the cold air flow path 12 and the warm air flap 20' within the warm air flow path 16, the air mass flow flowing through the cold air flow path 12 or the warm air flow path 16 for a respective assigned zone of the air conditioning system 1' is tapped in the flow direction of the air mass flow behind the corresponding element 18a, 18b of the cold air flap 18' or the corresponding element 20a, 20b of the warm air flap 20' and guided via an air duct system to the corresponding zones in the passenger compartment 9. Each element 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b is assigned to an air duct of the air duct system.

[0072] The position of the individual elements 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b, and thus any desired air mass flow through the ducts of the duct system to the individual zones, is controlled by a control element. The elements 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b are continuously adjustable between the fully closed and fully open end positions, allowing any desired supply air temperature to be set at the corresponding outlet assigned to the air duct, between the temperature of the air mass flow in the cold air flow path 12 and the temperature of the air mass flow in the warm air flow path 16.

[0073] The elements 18a, 18b of the cold air flap 18' and the elements 20a, 20b of the warm air flap 20' are consequently designed such that the channels adjoining the elements 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b in the direction of air flow can be completely closed and sealed, so that individual zones of the air conditioning system 1' can be switched off on the air side and the air conditioning system 1' can be operated with minimal energy consumption.

[0074] Fig. Figure 2c shows a sectional view of the air conditioning system 1" with a two-part cold air flap 18' and a one-part warm air flap 20".

[0075] The difference between the design of the air conditioning system 1" and the air conditioning system 1' from Fig. 2b lies in the one-piece design of the warm air flap 20".

[0076] This means that the air conditioning system 1" is Fig.2c, only the cold air flap 18' is formed from two elements 18a, 18b, which divide the cold air flow path 12. A single, undivided warm air flap 20" is arranged within the warm air flow path 16.

[0077] Depending on demand and operating mode, the condenser 8a, 8b is set to a desired temperature, which is required by the highest setpoint of the individual zones. For the other zones, cold air flowing through the cold air flow path 12 and the divided cold air damper 18 is added according to the temperature requirement to provide supply air with appropriately adjusted temperatures at the respective zone outlets. List of reference symbols 1 single-zone air conditioning system 1', 1" multi-zone climate control system 2 housings 3 first flow channel 4 second flow channel 5, 6 fans 7 evaporators 8a, 8b Condenser / Gas cooler 9 Passenger compartment 10 Partition wall 11 Cold air flow path, exhaust air duct 12 Cold air flow path 13 Flow path in the first flow channel 3 14 Bypass channel in the first flow channel 3 15 Warm air flow path, exhaust air duct 16 Warm air flow path 17 Air guiding device / flap cold air flow path 11 18, 18' Air guiding device / flap bypass duct 14, cold air flap 18a, 18b Element cold air flap 19 Air guiding device / flap warm air flow path 15 20, 20', 20" Air guiding device / flap warm air flow path 16, warm air flap 20a, 20b Warm air flap element 21, 22 Air guiding device / flap between flow channels 3, 4 for inflow / outflow condenser 8a, 8b - inlet / outlet flow path 13 23, 24 static air guiding devices, air deflectors 25a, 25b Flow direction of sucked air 26a, 26b Flow direction of cold air 27a, 27b Flow direction of warm air 28 Flow direction of dehumidified warm air 29 Separator

Claims

[1] Air conditioning system (1') for conditioning the air of a passenger compartment (9) of a motor vehicle, which is designed for operation in refrigeration system mode for cooling and in heat pump mode for heating as well as for operation in reheating mode of the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment (9), comprising - a housing (2) with a first flow channel (3) and a second flow channel (4) for conducting air, - a refrigerant circuit with at least two heat exchangers, wherein a first heat exchanger operated independently of the operating mode as an evaporator (7) is arranged in the first flow channel (3) and a second heat exchanger operated independently of the operating mode as a condenser / gas cooler (8a, 8b) is arranged in the second flow channel (4), and - an air guiding device (18') arranged within the first flow channel (3) between the evaporator (7) and the passenger compartment (9) and an air guiding device (20') arranged within the second flow channel (4) between the condenser / gas cooler (8a, 8b) and the passenger compartment (9), wherein - the first flow channel (3) and the second flow channel (4) are separated from each other by a partition wall (10), - the air guiding device (18') arranged within the first flow channel (3) and the air guiding device (20') arranged within the second flow channel (4) are each formed from at least two elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) in several parts, wherein - the air guiding device (18') arranged within the first flow channel (3) is divided into a first element (18a) and a second element (18b) in the region of a separating element (29) and - the air guiding device (20') arranged within the second flow channel (4) is divided into a first element (20a) and a second element (20b) in the region of the separating element (29), wherein - the elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) of the air guiding devices (18', 20') are each assigned to an air duct extending to the passenger compartment (9) and are independently controllable and are designed to be movable so as to open or close the air duct, and - the separating element (29) is arranged between the elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) of the respective air guiding device (18', 20') in such a way that each air duct to which one of the elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) is assigned is delimited by the housing (2), the partition wall (10) and the separating element (29). [2] Air conditioning system (1') according to claim 1, characterized bythat the elements (18a, 18b, 20a, 20b) are designed to be continuously movable between two end positions: fully open and fully closed. [3] Air conditioning system (1') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the condenser (8a, 8b) can be arranged with a part of the heat transfer surface both in the first flow channel (3) and in the second flow channel (4), wherein the proportion of the heat transfer surface arranged in the second flow channel (4) required for the respective operating mode can be adjusted by means of air guiding devices (21, 22, 23, 24) being supplied with air. [4] Air conditioning system (1') according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized byin that the first flow channel (3) is divided in the flow direction of the air downstream of the evaporator (7) into a cold air flow path (11) with the air guiding device (18') and a cold air flow path (12) with an air guiding device (17), so that a conditioned air mass flow passed through the first flow channel (3) can be divided into partial air mass flows with the position of the air guiding devices (17, 18'), wherein a first partial air mass flow can be directed through the cold air flow path (12) into the passenger compartment (9) and a second partial air mass flow can be directed through the cold air flow path (11) into the surroundings of the housing (2). [5] Air conditioning system (1') according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized byin that the second flow channel (4) is formed in the flow direction of the air downstream of the condenser (8a, 8b) into a warm air flow path (16) with the air guiding device (20', 20") and a warm air flow path (15) with an air guiding device (19), so that a conditioned air mass flow passed through the second flow channel (4) can be divided into partial air mass flows with the position of the air guiding devices (19, 20', 20"), wherein a first partial air mass flow can be guided through a warm air flow path (16) into the passenger compartment (9) and a second partial air mass flow can be guided through the warm air flow path (15) into the surroundings of the housing (2).

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