AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

Air conditioning unit for a vehicle in a center console positioned in a vehicle compartment, which has the following features: an air conditioning housing (12) that defines an air passage (121) through which air flows to the vehicle compartment; a blower (26) designed to supply air into the air passage (121); a cooler (16) in the air conditioning housing (12), wherein the cooler (16) has a core (161) designed to cool the air flowing through the air conditioning housing (12); and a drain connection (129) defined in a base surface (120) of the air conditioning housing (12) and designed to drain condensate generated in the cooler (16) from the air conditioning housing (12), wherein the bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning housing (12) defines a drain path extending from a boundary (S) between the blower (26) and the air conditioning housing (12) to the drain connection (129), the drain path being inclined downwards towards the drain connection (129), the bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning housing (12) is provided with a backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) designed to direct the condensate to the drain connection (129) and to block backflow of the condensate to the fan (26), then, if a lateral direction of the base surface (120) of the air conditioning duct is defined to be perpendicular to a main airflow direction flowing through the air conditioning housing (12), the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) projects from the base surface (120) to extend along a direction that intersects the lateral direction, the core (161) has an upstream surface in a direction of airflow through the air conditioning housing (12), the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) is located below a virtual line extending from the boundary (S) defined in the bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning housing (12) to a lower end of the upstream surface of the core (161), The backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) defines a plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) in the drainage channel, which have a multi-stage structure and which store the condensate that flows backwards towards the blower (26), the multitude of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) are interconnected by a multitude of gaps, which are defined under the multitude of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24), The multitude of gaps allows the condensate flowing backwards towards the blower (26) to flow successively through the multitude of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) from the drain connection (129) to the blower (26), so that when one of the multitude of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) is filled with the condensate, the condensate flows through the gaps from one of the multitude of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) to another of the multitude of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24). a multitude of recessed sections (12a, 12b) are formed at positions corresponding to the multitude of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) in the base area (120), and each of the multiple recessed sections (12a, 12b) has a floor surface that is horizontal when the vehicle is horizontal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-33498, filed on February 24, 2016. The entire disclosure of the application is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning unit for a vehicle arranged within a center console in a vehicle compartment. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Air conditioning units are known for being mounted on a vehicle. For example, JP 2002-29252 A discloses an air conditioning unit for a vehicle included in an air conditioning system for a vehicle. The air conditioning unit includes a first housing housing a blower, a second housing housing a radiator, and a duct connecting the first housing and the second housing. The duct gradually slopes downward from the first housing to the second housing. In the air conditioning unit, the duct has a bottom surface provided with a guide wall serving as a backflow prevention portion. The guide wall prevents backflow of condensed water generated in an evaporator within the second housing to the first housing and therefore prevents the condensed water from flowing into the blower.

[0004] The air conditioning unit for a vehicle may be arranged in the center console of the vehicle to supply air to a rear seat in the vehicle compartment. Generally, such an air conditioning unit is designed to have a short width in an up-down direction of the vehicle and is arranged such that a bottom surface of the air conditioning unit is positioned horizontally, thus securing a large area of ​​the interior of the vehicle compartment. As such, when condensed water is generated in a radiator designed to cool air from the blower, the condensed water can be easily stored on the bottom surface of the air conditioning unit.

[0005] Furthermore, if the air conditioning unit is located in the vehicle's center console, the radiator can be located close to the fan. Therefore, the condensed water on the floor surface can flow backward and into the fan when the condensed water is accelerated forward in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, the condensed water can be accelerated forward when the vehicle is traveling on a downhill slope, when the vehicle is suddenly braked, or when the vehicle makes a rapid turn.

[0006] Then, the air conditioning unit disclosed in JP 2002 - 29 252 A has the guide wall provided with the bottom surface of the duct to suppress the cause of the backflow of the condensate water.

[0007] DE 600 27 522 T2 discloses an air conditioning unit comprising a casing with air inlet and outlet openings connected by an air flow channel formed in the casing, the casing including a bottom surface near the air inlet opening, the air inlet opening being substantially triangular in shape such that the height of one side of the air inlet opening is greater than that of the other side thereof; an evaporator inclined and arranged in the air flow channel; a heater inclined and arranged in the air flow channel at a position downstream of the evaporator;an airflow control damper for controlling a ratio between an air flow rate in the heater bypass passage extending from the evaporator to the air outlet port while passing the heater, and an air flow rate in a heater passageway extending from the evaporator to the air outlet port through the heater; a water guide groove formed on the bottom surface of the housing at a position opposite to the position where the air inlet port is formed, the water guide groove having a sloped bottom surface;a drain pipe held by the housing and connected to a lower portion of the water guide groove, wherein a triangular protrusion is formed on the bottom surface of the housing, which is provided to forcibly redirect the air flow, the triangular protrusion being oriented so that an apex thereof is directed toward a rear wall of the housing, and an opposite side of the apex faces toward a front wall of the housing, the rear and front walls being positioned near one and the other side of the air inlet opening, respectively;

[0008] US 5,321,958 A discloses a small refrigerator having a plate-shaped evaporator to provide an increased cold air generation area, and a thawed water collecting tray formed with a plurality of cold air passages for smoothly supplying cold air into a refrigerating chamber, thereby enabling a proper temperature to be instantly achieved within the chamber and minimizing temperature differences between the respective areas of the chamber. To this end, the plate-shaped evaporator is horizontally mounted at the upper portion of the refrigerating chamber, and the thawed water drain tray, which has a plurality of cold air passages, overflow prevention walls, and guide members for preventing thawed water from passing through the openings, is detachably disposed below the evaporator to collect the thawed water dripping from the evaporator. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] However, the inventors of the present disclosure have investigated and found that the guide wall of the air conditioning unit in JP 2002 - 29 252 A may cause ventilation resistance to the air flowing through the duct, and therefore, an air volume supplied into the vehicle compartment may be reduced.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioning unit in a center console of the vehicle that can reliably discharge condensed water and suppress a cause of backflow of the condensed water to a blower without reducing a volume of air supplied into a vehicle compartment.

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention by an air conditioning unit having the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent patent claims.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioning unit for a vehicle in a center console positioned in a vehicle compartment includes an air conditioning case, a radiator in the air conditioning case, and a drain port. The air conditioning case defines an air passage therein through which air flows to the vehicle compartment. The fan is configured to supply air into the air passage. The radiator has a core configured to cool the air flowing through the air conditioning case. The drain port is defined in a bottom surface of the air conditioning case and is configured to discharge condensate generated in the radiator from the air conditioning case. The bottom surface of the air conditioning case defines a drain path extending from a boundary between the fan and the air conditioning case toward the drain port.The drainage path slopes downward toward the drain port. The bottom surface of the air conditioning case is provided with a backflow prevention rib designed to guide the condensed water to the drain port and block backflow of the condensed water to the fan. When a width direction of the bottom surface of the air conditioning duct is defined to be perpendicular to a main flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case, the backflow prevention rib protrudes from the bottom surface to extend along a direction intersecting with the width direction. The core has an upstream surface in a flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case.The backflow prevention rib is located below a virtual line extending from the boundary defined in the bottom surface of the air conditioning casing to a lower end of the upstream surface of the core.

[0013] According to the above-described configuration, the bottom surface of the air conditioning case defines the drainage path extending from the boundary between the fan and the air conditioning case to the drain port. The drainage path is inclined downward toward the drain port. Furthermore, the backflow prevention rib is provided. The backflow prevention rib protrudes from the bottom surface of the air conditioning case to extend along a direction that intersects with a width direction of the air conditioning case. The backflow prevention rib is designed to guide the condensate water toward the drain port and suppress a cause of backflow of the condensate water toward the fan.In this case, the width direction of the bottom surface of the air conditioning case is defined as a width direction of the air conditioning case that intersects with the main flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case. As such, the condensate can be reliably drained while suppressing a cause of backflow of the condensate to the blower. Furthermore, the core has the upstream surface in a flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case. The backflow prevention rib is located below a virtual line extending from the boundary defined in the bottom surface of the air conditioning case to a lower end of the upstream surface of the core. As a result, a reduction in the air volume supplied into the vehicle compartment can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an external view of an air conditioning unit for a vehicle in a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II shown in Fig. 1 is shown. Fig. 3 is a view as an orientation indicator A, which in Fig. 2, and shows a bottom surface of a lower casing without an evaporator and an expansion valve. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-QR-IV shown in Fig. 3 is shown. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV shown in Fig. 3 is shown. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lower case. Fig. 7 is a view of the lower housing when viewed as orientation indicator A shown in Fig. 2 and shows flows of condensed water. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-QR-IV, showing flows of condensed water. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a backflow prevention fin provided in a bottom surface of an air conditioning case, which prevents condensate water from flowing backward toward a fan. Fig. 10 is a right side view of the flow prevention rib shown in Fig. 9, which stores the condensate. Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the backflow prevention rib used in Fig. 9, which stores the condensate. Fig. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an air conditioning unit for a vehicle in a second embodiment, and which corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II shown in Fig. 1 is shown. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the backflow prevention rib in an example modification. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations are provided for the same reference numerals. First embodiment

[0015] An air conditioning unit for a vehicle in a first embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 11 described. Fig. 1 is an external view of a vehicle air conditioning unit 10 in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning unit 10 may be arranged in a center console of the vehicle to supply air to a rear seat in the vehicle compartment. The vehicle air conditioning unit 10 is designed to have a relatively short dimension in an up-down direction of the vehicle, thus greatly ensuring the interior space of the vehicle compartment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II shown in Fig. 1. For simplicity of description, an orientation indicator DR1 or DR2 showing the up-down direction and the front-back direction are shown in Fig. 2 is provided with the air conditioning unit 10 mounted on the vehicle. That is, the orientation indicator DR1 shows an up-down direction DR1 of the vehicle and the orientation indicator DR2 shows a front-back direction DR2 of the vehicle in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, the orientation indicator DR3 indicates a width direction DR3 of the vehicle. The width direction DR3 is, that is, a left-right direction DR3 of the vehicle. The up-down direction DR1, the front-back direction DR2, and the vehicle width direction DR3 are perpendicular to each other.

[0016] As in Fig. 2, the air conditioning unit 10 includes an air conditioning housing 12, an expansion valve 14, an evaporator 16, a heater core 18, a discharge door or flap 22, and a blower 26.

[0017] The blower 26 is a centrifugal blower. Specifically, the blower 26 is connected to an upstream end of the air conditioning housing 12 and is configured to discharge air into the air conditioning housing 12. The blower 26 includes a blower housing 261, a centrifugal fan 262 within the blower housing 261, and a fan motor 263. The blower housing 261 is coupled to the air conditioning housing 12. The centrifugal fan 262 draws in and discharges air as it rotates. The fan motor 263 rotates the centrifugal fan 262. When the centrifugal fan 262 rotates, the blower 26 discharges the air toward the evaporator 16 housed in the air conditioning case 12, as shown by an orientation indicator FLin.

[0018] The air conditioning casing 12 is made of resin. The air conditioning casing 12, together with the blower casing 261, forms a casing of the air conditioning unit 10. The air conditioning casing 12 is configured by a left casing and a right casing coupled to each other. The air conditioning casing 12 defines a casing passage 121 as an air passage. The casing passage 121 allows air to flow therein toward the vehicle compartment. The casing passage 121 is divided by a structure provided in the air conditioning casing 12. That is, the casing passage 121 is divided into an upstream air passage 122, a warm air passage 123, a cool air passage 124, and an air mixing space 125.

[0019] The upstream air passage 122 has an upstream end connected to an outlet of the blower 26 and a downstream end connected to the warm air passage 123 and the cold air passage 124. That is, the warm air passage 123 and the cold air passage 124 are each connected to the downstream end of the upstream air passage 122 and are parallel to each other. As such, the cold air passage 124 serves as a bypass passage, allowing air to flow therethrough from the upstream air passage 122 while bypassing the warm air passage 123. In the present embodiment, the cold air passage 124 is located above the warm air passage 123.

[0020] The air mixing space 125 is a space connected to a downstream end of the warm air passage 123 and a downstream end of the cold air passage 124. As such, the air after passing through the warm air passage 123 and the air after passing through the cold air passage 124 are mixed with each other in the air mixing space 125.

[0021] The evaporator 16, together with a compressor, a condenser, and the expansion valve 14, forms a well-known refrigeration cycle device designed to circulate the refrigerant. The evaporator 16 is designed to perform heat exchange between a refrigerant decompressed in the expansion valve 14 and supplied air from the fan 26 to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the supplied air.

[0022] The evaporator 16 is positioned in the upstream air passage 122. That is, the evaporator 16 serves as a cooler designed to cool air flowing through the upstream air passage 122. Accordingly, the evaporator 16 cools the air flowing into the upstream air passage 122 from the fan 26, as indicated by the orientation indicator FLin, and allows the cooled air to flow to at least one of the warm air passage 123 and the cool air passage 124.

[0023] The evaporator 16 has a configuration similar to that of evaporators generally mounted on air conditioners for vehicles. Specifically, the evaporator 16 includes a core 161, a first header tank 162, and a second header tank 163. The first header tank 162 and the second header tank 163 are coupled at two ends of the core 161, which face each other, respectively. The evaporator 16 is arranged in the upstream air passage 122 such that the first header tank 162 is located above the second header tank 163. That is, the first header tank 162 serves as an upper end of the evaporator 16, and the second header tank 163 serves as a lower end of the evaporator 16.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the second header tank 163 also serves as a bottom portion defining a bottom end of the core 161. In the present embodiment, the evaporator 16 is arranged such that the second header tank 163, as the bottom portion, is inclined toward a downstream side of the core 161 in a flow direction of air.

[0025] The core 161 of the evaporator 16 includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes and a plurality of corrugated fins. The refrigerant tubes each have a flat cross-sectional shape and are connected to the first header tank 162 and the second header tank 163. The corrugated fins each have a corrugated shape and are located between adjacent two of the refrigerant tubes. Specifically, the core 161 has a structure in which the refrigerant tubes and the corrugated fins are alternately stacked.

[0026] In the evaporator 16, the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tubes exchanges heat with the air passing through the core 161, thereby cooling the air. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant tubes of the evaporator 16 are each arranged to be inclined with respect to the up-down direction DR1.

[0027] The evaporator 16 cools air, which is why it can generate condensation. The air conditioning case 12 has a bottom surface 120 provided with a drain port 129 and configured to discharge the condensation generated in the evaporator from the air conditioning case 12 via the drain port 129. In other words, the drain port 129 is configured to discharge the condensation generated in the evaporator 16 from the air conditioning case 12.

[0028] The heater core 18 is arranged in the warm air passage 123. That is, the heater core 18 is a heating heat exchanger, i.e., a heating device designed to heat the air flowing out of the evaporator 16 and flowing through the warm air passage 123 with engine cooling water. The engine cooling water may be warm water. For example, the heater core 18 is arranged in the warm air passage 123 such that all the air flowing through the warm air passage 123 passes through the heater core 18.

[0029] The structure of the heater core 18 is the same as that of a well-known heating heat exchanger mounted on an air conditioner for a vehicle. Specifically, the heater core 18 includes a core 181, a first header tank 182, and a second header tank 183. The first header tank 182 and the second header tank 183 are connected to one end and the other end of the core 181, respectively. The heater core 18 is arranged in the warm air passage 123 such that the first header tank 182 is located above the second header tank 183. That is, the first header tank 182 serves as an upper end of the heater core 18, and the second header tank 183 serves as a lower end of the heater core 18.

[0030] The core 181 of the heater core 18 includes a plurality of hot water tubes and a plurality of corrugated fins. The hot water tubes each have a flat shape in cross section and are connected to the first header tank 182 and the second header tank 183. The corrugated fins each have a corrugated shape and are respectively disposed between adjacent two of the hot water tubes. Specifically, the core 181 has a structure in which the hot water tubes and the corrugated fins are alternately stacked with each other. According to this structure, the core 181 allows the air flowing into the core 181 to pass therethrough while being heated. In the present embodiment, the hot water tubes of the heater core 18 are each arranged to be inclined with respect to the up-down direction DR1.

[0031] The warm air heated while flowing through the warm air passage 123 and the cold air passing through the cold air passage 124 are mixed in the air mixing space 125 and flows into the vehicle compartment. The air mixing space 125 is defined in the air conditioning case 12 to be in fluid communication with both the warm air passage 123 and the cold air passage 124.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning case 12 includes air outlets 131, 132 that discharge the conditioned air whose temperature has been adjusted. The air outlets 131, 132 are each connected to the air mixing chamber 125 such that the conditioned air, after passing through the air mixing chamber 125, is discharged into the vehicle compartment via at least one of the air outlets 131, 132.

[0033] For example, the air outlets 131, 132 may be a face outlet 131 and a foot outlet 132. The face outlet 131 discharges the conditioned air to the upper body of the occupant sitting in the rear seat. The foot outlet 132 discharges the conditioned air to the feet of an occupant sitting in a rear seat. The conditioned air is supplied into the vehicle compartment from the face outlet 131 and / or the foot outlet 132, which are open.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a lower portion of the air conditioning case 12 defines an opening, and a lower case 120a is attached to the air conditioning case 12 to close the opening. The bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 is defined by a portion of the air conditioning case 12 and the lower case 120a. Fig. 3 is a view along an orientation indicator A shown in Fig. 2, and shows a bottom surface of the lower housing 120a without the evaporator 16 and the expansion valve 14. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-QR-IV shown in Fig. 3 is shown. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV shown in Fig. 3 is shown. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lower case.

[0035] The bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 includes the drain port 129, a connector block mounting hole 128a, backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i, and an air inflow prevention rib 127. The backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i may each be a thin plate in shape. In the present embodiment, each of the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i has a rectangular shape in cross section.

[0036] The bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning housing 12 defines a discharge path extending from a boundary S between the fan 26 and the air conditioning housing 12 and the discharge port 129. The discharge path is inclined downward toward the discharge port 129.

[0037] The drain port 129 is designed to discharge the condensate generated in the evaporator 16 from the air conditioning case 12 and may be referred to as an outlet. When the condensate is stored on the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12, the drain or discharge port 129 discharges the condensate from the vehicle.

[0038] The connector block mounting hole 128a is a hole defined for securing a connector block (not shown) for connecting or piping the air conditioner. An outer peripheral portion 128 is formed along an edge defining the connector block mounting hole 128a. The outer peripheral portion 128 extends from the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12. The connector block mounting hole 128a is closed when the connector block for connecting the air conditioner is attached.

[0039] The backflow prevention fins 126a-126i protrude from the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention fins 126a-126i are designed to guide the condensate generated in the evaporator 16 and flowing toward the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 to the discharge port 129 and suppress a cause of backflow of the condensate toward the fan 26. Hereinafter, the width direction of the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 is defined as a width direction of the air conditioning case 12 that intersects with the main flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case 12.

[0040] Here, the air conditioning case 12 has one side and the other side facing each other in the width direction and has a center in the width direction. The backflow prevention rib 126a extends from one side of the air conditioning case 12 to the center of the air conditioning case 12. Specifically, the backflow prevention rib 126a extends from one side of the air conditioning case 12 along a direction intersecting with the width direction of the air conditioning case 12. Specifically, a distance between the backflow prevention rib 126a and the drain port 129 decreases in the front-rear direction as the backflow prevention rib 126a extends from one side of the air conditioning case 12 to the center of the air conditioning case 12.

[0041] The backflow prevention rib 126b extends from the other side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12. Specifically, the backflow prevention rib 126b extends from the other side of the air conditioning case 12 along a direction intersecting with the width direction of the air conditioning case 12. Specifically, a distance between the backflow prevention rib 126b and the drain port 129 decreases in the front-rear direction as the backflow prevention rib 126b extends from the other side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12.

[0042] The backflow prevention rib 126c is positioned between the backflow prevention rib 126a and the backflow prevention rib 126b. The backflow prevention rib 126c has a portion extending from the center of the air conditioning case 12 to one side of the air conditioning case 12 and a portion extending from the center of the air conditioning case 12 to the other side of the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention rib 126a and the backflow prevention rib 126c are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them. The backflow prevention rib 126b and the backflow prevention rib 126c are each spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them.

[0043] The backflow prevention rib 126d is positioned downstream of the backflow prevention rib 126a along the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention rib 126d has a portion extending from one side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12, and a branched portion branched from the portion and extending along the outer peripheral portion 128. The backflow prevention rib 126d and the backflow prevention rib 126c are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them. The backflow prevention rib 126d and the outer peripheral portion 128 are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them.

[0044] The backflow prevention rib 126e is positioned downstream of the backflow prevention rib 126a along the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention rib 126e has a portion extending from the other side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12, and a branched portion branched from the portion and extending along the outer peripheral portion 128. The backflow prevention rib 126e and the backflow prevention rib 126c are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them. The backflow prevention rib 126e and the outer peripheral portion 128 are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them.

[0045] The backflow prevention rib 126f extends from an outer surface of the outer peripheral portion 128 adjacent to the backflow prevention rib 126e toward one side of the air conditioning case 12. A distance between the backflow prevention rib 126f and the drain port 129 in the front-rear direction decreases as the backflow prevention rib 126f extends toward one side of the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention rib 126f and the backflow prevention rib 126d are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them. The backflow prevention rib 126f and the backflow prevention rib 126h are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them.

[0046] The backflow prevention rib 126g extends from an outer surface of the outer peripheral portion 128 adjacent to the backflow prevention rib 126i toward the other side of the air conditioning case 12. A distance between the backflow prevention rib 126g and the drain port 129 in the front-rear direction decreases as the backflow prevention rib 126g extends toward the other side of the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention rib 126g and the backflow prevention rib 126e are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them. The backflow prevention rib 126g and the backflow prevention rib 126i are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thereby defining a gap between them.

[0047] The backflow prevention rib 126f, together with the backflow prevention rib 126g, serves as a guide rib designed to guide the condensate flowing backward toward the fan 26 to flow through a plurality of water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 sequentially from one of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the drain port 129 to another of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the fan 26. The water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 will be described later.

[0048] The backflow prevention rib 126h has a portion extending from one side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12 and a portion extending along the outer peripheral portion 128. Specifically, a distance between the backflow prevention rib 126h and the drain port 129 decreases in the front-rear direction as the backflow prevention rib 126h extends from one side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention rib 126h and the outer peripheral portion 128 are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thus defining a gap between them.

[0049] The backflow prevention rib 126i has a portion extending from the other side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12 and a portion extending along the outer peripheral portion 128. Specifically, a distance between the backflow prevention rib 126i and the drain port 129 decreases in the front-rear direction as the backflow prevention rib 126i extends from the other side of the air conditioning case 12 toward the center of the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention rib 126i and the outer peripheral portion 128 are spaced apart from each other by approximately several millimeters, thus defining a gap between them.

[0050] The core 161 of the evaporator 16 has an upstream surface in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention fins 126a-126i are located below a virtual line extending from the boundary S defined in the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 to a lower end of the upstream surface of the core 161.

[0051] Further, each of the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i has an upstream end and a downstream end in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12, and the upstream portion is located above the downstream portion.

[0052] The backflow prevention ribs 126a, 126b, 126d-126i each have one lateral end adjacent to the center of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction and the other lateral end adjacent to the side of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction, such that one lateral end is located below the other lateral end. In contrast, the backflow prevention rib 126c has one lateral end adjacent to the side of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction and the other lateral end adjacent to the side of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction, such that one lateral end is located above the other lateral end.

[0053] The backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i define a plurality of water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 in the drain path, which have a multi-stage structure and store the condensate flowing backward to the fan 26. The water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 are connected to each other by the gaps defined among the plurality of water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24. The gaps allow the condensate flowing backward to the fan 26 to flow through the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 from the drain port 129 to the fan 26 sequentially from one of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the drain port 129 to another of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the fan 26.

[0054] The air inflow prevention rib 127 is designed to prevent air from flowing from a lower end of the core 161 of the evaporator 16. A tip portion of the air inflow prevention rib 127 is provided with a rubber member. The air inflow prevention rib 127, together with the rubber member, suppresses air inflow toward the lower end of the core 161 of the evaporator 16. As such, when the condensate is stored in the lower end of the core 161 of the evaporator 16, the condensate is prevented from flowing out from the air outlets 131, 132 with the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12. The air inflow prevention rib 127 is also designed to prevent the condensate from leaking to an outside of the air conditioning case 12 from a portion of the bottom surface 120 where the left case and the right case are engaged.

[0055] The drainage paths will be described in detail below. As described above, the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning casing 12 defines the drainage paths extending from the boundary S between the fan 26 and the air conditioning casing 12 to the drainage port 129. The drainage paths are inclined downward toward the drainage port 129. As such, when the condensate water is stored on the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning casing 12 while the vehicle is traveling along a smooth road, the condensate water flows to the drainage port 129 via a drainage path R. w1 or a runway R w2 , which in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are shown.

[0056] The runway R w1leads the condensate to the drain port 129 via the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126a and the backflow prevention rib 126c, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126c and the backflow prevention rib 126d, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126d and the outer peripheral portion 128, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126f and the backflow prevention rib 126h, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126h and the outer peripheral portion 128, and a gap between the air inflow prevention rib 127 and one side of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction in this order.

[0057] The runway R w2leads the condensate to the drain port 129 via the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126b and the backflow prevention rib 126c, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126c and the backflow prevention rib 126e, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126e and the outer peripheral portion 128, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126g and the backflow prevention rib 126i, the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126i and the outer peripheral portion 128, and a gap between the air inflow prevention rib 127 and the other side of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction in this order.

[0058] As described above, the runway R w1 and the runway R w2each inclined downward toward the drain port 129 in the air conditioning unit 10. As such, the condensate is discharged from the drain port 129 even when the vehicle is traveling on a slope. Furthermore, since the condensate is quickly removed from the air conditioning case 12, the occurrence of a strange odor can be suppressed.

[0059] In the present case, when the vehicle is suddenly braked or when the vehicle turns quickly or corners, a large amount of the condensate remaining in the evaporator 16 may fall onto the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 and may flow backward toward the blower 26.

[0060] A flow of condensate water flowing back to the fan 26 is described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. For example, when the vehicle is suddenly braked or when the vehicle is rapidly turned, a large amount of the condensate remaining in the evaporator 16 may fall onto the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12, that is, may fall into the water storage chamber D11 closest to the drain port 129. In this case, the condensate is trapped by the water storage chamber D11 without flowing toward the blower 26.

[0061] When the water storage chamber D11 is filled with the condensed water, the condensed water flows from the water storage chamber D11 to the water storage chamber D12 via the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126f and the outer peripheral portion 128. At this time, the backflow prevention rib 126f guides the condensed water, after passing through the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126f and the outer peripheral portion 128, to flow into the water storage chamber D12, not into the water storage chamber D13.

[0062] When the water storage chamber D12 is filled with the condensed water, the condensed water flows from the water storage chamber D12 to the water storage chamber D13 via the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126d and the outer peripheral portion 128. When the water storage chamber D13 is filled with the condensed water, the condensed water flows from the water storage chamber D13 to the water storage chamber D14 via the gap between the backflow prevention rib 126c and the backflow prevention rib 126d.

[0063] As described above, the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 is provided with the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i designed to catch the condensate flowing through the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 from the drain port 129 to the fan 26 in sequence, in sequence from one of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the drain port 129 to another of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the fan 26. As such, the condensate can be stored until all of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 are filled with the condensate, and therefore, a cause of backflow of the condensate can be suppressed.

[0064] A height of the rib will be described hereinafter with reference to the backflow prevention rib 126e, which is Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 is shown. Fig. 9 is a diagram or view showing a backflow prevention rib 126e provided in the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12, which prevents condensate water from flowing back to the blower 26. Fig. 10 is a right view showing the condensate and backflow prevention rib 126e provided in Fig. 9 is shown. Fig. 11 is a bottom view showing the condensate and backflow prevention rib 126e provided in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0065] As in Fig. 9, the backflow prevention rib 126e is inclined to the width direction of the air conditioning case 12 at an inclination angle θ (e.g., θ=c), whereby a water level of the condensate W trapped by the backflow prevention rib 126e when the vehicle is suddenly braked does not become horizontal. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the water level slopes upward from a side adjacent to the center of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction to a side adjacent to the other side of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction. The inclination angle θ of the water level of the condensate W relative to the horizontal plane is expressed as θ=d.

[0066] As such, the height of the backflow prevention rib 126e decreases from the other side of the air conditioning case 12 to the center of the air conditioning case 12 along the width direction at an inclination angle θ equal to an angle d (ie, θ=d). Accordingly, the height of the backflow prevention rib 126e adjacent to the center of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction can be lower. As a result, the ventilation resistance of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 can be reduced even more effectively.

[0067] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 9, the backflow prevention rib 126e is inclined to the width direction of the air conditioning case 12 at an inclination angle θ equal to the angle c (θ=c). Specifically, the backflow prevention rib 126e is inclined such that an end of the backflow prevention rib 126e adjacent to the center of the air conditioning case 12 is located between the drain port 129 and an end of the backflow prevention rib 126e adjacent to one side of the air conditioning case 12 along the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the backflow prevention rib 126e is configured to guide the condensate water toward the drain port 129. For example, when the vehicle turns or corners, the condensate water may flow to the drain port 129 along the backflow prevention rib 126e extending along the width direction of the air conditioning case 12.

[0068] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Fig. 11, the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 inclines to the horizontal plane at the inclination angle θ equal to an angle α (ie, θ=α). In a situation where the vehicle is braked at a specific deceleration rate, the water level of the condensed water W trapped by the backflow prevention rib 126e is inclined such that a downstream end of the water level in the flow direction of the air flowing along the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 in the air conditioning case 12 is located below an upstream end of the water level in the flow direction. The inclination angle θ of the water level of the condensed water W relative to the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 is expressed as θ=α.

[0069] That is, the water level of the condensate W trapped by the backflow prevention rib 126e when the vehicle is braked at the specific deceleration rate is inclined to the horizontal plane at the inclination angle θ which is equal to a summation of the angle a and the angle b (ie, θ=a+b).

[0070] As such, the height of the backflow prevention rib 126e is inclined downward from the upstream end to the downstream end at the inclination angle θ equal to the sum of the angle a and the angle b (ie, θ=a+b) relative to the horizontal plane. Therefore, when the vehicle is braked at the specific deceleration rate, the backflow prevention rib 126e can maximally accumulate the condensed water and reduce the ventilation resistance of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12.

[0071] Accordingly, the height of the backflow prevention rib 126e is lowered from the upstream end to the downstream end along the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12. As such, in the configuration described above, the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 defines the drainage paths extending from the boundary S between the fan 26 and the air conditioning case 12 toward the drain port 129. The drainage paths are inclined downward toward the drain port 129. In this case, the width direction of the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 is defined as the width direction of the air conditioning case 12, which intersects with the main flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case 12.The backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i protrude from the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 to extend along a direction intersecting with the width direction of the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i are designed to guide the condensate to the drain port 129 and suppress the cause of the condensate backflow to the fan 26. As such, the condensate can be drained with certainty while suppressing a cause of the condensate backflow to the fan. Furthermore, the core has an upstream surface in a flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case.The backflow prevention rib is located below a virtual line extending from the boundary defined in the bottom surface of the air conditioning casing to a lower end of the upstream surface of the core. As a result, the volume of air supplied into the vehicle compartment can be prevented from being reduced.

[0072] Further, each of the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i has the upstream end and the downstream end in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12, and the downstream portion is located below the upstream portion.

[0073] As such, the backflow prevention fins 126a-126i can ensure a volume of condensate water that is trapped and prevented from flowing back to the fan 26 and can reduce the ventilation resistance of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12.

[0074] The backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i include the backflow prevention ribs 126a, 126b, 126d, 126e, 126h, 126i, each having one lateral end adjacent to the center of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction and the other lateral end adjacent to the side of the air conditioning case 12 in the width direction, such that the other lateral end is located above the one lateral end.

[0075] As such, the backflow prevention fins 126a-126i can ensure the volume of condensate water that is trapped and prevented from flowing back to the fan 26 and can reduce the ventilation resistance of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12.

[0076] The backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i define a plurality of water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 in the discharge path, which have a multi-stage structure and store the condensate water flowing back to the fan 26. The water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 are connected to each other by the gaps defined among the plurality of water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24. The gaps allow the condensate water flowing back to the fan 26 to flow through the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 from the drain port 129 to the fan 26 in sequence from one of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the drain port 129 to another of the water storage chambers D11-D24, D21-D24 adjacent to the fan 26.

[0077] As such, the condensate water can be stored in each of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 and therefore the cause of the backflow of the condensate water can be suppressed or held down.

[0078] The backflow prevention rib 126f, together with the backflow prevention rib 126g, serves as the guide rib designed to guide the condensate water flowing back toward the fan 26 through a plurality of water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 in sequence from one of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the drain port 129 to another of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the fan 26.

[0079] Accordingly, the backflow prevention rib 126f together with the backflow prevention rib 126g can guide the condensate flowing backward toward the fan 26 through a plurality of water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 in sequence from one of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the drain port 129 to another of the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24 adjacent to the fan 26.

[0080] The evaporator 16 includes a second header tank 163 defining the bottom end of the core 161. The second header tank 163 is inclined toward the downstream side of the core 161 in the air flow direction. The drain path is inclined downward toward the drain port 129 in a projection area in which an upstream surface of the core 161 projects downward from an upper side of the upstream surface of the core 161 in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12. The backflow prevention fins 126a-126i are formed in a multi-stage structure in which the backflow prevention fins 126a-126i are arranged one after another in the projection area along the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12.

[0081] Accordingly, the evaporator 16 includes the second header tank 163 defining the bottom end of the core 161, and the second header tank 163 is inclined toward the downstream side of the core 161 along the flow direction of air. As such, the dimension of the air conditioning case 12 in the up-down direction can be small, and therefore the interior space of the vehicle compartment can be large. Further, the drain path is inclined downward toward the drain port 129, and the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i are formed in a multi-stage structure in which the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i are arranged one after another in the projection portion along the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12. As such, the condensate water can be safely prevented from flowing back to the fan 26. Second embodiment

[0082] The air conditioning unit 10 for a vehicle in a second embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to Fig. 12. The air conditioning unit 10 in the present embodiment is different from the air conditioning unit 10 in the above-described first embodiment in that the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 has recessed portions 12a, 12b corresponding to the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24.

[0083] The recessed portion 12a is defined corresponding to the water storage chamber D12 between the backflow prevention rib 126e and the backflow prevention rib 126i. The recessed portion 12b is defined corresponding to the water storage chamber D22 between the backflow prevention rib 126i and the air inflow prevention rib 127. Floor surfaces defining the recessed portion 12a and the recessed portion 12b are each horizontal when the vehicle is horizontal. Since the floor surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 has the recessed portions 12a, 12b corresponding to the water storage chambers D11-D14, D21-D24, as described above, the condensate flowing back to the fan 26 can be collected or retained more efficiently.

[0084] The present embodiment can achieve the effects and advantages obtained from the common structure similar to the first embodiment.

[0085] In addition, since the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12 has the recessed portions 12a, 12b corresponding to the water storage chambers, a larger volume of the condensate water can be stored, and therefore the cause of the backflow of the condensate water can be suppressed more definitely or reliably. Third embodiment

[0086] The air conditioning unit 10 for a vehicle in a third embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to Fig. 13. In the previously described embodiments, each of the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i has a rectangular shape in cross section. In contrast, in the present embodiment, each of the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i has a protruding end whose upstream end in the flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 is chamfered to have a round shape, as shown in Fig. 13 is shown.

[0087] Since the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i each have the protrusion end whose upstream corner in the flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 is chamfered to have the curved shape as described above, wind noise caused by the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 can be reduced.

[0088] The present embodiment can achieve the effects and advantages obtained from the common structure similar to the first embodiment.

[0089] In addition, since the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i each have the protrusion end whose upstream corner in the flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 is chamfered to have a curved shape as described above, wind noise caused by the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 can be reduced. Other embodiments (1) In the above-described embodiments, the evaporator 16 is inclined toward the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12. However, the evaporator 16 may be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface 120 of the air conditioning case 12. (2) In the third embodiment described above, the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i each have the protrusion end whose upstream corner in the flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 is chamfered to have a curved shape. However, the upstream corner of the protrusion end may be linearly chamfered. Alternatively, the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i may each have the protrusion end whose downstream corner in the flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 is chamfered. (3) In the above-described embodiments, each of the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i has the upstream end and the downstream end in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12, so that the downstream portion is located below the upstream portion. However, each of the backflow prevention ribs 126a-126i may have the upstream end and the downstream end in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case 12, so that the downstream portion is located above the upstream portion.

[0090] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified as appropriate. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are not generally limited to the particular embodiment, but are, where applicable, interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are not necessarily essential unless it is specifically stated that the elements or features are essential in the preceding description, or unless the elements or features are obviously essential in principle.A quantity, value, amount, range, or the like, if specified in the example embodiments described above, is not necessarily limited to the specific value, amount, range, or the like, unless it is specifically stated that the value, amount, range, or the like is necessarily the specific value, amount, range, or the like, or unless the value, amount, range, or the like is obviously necessarily the specified value, amount, range, or the like in principle.Furthermore, if a material, a shape, a positional relationship, or the like is specified in the example embodiments described above, it is not necessarily limited to the specified material, shape, positional relationship, or the like unless it is specifically stated that the material, shape, positional relationship, or the like is necessarily the specific material, shape, positional relationship, or the like, or unless the material, shape, positional relationship, or the like is obviously necessarily the specified material, shape, positional relationship, or the like in principle. conclusion

[0091] In a first aspect, regarding some or all of the above-described embodiments, the air conditioning unit in the center console positioned in the vehicle compartment includes an air conditioning casing defining the air passage therein, allowing air to flow therethrough to the vehicle compartment. The air conditioning unit further includes a fan, a radiator, and a drain port. The fan is configured to supply air into the air passage. The radiator includes a core configured to cool the air flowing through the air conditioning casing. The drain port is defined in a bottom surface of the air conditioning casing and is configured to discharge the condensate generated in the radiator from the air conditioning casing.The bottom surface of the air conditioning casing defines the drainage path, which extends from the boundary between the fan and the air conditioning casing to the drain port. The drainage path is inclined downward toward the drain port. Furthermore, the backflow prevention rib protrudes from the bottom surface of the air conditioning casing to extend along a direction that intersects with a width direction of the air conditioning casing. The backflow prevention rib is designed to guide the condensate water toward the drain port and suppress a cause of backflow of the condensate water to the fan. The core has an upstream surface in a flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning casing.The backflow prevention rib is located below a virtual line extending from the boundary defined in the bottom surface of the air conditioning casing to a lower end of the upstream surface of the core.

[0092] In a second aspect, the plurality of backflow prevention ribs includes some backflow prevention ribs, each having one lateral end adjacent to the center of the air conditioning case in the width direction and the other lateral end adjacent to the side of the air conditioning case in the width direction, such that one lateral end is located below the other lateral end. As such, the backflow prevention ribs can ensure the volume of condensate water trapped and prevent it from flowing back to the fan, and reduce the ventilation resistance of the air flowing through the air conditioning case.

[0093] In a third aspect, the plurality of backflow prevention ribs includes some backflow prevention ribs each having one lateral end adjacent to the center of the air conditioning case in the width direction and the other lateral end adjacent to the side of the air conditioning case in the width direction, such that one lateral end is located below the other lateral end. As such, the backflow prevention ribs can ensure the volume of condensate trapped and prevent it from flowing back to the fan, and can reduce the ventilation resistance of the air flowing through the air conditioning case.

[0094] In a fourth aspect, the backflow prevention ribs define the water storage chambers in the drain path, which have a multi-stage structure and store the condensate flowing backward toward the fan. The water storage chambers are in communication with each other through the gaps defined among the plurality of water storage chambers. The gaps allow the condensate flowing back toward the fan to flow through the water storage chambers from the drain port to the fan sequentially from one of the water storage chambers adjacent to the drain port to another of the water storage chambers adjacent to the fan. As such, the condensate can be stored in all of the water storage chambers, and therefore, the cause of the backflow of the condensate can be suppressed.

[0095] In a fifth aspect, the backflow prevention rib includes the guide rib that guides the condensate flowing back to the fan to flow sequentially through the plurality of water storage chambers from the drain port to the fan. Accordingly, the condensate flowing back to the fan can be guided to flow sequentially through the plurality of water storage chambers from the drain port to the fan.

[0096] In a sixth aspect, the bottom surface of the air conditioning casing includes recessed portions corresponding to the water storage chambers. Accordingly, a larger volume of condensate water can be stored in the recessed portions. As such, a larger volume of condensate water can be stored without reaching the fan.

[0097] In a seventh aspect, the backflow prevention rib includes a protrusion end whose upstream corner is chamfered in the flow direction. Accordingly, wind noise caused when air flowing through the air conditioning case 12 collides with the backflow prevention rib can be reduced.

[0098] In an eighth aspect, the radiator includes the bottom portion defining the bottom end of the core, and the bottom end is inclined toward the downstream side of the core in the flow direction of air. The drain path is inclined downward toward the drain port in a projection region in which the upstream surface of the core projects downward in the flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case from an upper side of the upstream surface of the core. Further, the backflow prevention ribs are formed in a multi-stage structure in which the backflow prevention ribs are arranged one after another in the projection region along the flow direction of air flowing through the air conditioning case.

[0099] Accordingly, since the radiator is arranged such that the bottom portion thereof is inclined toward the downstream side of the core, the dimension of the air conditioning case in the up-down direction can be reduced. As a result, the interior space of the vehicle compartment can be largely secured. The drain path is inclined downward toward the drain port. Further, the backflow prevention fins are formed in a multi-stage structure in which the backflow prevention fins are arranged one after another in the protrusion portion along the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case. As such, the condensate water can be surely drained while suppressing a cause of backflow of the condensate water to the blower.

Claims

[1] Air conditioning unit for a vehicle in a center console positioned in a vehicle compartment, comprising: an air conditioning casing (12) defining an air passage (121) therein through which air flows toward the vehicle compartment; a fan (26) configured to supply the air into the air passage (121); a cooler (16) in the air conditioning housing (12), the cooler (16) having a core (161) designed to cool the air flowing through the air conditioning housing (12); and a drain port (129) defined in a bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning housing (12) and designed to drain condensate generated in the radiator (16) from the air conditioning housing (12), wherein the bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning housing (12) defines a drainage path extending from a boundary (S) between the fan (26) and the air conditioning housing (12) to the drainage connection (129), the drainage path being inclined downwards towards the drainage connection (129), the bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning casing (12) is provided with a backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) designed to guide the condensate water to the drain port (129) and to block a backflow of the condensate water to the fan (26), when a width direction of the bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning duct is defined to be perpendicular to a main flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case (12), the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) protrudes from the bottom surface (120) to extend along a direction intersecting with the width direction, the core (161) has an upstream surface in a flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning housing (12), the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) is located below a virtual line extending from the boundary (S) defined in the bottom surface (120) of the air conditioning casing (12) to a lower end of the upstream surface of the core (161), the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) defines a plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) in the drainage path, which have a multi-stage structure and which store the condensate water flowing backward towards the fan (26), the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) are connected to each other by a plurality of gaps defined among the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24), the plurality of gaps allow the condensate flowing backward toward the fan (26) to flow sequentially through the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) from the drain port (129) toward the fan (26), such that when one of the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) is filled with the condensate, the condensate flows through the gaps from one of the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) to another of the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24), a plurality of recessed portions (12a, 12b) are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) in the bottom surface (120), and each of the plurality of recessed portions (12a, 12b) has a bottom surface that is horizontal when the vehicle is horizontal. [2] An air conditioning unit for a vehicle in claim 1, wherein the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) has a downstream end and an upstream end in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case (12), and the downstream end is below the upstream end. [3] An air conditioning unit for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) comprises a rib (126a, 126b, 126d, 126e, 126h, 126i), the rib having one lateral end adjacent to a center of the air conditioning case (12) in the width direction and another lateral end adjacent to a side of the air conditioning case (12) in the width direction, and one lateral end is located below the other lateral end. [4] The air conditioning unit for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) comprises a guide rib (126f, 126g) configured to guide the condensate flowing backward toward the blower (26) to flow sequentially through the plurality of water storage chambers (D11-D14, D21-D24) from the drain port (129) toward the blower (26). [5] An air conditioning unit for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) has a protrusion end whose upstream corner in the flow direction is chamfered. [6] Air conditioning unit for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cooler (16) has a bottom portion (163) which defines a bottom end of the core (161) and which is inclined towards a downstream side of the core (161) in the flow direction of the air, the drainage path to the drainage port (129) is inclined downward in a projection region in which an upstream surface of the core (161) projects downward in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case (12) from an upper side of the upstream surface of the core (161), and the backflow prevention rib (126a-126i) comprises a plurality of ribs in a multi-stage structure in which the plurality of ribs are arranged one after another in the projection portion along the flow direction of the air flowing through the air conditioning case (12).

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