Ventilation device with phase change material on the outside of an air duct and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilation device for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan for conveying air, at least one temperature control device for changing the temperature of the air, and at least one air duct (16) for directing the air at the changed temperature to at least one outlet. The air can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via the at least one outlet. The at least one air duct (16) has a duct wall (44) whose inner surface (58) is open to airflow. At least one container (30, 32) containing a phase-change material (28, 34) is arranged on an outer surface (42) of the duct wall (44), with a boundary wall (50, 52) of the at least one container (30, 32) abutting the outer surface (42) of the duct wall (44). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with the at least one ventilation device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ventilation device for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan for conveying air, at least one temperature control device for changing the temperature of the air, and at least one air duct for directing the air at the changed temperature to at least one outlet. The air can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via the at least one outlet. The at least one air duct has a duct wall, the inside of which is open to airflow. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such ventilation device.

[0002] Such a ventilation system can be used in automotive engineering, particularly as part of an air conditioning system, to introduce tempered air into the passenger compartment. If the temperature control unit, which regulates the air temperature, is not functioning, this has a direct impact on the temperature of the air in the passenger compartment. This is detrimental to the comfort or climate control comfort achievable with the ventilation system.

[0003] DE 20 2019 106 235 U1 describes a ventilation device for a road vehicle, comprising a housing with a fluid channel system. The housing is at least partially made of a sinterable particle foam. Cavities are formed between the individual particles, which may be filled with phase-change material.

[0004] DE 10 2016 013 913 A1 describes an air conditioning device designed as a temperature control column, which has a tubular shell surrounding a cylindrical inner chamber. A latent heat storage unit made of a phase-change material can be arranged in the inner chamber or within the shell. The temperature control column has a fan for supplying the latent heat storage unit with an airflow.

[0005] DE 10 2008 032 348 A1 describes an air handling system with an air duct for the air conditioning of rooms in a building. A heat storage unit can be arranged within the air duct, which has a circular cross-section. The ring-shaped heat storage unit rests against the inside of the duct wall. The heat storage unit has a storage mass made of a phase transition material.

[0006] A disadvantage here is that the arrangement of the ring-shaped heat storage unit on the inside of the duct wall reduces the cross-sectional area through which air can flow. This increases the pressure loss in the air duct.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a ventilation device of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables improved temperature control of the air, and to provide a motor vehicle with at least one such ventilation device.

[0008] This problem is solved by a ventilation device with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] The ventilation device according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a fan for conveying air and at least one temperature control device for changing the air temperature. The at least one air duct of the ventilation device is designed to direct the air at the changed temperature to at least one outlet. The air can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via the at least one outlet. The at least one air duct has a duct wall, the inside of which is open to airflow. At least one container with a phase-change material is arranged on an outside side of the duct wall. A boundary wall of the at least one container rests against the outside side of the duct wall.

[0010] By arranging at least one container holding the phase change material on the outside of the duct wall, the cross-section of the air duct through which air can flow is not restricted, despite the presence of the container holding the phase change material. This is advantageous with regard to ensuring easy airflow through the duct and minimizing pressure loss during operation of the ventilation system.

[0011] Furthermore, the air duct can be retrofitted very easily. The container holding the phase change material can be easily attached to the outside of an existing air duct. Moreover, manufacturing the air duct with at least one container is very simple. If, in contrast, the phase change material were located inside the air duct, this would complicate manufacturing. In particular, it would be difficult to ensure that the solidification temperature of the phase change material is not undershot before it reaches its intended position within the air duct. Because the phase change material is located inside the container, this difficulty is avoided. This is advantageous.

[0012] Furthermore, the ventilation system enables improved air temperature control. This is because when a phase change or transition occurs in the phase change material, it either releases or absorbs heat. For example, the phase change material can release heat when transitioning from a liquid to a solid state and absorb heat when transitioning from a solid to a liquid state. Due to this behavior of the phase change material, the temperature of the air flowing through the air duct can be largely maintained, even if no further temperature control is provided by the temperature control device.

[0013] This is advantageous, for example, when the ventilation system in the motor vehicle is in use, if the fan continues to move air, but at least one temperature control unit is no longer in operation, perhaps to save energy for operating the temperature control unit. Such a situation can arise particularly when the motor vehicle is stationary and a drive system designed to move the vehicle is not in operation.

[0014] If the motor vehicle equipped with at least one ventilation device is designed as an electric or hybrid vehicle, the saving of electrical energy for operating the at least one temperature control device results in an increase in the vehicle's range achievable in electric driving mode. This is advantageous.

[0015] Preferably, a first container and a second container are arranged on the outside of the duct wall, with the two containers at least partially enclosing the air duct in the circumferential direction. This allows the phase change material to be exposed to heat particularly effectively when the air, which has a temperature altered by the temperature control device, flows through the air duct. Furthermore, the phase change material, which can be used as both a cold storage and a heat storage medium, can very effectively temper the air flowing through the air duct while a phase change of the phase change material is taking place. This is advantageous.

[0016] The aforementioned advantages apply to a particularly large extent when the two containers completely enclose the air duct in the circumferential direction.

[0017] Preferably, the two containers are connected to each other, with the containers being fixed to the air duct by this connection. This makes attaching the two containers to the air duct particularly easy.

[0018] The containers can be connected using a variety of joining techniques. For example, they can be welded, screwed, or snapped together. Connecting the containers is particularly simple when they are clipped together, for instance, by engaging corresponding locking elements located on each container. Such a snap connection is also very easy and quick to release, for example, if one or both containers need to be replaced.

[0019] It has also proven advantageous if the two containers are designed as individual half-shells. This facilitates easy attachment of the containers to the air duct.

[0020] The two interconnected half-shells can form a double-shell cuff that at least partially, and in particular completely, encloses the air duct in the circumferential direction. This is advantageous with regard to simple manufacturing and good utilization of the properties of the at least one phase-change material.

[0021] Preferably, the first container contains a first phase-change material, and the second container contains a second phase-change material. The two phase-change materials have different phase transition temperatures. This allows the temperature of the air flowing through the air duct to be maintained, at least to a large extent, particularly easily when the respective phase-change temperature of the phase-change material is reached.

[0022] Furthermore, by using different phase-change materials, one of the containers can be used to maintain an air temperature when heating the passenger compartment, and the other phase-change material can be used to maintain an air temperature in the passenger compartment when cooling it. This allows the individual climate control needs of the vehicle's occupants to be met to a particularly large extent, without the need to operate at least one temperature control unit. This is advantageous.

[0023] For example, the container holding the phase change material to maintain a high air temperature can be positioned at the top of the air duct. Furthermore, the container holding the phase change material to maintain a cool air temperature can be positioned at the bottom of the air duct. This takes into account the fact that warm air rises and cool air sinks in the air duct. This is advantageous for particularly efficient use of both phase change materials.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one container comprises a rigid support element which is in contact with the phase change material. The support element then defines the shape of the container, allowing the phase change material to be arranged on the support element with minimal effort, without uncontrolled or undesirably premature solidification of the phase change material during manufacturing.

[0025] This is because the temperature of the phase change material to be arranged on the rigid support part can be well controlled during the manufacture of the container.

[0026] Alternatively, the at least one container can comprise a rigid support element that is in contact with a shell enclosing the phase-change material. This allows the phase-change material arranged in the shell to be initially provided independently of the rigid support element and then, for example, before it has solidified, attached to the rigid support element. This also facilitates the simple manufacture of the at least one container.

[0027] For example, when manufacturing the container in an injection mold, the rigid support structure can be produced first. Then, the shell designed to enclose the phase change material can be inserted into the injection mold and filled with the phase change material. This ensures that the shell conforms well to the rigid support structure, guaranteeing good contact between the shell and the support structure.

[0028] If the carrier part is in direct contact with the phase change material in the container, the carrier part can also be produced first in the injection mold and then coated with the phase change material. This is also very easy to accomplish from a manufacturing perspective.

[0029] The rigid support element can be made of a plastic material. This facilitates simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the container and the air duct equipped with at least one container.

[0030] Preferably, the receiving space of the at least one container, which contains the phase change material, is bounded on one side by the rigid support element and on the other side by the boundary wall. At least one section of the boundary wall is made of a flexible material. This allows the flexible material to conform very well to the contour of the air duct when the container is attached. Furthermore, the flexible, preferably thin, material enables particularly unimpeded heat transfer into and out of the phase change material. This is advantageous.

[0031] The flexible material can be provided, in particular, by means of a film. This makes the production of at least one container particularly simple. For example, the rigid support element can first be coated with the phase change material. The receiving space can then be sealed by attaching the film to the side of the container not formed by the rigid support element, for example, by welding the film on. This securely holds the phase change material within the receiving space. Furthermore, the film advantageously allows for excellent heat transfer into and out of the phase change material.

[0032] When the still open container, which is bounded on one side by the rigid support element, is filled with the phase change material, it is particularly easy to ensure during manufacturing that no air inclusions form in the phase change material. This is advantageous with regard to utilizing the properties of the phase change material. After checking that the support element has been correctly filled with the phase change material, the film can be attached to the container to seal the receiving space.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the rigid support element can have a receiving space in which the phase change material is arranged, with at least one section of the boundary wall being formed by a portion of the rigid support element. This contributes to the high robustness of the container, because then at least the portion of the boundary wall that is in contact with the outside of the channel wall is also formed by the rigid support element. Consequently, the container is particularly stable.

[0034] Preferably, the path from a first end of the rigid support section to a second end of the rigid support section is adapted to the path of the air duct from an inlet to an outlet. This allows the advantageous properties of the phase-change material to be utilized to a particularly large extent over the entire length of the air duct. This is advantageous.

[0035] Finally, it has proven advantageous to arrange at least one temperature control device within a climate control box of the ventilation system. An inlet of the at least one air duct is connected to the climate control box. This allows the air tempered by the at least one temperature control device—that is, the air with the altered temperature—to be introduced into the at least one air duct with particularly low loss. This is advantageous.

[0036] The ventilation system's fan can also be housed in the climate control box. This results in a particularly low pressure loss during the ventilation system's operation as the air flows until it enters the air duct inlet.

[0037] The at least one temperature control device can be provided, in particular, by an evaporator and a heating device, wherein the evaporator is integrated into a refrigerant circuit of a vehicle's air conditioning system. Using the temperature control device designed as an evaporator, the air can be cooled and / or dehumidified very precisely and efficiently. This also applies if, during operation of the ventilation system, the air is dehumidified by the evaporator and then heated by the heating device.

[0038] The climate control unit, also known as an air conditioning unit, can be located within the instrument panel of a motor vehicle. This allows air vents located in the instrument panel to be easily reached via at least one air duct.

[0039] The motor vehicle according to the invention has at least one ventilation device according to the invention. This allows for improved temperature control of the passenger compartment in the motor vehicle.

[0040] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the ventilation device according to the invention apply analogously to the motor vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

[0041] The invention therefore also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the ventilation device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0042] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

[0043] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0044] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts a motor vehicle with an air conditioning unit to which two air ducts or air guide channels are connected; Fig. 2 schematically the climate box with the two air ducts connected to it, wherein a fan, an evaporator and a heating device are arranged in the climate box; Fig. 3 in a schematic sectional view a self-stiffening half-shell which can be attached to the air duct, wherein a phase change material is arranged in the half-shell; Fig. 4 schematically a container formed from a flexible material such as a film, into which a phase change material is introduced; Fig. 5 in a perspective view one of the in Fig. 1 air ducts shown, as well as a cuff formed from two half-shells, which can be attached to the air duct; Fig. 6 the air duct according to Fig. 5 with the cuff attached to the air duct, showing in detail an enlarged view a snap-fit ​​connection for joining the two halves of the cuff; and Fig. 7 in an exploded view the air duct and the cuff formed by the two half-shells according to Fig. 6.

[0045] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0046] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 10 which has a ventilation device 12. The ventilation device 12 is shown in Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a climate control unit 14 and two air ducts 16, 18 connected to the climate control unit 14. The climate control unit 14 and the air ducts 16, 18 are arranged within an instrument panel of the motor vehicle 10 (not shown in detail here). Air can flow via the air ducts 16, 18 to outlets (not shown). Tempered air can be introduced into a passenger compartment 20 of the motor vehicle 10 via the outlets.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary and highly schematic diagram of the climate control unit 14 with the two air ducts 16 and 18 connected to it. Accordingly, a first temperature control device in the form of an evaporator 22 and a second temperature control device in the form of a heating device 24 can be arranged in the climate control unit 14. The evaporator 22 is integrated into a refrigerant circuit (not shown) of the vehicle 10. During operation of the refrigerant circuit, the evaporator 22 can cool air, which then passes through the climate control unit 14 into at least one of the air ducts 16 and 18.

[0049] To convey the air, the ventilation device 12 includes a fan 26. The fan 26 can be arranged inside the climate box 14, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown schematically.

[0050] The heating device 24 can be configured as an electric heating device and / or as a heating condenser. If the heating device 24 is configured as a heating condenser, it can be integrated into the refrigerant circuit and supplied with compressed refrigerant. In this way, the heat from the compressed refrigerant can be used to heat the air flowing from the climate box 14. However, other methods of temperature control of the air conveyed by the fan 26 using at least one temperature control device are also possible.

[0051] The air channels 16, 18 can have different shapes. In this case, both air channels 16, 18 contain at least one phase-change material 28 (compare Fig. 7) provided. The at least one phase-change material 28 makes it possible to continue or effect temperature control of the air flowing through the respective air duct 16, 18, even if the at least one temperature control device, which may be provided by the evaporator 22 and / or the heating device 24, is not or is no longer in operation. The following descriptions relating to one of the two air ducts 16, 18 apply analogously to the other of the two air ducts 16, 18.

[0052] In particular, from a combination of Fig. 5 with Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, two containers 30, 32 can be arranged on the air duct 16, the possible construction of which will be explained below. The two containers 30, 32, preferably designed as respective half-shells, can be arranged according to Fig. 7 different phase change materials 28, 34 are included.

[0053] With reference to Fig. 3. First, a possible structure of the according to Fig. The upper container 30 is explained in section 6. The container 30 can be provided by a rigid support element 36. The support element 36 defines a receiving space, in which the phase change material 28 is arranged, on a first side 38 and on a second side 40 of the container 30.

[0054] With the container 30 arranged on the air duct 16, the first side 38 provides an outer surface of the container 30. In contrast, the second side 40 of the container 30 provides a boundary wall of the container 30, which abuts an outer surface 42 of a duct wall 44 of the air duct 16 (compare Fig. 5) is located. The second side 40 can be adapted to a contour of the outer surface 42 of the air duct 16. This ensures particularly close contact between the container 30 and the air duct 16.

[0055] At the in Fig. In the variant of container 3 shown in Figure 3, container 30 is thus designed in the form of a double shell, which is filled with the phase-change material 28. This is analogous to the following: Fig. 3 explains the second container 32 (compare Fig. 7) be formed which has or contains the second phase change material 34.

[0056] Another variant is intended to relate to Fig. 4 will be explained. Accordingly, on a self-stiffening support element 46 (compare Fig. 7) a casing 49 is arranged for the container 30 (compare Fig. 4), which encloses the phase change material 28. Accordingly, the support part 46, on which the shell 49 with the phase change material 28 is arranged, is not in direct contact with the phase change material 28.

[0057] In this variant as well, the phase change material 28 enclosed by the shell 49 and the support part 46 (compare Fig. 7) The first container 30 provided is constructed analogously to the second container 32, which contains the second phase change material 34. The casing 49 provides a kind of sack, which is filled with the respective phase change material 28, 34 and is arranged on the respective support part in the form of a half-shell.

[0058] Another variant is intended to relate to Fig. 7 will be explained. In this variant as well, the two containers 30, 32 are designed as respective half-shells and connected to each other. Like the first container 30, the second container 32 also has a self-rigid support element 48. The second support element 48 belonging to the second container 32 can be described according to Fig. 6 and according to Fig. 7 be arranged on the underside of the air duct 16.

[0059] Unlike with regard to Fig. However, section 3 explains this in the section on Fig. In the containers 30, 32 shown, the outer surface 42 of the channel wall 44 of the air channel 16 is not in contact with the support parts 46, 48, but with the respective foils 50, 52, which close off the receiving spaces of the containers 30, 32 for the respective phase change material 28, 34 to the environment.

[0060] The first phase change material 28, which is contained in a receiving chamber of the first container 30, is arranged between the first support part 46 and the first film 50. The second phase change material 34, which belongs to the second container 32, is arranged between the second support part 48 and the second film 52. The films 50 and 52 provide flexible boundary walls for the respective containers 30 and 32. These boundary walls are in contact with the outer surface 42 of the duct wall 44 of the air duct 16. Accordingly, the films 50 and 52 abut the outer surface 42 of the duct wall 44.

[0061] Since in the variants described above the respective containers 30, 32 are arranged on the outside 42 of the duct wall 44, an inside 58 of the duct wall 44 can be exposed during operation of the fan 26 of the ventilation device 12 (compare Fig. 5) be unimpeded by the air that the fan 26 conveys.

[0062] During the production of the in Fig. For the containers 30 and 32 shown in Figure 7, the support parts 46 and 48 can first be manufactured, for example, using an injection mold. Then, the first phase-change material 28 can be applied to the first support part 46, and the second phase-change material 34 to the second support part 48. Finally, the first film 50 can be connected to the first support part 46, for example, by welding the first film 50 onto the first support part 46, which is provided with the first phase-change material 28. Similarly, the second support part 48 can first be provided with the second phase-change material 34. Subsequently, the receiving space of the second container 32 can be sealed by means of the second film 52.

[0063] The two half-shells in the form of the two containers 30, 32 can be connected to each other so that the two half-shells circumferentially enclose the air channel 16. The two containers 30, 32 thus provide a two-shell cuff, which is filled with at least one phase-change material 28, 34.

[0064] The two phase change materials 28, 34 preferably differ from each other in their phase transition temperature. For example, the first phase change material 28, arranged on the top side of the air duct 16, can have a higher phase transition temperature than the second phase change material 34, arranged on the bottom side of the air duct 16.

[0065] One way of connecting the two cuffs or half-shells or containers 30, 32 to each other is to be described with reference to Fig. 6 will be explained. For example, the half-shells or containers 30, 32 can be connected to each other by clipping them together, thereby fixing the containers 30, 32 to the air duct 16.

[0066] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic close-up of the locking elements of the two containers 30 and 32, which can be locked together to couple the containers 30 and 32 and simultaneously secure them to the air duct 16. Accordingly, the first container 30 can have a locking tab 54, which can be formed integrally with the first support part 46. As a corresponding locking element, the second container 32 can have a locking lug 56, which is engaged by the locking tab 54 when the two containers 30 and 32 are connected. The locking lug 56 can be formed integrally with the second support part 48 of the second container 32. Such a connection of the two half-shells or containers 30 and 32 by clipping them together is particularly easy to implement.

[0067] According to Fig. 7 is a progression from a first end 60 of the respective carrier part 46, 48 to a second end 62 of the respective carrier part 46, 48 adapted to a progression of the respective air duct 16, 18 from an inlet 64 of the air duct 16, 18 to an outlet 66 of the air duct 16, 18.

[0068] The inlet 64 of the first air duct 16 and the outlet 66 of the first air duct 16 are also shown in the schematic representation according to Fig. 2 with corresponding reference numerals. Accordingly, from Fig. 2. It is evident that the air ducts 16, 18 with their respective inlets are connected to the climate box 14, wherein in Fig. 2 only the inlet 64 belonging to the first air duct 16 is marked with a reference sign.

[0069] The ones relating to Fig. The statements made regarding the first air duct 16 apply analogously to the second air duct 18.

[0070] Overall, the examples show how, by means of the ventilation device 12 with the phase change material 28, 34 on the outside 42 of the channel wall 44 of the at least one air channel 16 18, in particular by means of the respective air channel 16, 18 provided with the two containers 30, 32, a respective air supply with phase change material 28, 34 can be provided.

Claims

[1] Ventilation device (12) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising a fan (26) for conveying air, at least one temperature control device (22, 24) for changing the temperature of the air, and at least one air duct (16, 18) for directing the air having the changed temperature towards at least one outlet, wherein the air can be introduced into a passenger compartment (20) of the motor vehicle (10) via the at least one outlet, and wherein the at least one air duct (16, 18) has a duct wall (44) whose inner side (58) can be flowed over by the air, characterized by , that at least one container (30, 32) with a phase-change material (28, 34) is arranged on an outer side (42) of the channel wall (44), wherein a boundary wall (50, 52) of the at least one container (30, 32) abuts the outer side (42) of the channel wall (44). [2] Ventilation device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by, that a first container (30) and a second container (32) are arranged on the outside (42) of the channel wall (44), wherein the two containers (30, 32) at least partially enclose the air channel (16, 18) in the circumferential direction. [3] Ventilation device (12) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the two containers (30, 32), in particular designed as respective half-shells, are connected to each other, wherein the containers (30, 32) are fixed to each other by connecting them to the air duct (16, 18). [4] Ventilation device (12) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the first container (30) contains a first phase change material (28) and the second container (32) contains a second phase change material (34), wherein the two phase change materials (28, 34) have different phase transition temperatures. [5] Ventilation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one container (30, 32) comprises a self-stiffening support part (36, 46, 48) which is in contact with the phase change material (28, 34) or with a shell (49) enclosing the phase change material (28, 34). [6] Ventilation device (12) according to claim 5, characterized by , that a receiving space containing the phase change material (28, 34) of the at least one container (30, 32) is bounded on one side by the inherently rigid support part (46, 48) and on the other side by the boundary wall (50, 52), wherein at least one section of the boundary wall (50, 52) is formed from a flexible material, in particular from a film. [7] Ventilation device (12) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that the self-stiffening support part (36) has a receiving space in which the phase change material (28) is arranged, wherein at least one section of the boundary wall (50, 52) is formed by a partial area of ​​the self-stiffening support part (36). [8] Ventilation device (12) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that a progression from a first end (60) of the self-stiffening support part (46, 48) to a second end (62) of the self-stiffening support part (46, 48) is adapted to a progression of the air duct (16, 18) from an inlet (64) of the air duct (16, 18) to an outlet (66) of the air duct (16, 18). [9] Ventilation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one temperature control device (22, 24) is arranged within a climate box (14) of the ventilation device (12), wherein an inlet (64) of the at least one air duct (16, 18) is connected to the climate box (14). [10] Motor vehicle (10) with at least one ventilation device (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

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