Temperature control device

Abstract

The present invention provides a temperature control device that connects an inlet and an outlet, and can control the temperature of the air that flows into the interior from the inlet. [Solution] A temperature control device that connects an inlet formed in the wall of a duct and an outlet formed in a partition wall that partitions the space housing the duct and covers the wall of the duct, comprising: an outer pipe section that connects the inlet and the outlet, is constricted in the middle and has a first air supply port formed in the middle section; and an inner pipe section that has a second air supply port and moves while remaining in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the middle section, allowing adjustment of the degree of overlap between the first air supply port and the second air supply port.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as buses are equipped with an air conditioning device as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Above the seats arranged in the longitudinal direction of the bus interior, a main duct that extends in the longitudinal direction and is supplied with air from the air conditioning device is provided in a space partitioned by a partition wall. A plurality of inlets are formed in the wall of the main duct. Further, a plurality of outlets are formed in the partition wall. Furthermore, the inlet and the outlet are joined by a branch duct.

[0005] Also, since the outlets of the partition wall are located above each seat, the air supplied from the air conditioning device as described above flows in the order of the main duct and the branch duct and is blown out from the outlet toward the seat.

[0006] Therefore, in such a bus, the temperature of the air blown out from each outlet depends on the set temperature in the air conditioning device, and it is difficult to freely adjust the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a temperature control device that joins an inlet and an outlet and can control the temperature of the air flowing into the interior from the inlet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the aforementioned problems and can be realized in the following embodiments or application examples.

[0009] The temperature control device according to this application example is a temperature control device that connects an inlet formed in the wall of a duct and an outlet formed in a partition wall that partitions the space housing the duct and covers the wall of the duct, and comprises an outer pipe section that connects the inlet and the outlet, is constricted in the middle and has a first air supply port formed in the middle section, and an inner pipe section that has a second air supply port and moves while remaining in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the middle section, allowing adjustment of the degree of overlap between the first air supply port and the second air supply port.

[0010] In the temperature control device described in this application example, by overlapping the first and second air inlets, the air flowing into the temperature control device from the inlet is mixed with the air in the space partitioned by the partition wall, thereby allowing the air flowing into the temperature control device from the inlet to be temperature-controlled. Furthermore, in this application example, the amount of air supplied from the space partitioned by the partition wall changes depending on the degree of overlap between the first and second air inlets. Therefore, according to this application example, the degree of temperature control of the air flowing into the temperature control device can also be adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the temperature control device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing how the degree of overlap between the first air intake and the second air intake in this embodiment is changed. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the airflow adjustment unit in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] 1. Vehicle configuration Figures 1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the vehicle 10 of this embodiment. Figure 2 shows a cross-section at position AA in Figure 1. In the following description, the vehicle length direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the X direction or the front-rear direction. The vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the Y direction or the left-right direction. Furthermore, the vehicle height direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the Z direction, the up-down direction or the vertical direction.

[0013] The vehicle 10 is, for example, a bus, and inside the passenger compartment 16, seats 18 are arranged in the direction of the vehicle length on both sides in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle 10 also includes multiple air conditioning units 20, multiple distribution ducts 22, multiple partition walls 28, and multiple temperature control units 40, etc.

[0014] Each air conditioning unit 20 is installed on the roof 12 of the vehicle 10. The air conditioning unit 20 takes in air from outside or inside the passenger compartment 16, applies temperature control processing to it so that it reaches a preset target temperature, and supplies the air C1 into the passenger compartment 16.

[0015] The multiple distribution ducts 22 include a left distribution duct 22L and a right distribution duct 22R. Each distribution duct 22 forms a flow path for air C1. The left distribution duct 22L extends in the vehicle length direction within the passenger compartment 16, on the left side in the vehicle width direction and near the roof 12 above the seats 18. The right distribution duct 22R extends in the vehicle length direction within the passenger compartment 16, on the right side in the vehicle width direction and near the roof 12 above the seats 18.

[0016] Each distribution duct 22 has inlet openings 24 arranged in the direction of extension of the distribution duct 22, i.e., in the direction of the vehicle length (see Figure 2). Each distribution duct 22 is connected to the air conditioning unit 20 via a connecting duct 26. Therefore, air C1 is supplied to the distribution ducts 22 via the connecting ducts 26.

[0017] The plurality of partition walls 28 includes a left partition wall 28L and a right partition wall 28R. Each partition wall 28 is a wall that extends in the vehicle length direction inside the passenger compartment 16. Each partition wall 28 partitions the space D that houses the distribution duct 22 inside the passenger compartment 16 and covers the wall of the distribution duct 22.

[0018] Specifically, the left partition wall 28L partitions the space D that houses the left distribution duct 22L inside the passenger compartment 16 and covers the wall of the left distribution duct 22L. The right partition wall 28R partitions the space D that houses the right distribution duct 22R inside the passenger compartment 16 and covers the wall of the right distribution duct 22R.

[0019] The partition wall 28 is, for example, a wall that extends in the vehicle length direction and has an L-shaped cross section. Inside the passenger compartment 16, by being connected to both the roof 12 of the vehicle 10 and the wall 14 of the vehicle 10, the partition wall 28 partitions the space D that houses the distribution duct 22 while covering the wall of the distribution duct 22.

[0020] In each partition wall 28, outlet ports 30 are formed side by side in the extending direction of the partition wall 28, that is, in the vehicle length direction (see FIG. 2). Further, the outlet ports 30 are formed at positions facing the inlet ports 24 in the partition wall 28.

[0021] The temperature control device 40 joints the inlet port 24 of the distribution duct 22 and the outlet port 30 of the partition wall 28 to form an air flow path. The temperature control device 40 appropriately controls the temperature of the air C1 that flows through the distribution duct 22 and flows into the interior of the temperature control device 40 from the inlet port 24.

[0022] 2. Configuration of the temperature control device FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the temperature control device 40 of the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the details of part B in FIG. 2. The temperature control device 40 includes an outer pipe portion 42, a shaft portion 50, a first shaft support portion 54, a second shaft support portion 56, an inner pipe portion 58, a first connection portion 64, a second connection portion 66, an air volume adjustment portion 68, and the like.

[0023] The outer tube section 42 is a cylindrical member that connects the inlet 24 and the outlet 30. The middle section 44 of the outer tube section 42 is narrowed so that its diameter is smaller than both ends of the outer tube section 42 on the inlet 24 side and the outlet 30 side. Furthermore, the middle section 44 widens towards the outlet 30 side and is formed into a roughly frustoconical shape.

[0024] Multiple first air intake ports 48 are formed in the intermediate section 44. The first air intake ports 48 are substantially circular through-holes that connect the space inside and outside the intermediate section 44. Multiple first air intake ports 48 are provided in the direction of the central axis E. Furthermore, multiple first air intake ports 48 are provided at positions symmetrical to the central axis E (i.e., at the same positions in the direction of the central axis E). The intermediate section 44 has two first air intake ports 48 at positions symmetrical to the central axis E, and has three sets of these pairs of first air intake ports 48 in the direction of the central axis E.

[0025] The shaft portion 50 is provided on the central axis E of the outer tube portion 42 and extends in the direction of the extension of the central axis E. One end of the shaft portion 50 is located near the inlet 24, and the other end of the shaft portion 50 protrudes from the outlet 30 so as to be spaced apart from it. The protruding portion 52 of the shaft portion 50 from the outlet 30 is thicker than the other parts.

[0026] A rod-shaped first pivot 54 is provided on the inlet 24 side of the outer tube section 42. A rod-shaped second pivot 56 is provided on the outlet 30 side of the outer tube section 42. Both the first pivot 54 and the second pivot 56 are perpendicular to the central axis E, and both ends are connected to the inner circumferential surface 46 of the outer tube section 42. Therefore, both the first pivot 54 and the second pivot 56 are connected to the inner circumferential surface 46 of the outer tube section 42 without obstructing the airflow path.

[0027] Through holes are formed at points perpendicular to the central axis E in both the first shaft support 54 and the second shaft support 56. The first shaft support 54 and the second shaft support 56 each support the shaft portion 50 so that it can rotate around the central axis E by passing the shaft portion 50 through the through holes.

[0028] The inner tube portion 58 is a cylindrical member whose central axis is coaxial with the central axis E of the outer tube portion 42, and is positioned within the intermediate portion 44 of the outer tube portion 42. The outer circumferential surface 60 of the inner tube portion 58 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 46 of the intermediate portion 44 by surface contact or line contact.

[0029] Furthermore, multiple second air inlets 62 are formed in the inner pipe section 58. The shape and position of the second air inlets 62 are the same as those of the first air inlets 48. Also, the hole pattern of the multiple second air inlets 62 is the same as that of the multiple first air inlets 48.

[0030] A rod-shaped first connecting portion 64 is provided on the inlet 24 side of the inner pipe section 58. A rod-shaped second connecting portion 66 is provided on the outlet 30 side of the inner pipe section 58. Both the first connecting portion 64 and the second connecting portion 66 are perpendicular to the central axis E, and both ends are connected to the inner circumferential surface 59 of the inner pipe section 58. Therefore, both the first connecting portion 64 and the second connecting portion 66 are connected to the inner circumferential surface 59 of the inner pipe section 58 without obstructing the airflow path.

[0031] Through holes are formed at points perpendicular to the central axis E of both the first connecting portion 64 and the second connecting portion 66. The inner tube portion 58 is connected to the shaft portion 50 by connecting both the first connecting portion 64 and the second connecting portion 66 with the shaft portion 50 passing through the through holes.

[0032] With respect to the first shaft support 54, the second shaft support 56, the first connecting portion 64, and the second connecting portion 66, when the protruding portion 52 of the shaft portion 50 receives an operation, the inner tube portion 58 moves while its outer peripheral surface 60 remains in contact with the inner peripheral surface 46 of the intermediate portion 44. Specifically, when the protruding portion 52 of the shaft portion 50 receives a twisting operation (rotation operation), the inner tube portion 58 rotates (rotates) while its outer peripheral surface 60 remains in contact with the inner peripheral surface 46 of the intermediate portion 44.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing how the degree of overlap between the first air intake port 48 and the second air intake port 62 is changed in this embodiment. Also, Figure 4 shows how the degree of overlap between the first air intake port 48 and the second air intake port 62 is changed when the intermediate portion 44 of the outer pipe portion 42 is viewed from the outside. Furthermore, Figure 4 is a side view of a part of the intermediate portion 44 around the first air intake port 48 and the second air intake port 62 of section F shown in Figure 3, viewed from the opening direction.

[0034] The shape and position of the second air intake port 62 are the same as those of the first air intake port 48, and the hole patterns of the multiple second air intake ports 62 are the same as those of the multiple first air intake ports 48. Therefore, as described above, when the inner pipe portion 58 moves while remaining in contact with the inner circumferential surface 46 of the intermediate portion 44, the degree of overlap between the first air intake port 48 and the second air intake port 62 is changed.

[0035] The airflow adjustment unit 68 adjusts the amount of air C1 (or air C1 mixed with air C2) discharged from the outlet 30, i.e., the airflow rate. The airflow adjustment unit 68 will be explained with reference to Figure 5 in addition to Figure 3. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the airflow adjustment unit 68 of this embodiment. Figure 5 is also a schematic diagram of the airflow adjustment unit 68 of this embodiment as seen from the side of the protruding portion 52 of the shaft portion 50.

[0036] The airflow adjustment unit 68 is provided at the end of the outer pipe section 42 on the outlet 30 side and covers the outlet 30. The airflow adjustment unit 68 includes a fixing part 70 and an operating part 74.

[0037] The fixing portion 70 is a disc-shaped member that is fixed to the end of the outer tube portion 42 on the outlet 30 side and covers the outlet 30. A through hole is formed in the fixing portion 70, and the protruding portion 52 of the shaft portion 50 is inserted through this through hole.

[0038] Furthermore, multiple first ventilation openings 72 are formed in the fixed portion 70. The first ventilation openings 72 are arranged in the rotational direction around the shaft portion 50. The first ventilation openings 72 are fan-shaped through holes. The spacing between the first ventilation openings 72 in the rotational direction of the shaft portion 50 is equal. Also, the spacing between the first ventilation openings 72 in the rotational direction of the shaft portion 50 is set to be greater than or equal to the length of one first ventilation opening 72.

[0039] The operating part 74 is a disc-shaped member having the same shape and size as the fixed part 70, and is supported by the fixed part 70 so as to be rotatable in the rotational direction of the shaft part 50 while overlapping with the fixed part 70. In addition, a through hole is formed in the operating part 74, and the protruding part 52 of the shaft part 50 is inserted through the through hole.

[0040] For example, an annular groove is formed near the outer end of the surface of the fixed part 70 facing the operating part 74, and an annular projection is formed near the outer end of the surface of the operating part 74 facing the fixed part 70. The annular projection of the operating part 74 fits into the annular groove of the fixed part 70, so that the operating part 74 is supported by the fixed part 70 so that it can rotate in the rotational direction of the shaft part 50 while overlapping with the fixed part 70. Note that this configuration for supporting the operating part 74 on the fixed part 70 so that it can rotate is merely one example.

[0041] Multiple second vents 76 are formed in the operating unit 74. The shape and position of the second vents 76 are the same as those of the first vents 72. Also, the hole pattern of the multiple second vents 76 is the same as that of the multiple first vents 72. Therefore, when the operating unit 74 receives a rotational operation and rotates, the degree of overlap between the first vents 72 and the second vents 76 is changed.

[0042] In this type of temperature control device 40, the intermediate section 44 of the outer tube 42 is constricted, so the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path is narrowed in the intermediate section 44. Due to the continuity of the fluid, the flow velocity of the air C1 that flows into the interior of the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24 is accelerated in the intermediate section 44. In addition, as the flow velocity of the air C1 increases in the intermediate section 44, the pressure decreases due to the Venturi effect, creating negative pressure (negative pressure) relative to the atmospheric pressure space D.

[0043] Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, when air C1 flows into the temperature control device 40 with the first air inlet 48 and the second air inlet 62 overlapping, air C2 in space D is supplied into the temperature control device 40 through both the first air inlet 48 and the second air inlet 62, and air C2 mixes with air C1. In this case, the air C1 that flows into the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24 is temperature-controlled.

[0044] For example, if the temperature of the air C1 flowing into the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24 is lower than the temperature of the air C2 in space D, the mixing of air C1 and air C2 will cause the temperature of the air C1 discharged from the outlet 30 to rise. On the other hand, if the temperature of the air C1 flowing into the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24 is higher than the temperature of the air C2 in space D, the mixing of air C1 and air C2 will cause the temperature of the air C1 discharged from the outlet 30 to fall.

[0045] Furthermore, the amount of air C2 supplied into the temperature control device 40 changes depending on the degree of overlap between the first air inlet 48 and the second air inlet 62. Therefore, the degree of temperature control of the air C1 changes depending on the degree of overlap between the first air inlet 48 and the second air inlet 62.

[0046] Specifically, as the degree of overlap between the first air inlet 48 and the second air inlet 62 increases, the amount of air C2 supplied into the temperature control device 40 increases, and the degree of temperature control of the air C1 increases. On the other hand, as the degree of overlap between the first air inlet 48 and the second air inlet 62 decreases, the amount of air C2 supplied into the temperature control device 40 decreases, and the degree of temperature control of the air C1 decreases.

[0047] Furthermore, if the first air inlet 48 and the second air inlet 62 do not overlap, air C2 will not be supplied into the temperature control device 40, and therefore the air C1 flowing into the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24 will not be temperature controlled.

[0048] Furthermore, the intermediate section 44 widens towards the outlet 30, so the kinetic energy of the accelerated air C1 is converted into pressure energy. As a result, the air C1 becomes almost the same as when it was introduced into the temperature control device 40.

[0049] Furthermore, the air volume adjustment section 68 of the temperature control device 40 covers the outlet 30. Therefore, when air C1 flows into the temperature control device 40 with the first vent 72 and the second vent 76 overlapping, the air C1 is discharged from the outlet 30 toward the seat 18 through the first vent 72 and the second vent 76.

[0050] Furthermore, the amount of air C1 discharged from the outlet 30 changes depending on the degree of overlap between the first vent 72 and the second vent 76.

[0051] Specifically, as the degree of overlap between the first vent 72 and the second vent 76 increases, the amount of air C1 discharged from the outlet 30 increases. On the other hand, as the degree of overlap between the first vent 72 and the second vent 76 decreases, the amount of air C1 discharged from the outlet 30 decreases.

[0052] Furthermore, if the first vent 72 and the second vent 76 do not overlap, the outlet 30 is blocked by the air volume adjustment unit 68, and therefore air C1 is not discharged from the outlet 30.

[0053] With the temperature control device 40 of this embodiment, the air C1 that flows into the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24 can be temperature-controlled, and the temperature-controlled air C1 can be discharged from the outlet 30. Furthermore, the temperature control device 40 can also adjust the degree of temperature control of the air C1. In addition, the temperature control device 40 can also adjust the amount of air C1 discharged from the outlet 30.

[0054] Furthermore, with the temperature control device 40, even if, for example, the user of the seat 18 cannot change the set temperature of the air conditioner 20, the temperature of the air C1 discharged towards the seat 18 can be easily adjusted by rotating the protruding part 52 of the shaft part 50. In addition, with the temperature control device 40, the amount of air C1 discharged from the outlet 30 can also be adjusted.

[0055] This concludes the description of this embodiment. However, the specific configuration shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the shape, size, or position of the second air intake 62 may differ from that of the first air intake 48, as long as the degree of overlap between the first air intake 48 and the second air intake 62 can be adjusted. The hole patterns of the multiple second air intakes 62 may also differ from those of the multiple first air intakes 48.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the degree of overlap between the first vent 72 and the second vent 76 can be adjusted, the shape, size, position, etc. of the second vent 76 may differ from those of the first vent 72, and the hole patterns of the multiple second vents 76 may differ from those of the multiple first vents 72.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if it is possible to supply air C2 into the temperature control device 40 and the degree of overlap between the first air intake port 48 and the second air intake port 62 can be adjusted, then one or more first air intake ports 48 may be formed in the intermediate section 44 and one or more second air intake ports 62 may be formed in the inner pipe section 58.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the degree of overlap between the first vent 72 and the second vent 76 can be adjusted, one or more first air inlets 48 may be formed in the fixed part 70, and one or more second air inlets 62 may be formed in the operating part 74.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the shaft portion 50 may be movable in the axial direction. In this case, when the protruding portion 52 is subjected to a pulling or pushing operation, the outer circumferential surface 60 of the inner tube portion 58 remains in contact with the inner circumferential surface 46 of the intermediate portion 44, and the shaft portion 50 slides in the axial direction, thereby adjusting the degree of overlap between the first air intake port 48 and the second air intake port 62.

[0061] Furthermore, the configuration for supporting the operating unit 74 on the fixed unit 70 so as to be rotatable in the above embodiment is not particularly limited.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distribution duct 22, partition wall 28, and temperature control device 40, etc., are not particularly limited in their location within the passenger compartment 16. For example, the distribution duct 22, partition wall 28, and temperature control device 40, etc., may be installed in the lower part of the passenger compartment 16, specifically below the seats 18.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the opening shapes of the various ducts, the first air intake port 48, the second air intake port 62, the first ventilation port 72, and the second ventilation port 76 may be changed as appropriate.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the airflow adjustment unit 68 may also be provided on the inlet 24 side. In this case, it is possible to adjust the airflow rate of the air C1 flowing into the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24. In this case, by adjusting the airflow rate of the air C1 flowing into the temperature control device 40 from the inlet 24, the amount of air C1 discharged from the outlet 30 is adjusted.

[0065] Furthermore, although a bus was given as an example of the vehicle 10 in the above embodiment, the temperature control device 40 may be installed in other vehicles. Also, the temperature control device 40 may be installed in buildings and facilities other than vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10 vehicles 22 Distribution ducts 24 Inlet 28 Partition Wall 30 Outlet 40 Temperature control device 42. Ministry of Foreign Affairs 44 Middle section 46 Inner circumferential surface 48 First to give breath 58 Internal Management Department 62. The second one to give breath C1 empty C2 empty D space

Claims

[Claim 1] A temperature control device that connects an inlet formed in the wall of a duct and an outlet formed in a partition wall that partitions the space housing the duct and covers the wall of the duct, The inlet and outlet are joined together, the outer pipe section is constricted in the middle, and the first air intake port is formed in the middle section, A temperature control device comprising an inner tube section having a second air intake port, which moves while remaining in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate section, allowing adjustment of the degree of overlap between the first air intake port and the second air intake port.

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