Mounting structure for vehicle air conditioning unit

Abstract

A mounting structure for an in-vehicle air conditioner that facilitates the attachment and detachment of an air conditioner that is attached to a location other than the instrument panel of an automobile. [Solution] The mounting structure for an in-vehicle air conditioner C includes a mounting member B that detachably mounts the in-vehicle air conditioner C to an automobile V, and a substitute member 3 that replaces the window glass of the window portion W of an openable and closable movable member G of the automobile V. The mounting member B fixes the in-vehicle air conditioner C so that an outside air intake port 1 and a heat exhaust port 2 of the in-vehicle air conditioner C face the inner surface of the movable member G in the closed position. The substitute member 3 has an air intake hole 31 and a heat exhaust hole 32 that are formed through it in the thickness direction. When the movable member G is in the closed position, the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32 are in communication with the outside air intake port 1 and the heat exhaust port 2, respectively.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle, and more particularly to a mounting structure for an air conditioner that is installed in a location other than the instrument panel of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, typical automobiles are equipped with air conditioning units in their instrument panels, which keep the interior of the vehicle comfortable while the vehicle is in operation. Meanwhile, users of long-distance trucks and camper vans desire the use of air conditioning units to keep the interior of the vehicle comfortable while the vehicle is parked. However, because air conditioning units installed in conventional instrument panels run on power from the vehicle's battery, there is a problem of battery drain if the unit is used with the engine turned off. While the battery drain problem can be solved by leaving the engine running while the vehicle is parked, idling creates an environmental burden.

[0003] To solve these problems, air conditioners installed in locations other than the vehicle's instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as "retrofit air conditioners") have recently been put to practical use. These retrofit air conditioners solve the above-mentioned problems by utilizing various power supply innovations. However, because retrofit air conditioners are installed in locations where air conditioners are not originally intended, various innovations are required for their installation.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an outdoor unit and an indoor unit are respectively arranged on the ceiling of the driver's seat and in the rear space inside the driver's cab of a truck or the like, and that holes for inserting piping or the like are formed in the rear glass behind the driver's seat to connect the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. It also discloses a prior art technique in which a plate-shaped bracket made of FRP is attached in place of the rear glass, and insertion holes are formed in the bracket to insert piping or the like.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a small, lightweight air conditioner that can be easily installed in an automobile. This air conditioner is installed by replacing the rear window with a dedicated backboard and using an attachment to the backboard. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-056498 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-171790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, retrofit air conditioning units are installed in locations not originally intended for such installation, resulting in the problem of narrowing the vehicle interior space. Furthermore, such retrofit air conditioning units, especially those with only cooling functions, have a limited lifespan. For these reasons, there is a desire to remove the retrofit air conditioning unit when it is not in use. However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, pipes and the like are inserted through the rear window or plate-shaped brackets, making installation and removal of the retrofit air conditioning unit extremely time-consuming, which may hinder seasonal installation and removal.

[0008] On the other hand, although Patent Document 2 does not describe the detailed installation method, referring to Figure 9 etc. of the document, it appears that the outside air intake and exhaust ports of the retrofit air conditioner are inserted into the backboard, and the retrofit air conditioner is attached to the backboard using an attachment. In this case, the retrofit air conditioner must be attached and detached together with the backboard, which can be very time-consuming.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a mounting structure for an automotive air conditioner that makes it easy to install and remove an air conditioner that is installed in a location other than the instrument panel of an automobile. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the mounting structure of the present invention for mounting an automotive air conditioner at a location other than the instrument panel of an automobile comprises a mounting member for detachably mounting the automotive air conditioner to the automobile, and an alternative member provided in place of the window glass of a window portion of an openable and closable movable member of the automobile, wherein the mounting member fixes the automotive air conditioner so that the outside air intake port and heat exhaust port of the automotive air conditioner face the inner surface of the movable member when in a closed position, and the alternative member has an air intake hole and a heat exhaust hole formed through it in the thickness direction, and when the movable member is in a closed position, the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole are connected to the outside air intake port and the heat exhaust port, respectively.

[0011] In this configuration, the automotive air conditioner is detachably attached to the vehicle using a mounting member. Furthermore, in this configuration, the outside air intake and heat exhaust ports of the automotive air conditioner are simply positioned facing the movable member of the vehicle and are not fixed to the vehicle, eliminating the need to remove them from the vehicle as in the technology disclosed in the aforementioned patent document. Therefore, with the mounting structure for an automotive air conditioner according to the present invention, the automotive air conditioner can be easily removed from the vehicle simply by removing the mounting member. Furthermore, the outside air intake and heat exhaust ports of the automotive air conditioner can be accessed simply by displacing the movable member to an open position, facilitating maintenance. Furthermore, when the movable member is in a closed position, the outside air intake and air intake ports communicate with the heat exhaust ports, allowing the automotive air conditioner to take in outside air and exhaust heat from the automotive air conditioner to the outside of the vehicle.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment of the mounting structure for an automotive air conditioner according to the present invention, the outside air intake port and the heat exhaust port each have a frame-shaped internal fitting member that protrudes toward the movable member, and the internal fitting member has a shape and size that allows it to be inscribed within the air intake port and the heat exhaust port, respectively, and when the movable member is in a closed position, the internal fitting member is fitted into the air intake port and the heat exhaust port, respectively.

[0013] In this configuration, simply by displacing the movable member to the closed position, the fitting members provided on the air intake port and the heat exhaust port are fitted into the air intake holes and the heat exhaust holes, respectively, thereby ensuring communication between the air intake port and the air intake holes, and between the heat exhaust port and the heat exhaust holes.

[0014] In addition, the mounting structure of the present invention for mounting an automotive air conditioner at a location other than the instrument panel of the vehicle comprises a mounting member for detachably mounting the automotive air conditioner to the vehicle, an alternative member provided in place of the window glass of the window portion of the openable and closable movable member of the vehicle, an air intake guide pipe having one end connected to the outside air intake port of the automotive air conditioner, and a heat exhaust guide pipe having one end connected to the heat exhaust port of the automotive air conditioner, wherein the other ends of the air intake guide pipe and the heat exhaust guide pipe face the inner surface of the movable member when in a closed position, and the alternative member has an air intake hole and a heat exhaust hole formed through it in the thickness direction, and when the movable member is in a closed position, the air intake guide pipe and the heat exhaust guide pipe are connected to the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively.

[0015] With this configuration, even if, for various reasons, the outside air intake and heat exhaust ports of the vehicle air conditioner cannot be mounted so as to face the inner surface of the movable member, the above-mentioned advantageous effects can be achieved.

[0016] In addition, in this configuration, it is also preferable to add a configuration in which the other ends of the intake guide pipe and the heat exhaust guide pipe have a shape and size that are inscribed within the intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively, and the other ends of the intake guide pipe and the heat exhaust guide pipe are fitted within the intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively, when the movable member is in the closed position. This makes it possible to achieve the same effects as the configuration in which the above-mentioned fitting member is provided.

[0017] In addition, in one preferred embodiment of the mounting structure for an automotive air conditioning unit according to the present invention, the movable member is provided with an abutment member on the interior side of the vehicle, and the abutment member has through holes formed therein that communicate with each of the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole and integrally form the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole.

[0018] In this configuration, for example, if a flexible abutment member is used, it is possible to reduce the impact of contact with the outside air intake port, etc. when the movable member is displaced to the closed position. Also, if the abutment member is provided inside the inner end of the air intake hole or heat exhaust hole formed in the replacement member, deformation occurs when the internal fitting member, etc. is fitted inside, making it easier to fit inside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a vehicle with the tailgate raised (open). [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a vehicle with the tailgate down (closed). [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a view of the backboard seen from the vehicle interior space side. [Figure 4] 1A is a side cross-sectional view of the rear gate during its transition from an open position to a closed position, and FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the rear gate in a state where it has been transitioned to a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment of the mounting structure for an in-vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, front, rear, top, and bottom refer to the same as the front, rear, top, and bottom of an automobile V. In this embodiment, the automobile V is a camper van, such as a minivan or van, and has a large cabin space behind the driver's seat. A rear gate G (an example of a movable member according to the present invention) is provided at the rear of the automobile V. The rear gate G is rotatable about a horizontal pivot shaft near one end and can be displaced between an open position and a closed position. Specifically, when the rear gate G is in a closed position, it can be rotated about a pivot shaft near the upper end, causing the lower end to flip up and be displaced to the open position. FIGS. 1 and 2 are views of the rear gate G of the automobile V according to this embodiment in the open and closed positions, respectively, as viewed from the rear of the automobile V. In this embodiment, the closed and open positions of the movable member refer to positions in which the movable member closes and opens an opening formed in the automobile.

[0021] The vehicle air conditioner C is provided at the rear of the passenger compartment space at the rear of the automobile V. As the vehicle air conditioner C, for example, the one disclosed in Patent Document 2 or the like can be used.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, a table T and a storage shelf S are provided at the rear of the vehicle interior space, and an automotive air conditioner C is installed in the space above the storage shelf S. Specifically, a fixing plate B (an example of a mounting member in the present invention) that covers the front surface is provided in the space above the storage shelf S, and the automotive air conditioner C is fixed to this fixing plate B. A through-hole is formed at the upper end of the fixing plate B, and a duct D is inserted through which cool air is sent from the automotive air conditioner C to the vehicle interior space. This fixing plate B is detachable from the vehicle. Therefore, by removing the fixing plate B from the vehicle, the automotive air conditioner C can also be removed. This makes it very easy to attach and detach the automotive air conditioner C according to the season.

[0023] The vehicle air conditioner C is provided with an outside air intake 1 for taking in outside air and a heat exhaust vent 2 for exhausting waste heat generated by heat exchange. The mounting position of the vehicle air conditioner C in the front-rear direction, i.e., the mounting position of the fixing plate B, is determined so that the outside air intake vent 1 and the heat exhaust vent 2 are close to the inner surface of the rear gate G when the rear gate G is in the closed position.

[0024] In this embodiment, the fresh air intake 1 and the heat exhaust 2 are provided with frame-shaped protruding frames 11 and 21 (examples of internal fitting members in the present invention). Specifically, the protruding frame 11 is frame-shaped and has a shape approximately the same as the outer edge of the end of the fresh air intake 1 when viewed in the front-rear direction, and its height is approximately 2 cm. Similarly, the protruding frame 21 is frame-shaped and has a shape approximately the same as the outer edge of the end of the heat exhaust 2 when viewed in the front-rear direction, and its height is approximately 2 cm. The insides of these protruding frames 11 and 21 form flow paths, which can regulate the direction of air flow into the fresh air intake 1 and the air flow from the heat exhaust 2. Note that the height of the protruding frames 11 and 21 can be changed as appropriate, but if they are too high, they will not easily fit into the air intake vent 31 and the heat exhaust vent 32 when the rear gate G is displaced to the closed position. In addition, a plate-shaped retaining member 5 is provided to surround the protruding frames 11 and 21.

[0025] In a typical automobile V, a rear window W (an example of a window portion in the present invention) of a rear gate G is fitted with window glass, but in this embodiment, a backboard 3 (an example of an alternative member in the present invention) made of reinforced plastic or the like is fitted instead of the window glass. Air intake holes 31 and heat exhaust holes 32 are formed through the backboard 3 at positions opposite the outside air intake port 1 and heat exhaust port 2 (see FIG. 3). The vehicle exterior ends of the air intake hole 31 and heat exhaust hole 32 are covered with covers 41, 42. The covers 41, 42 are hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepipeds, and are open at the front and bottom, and these openings determine the direction of air intake and heat exhaust.

[0026] A transparent transmission plate 33 is provided at a position closer to the left of the backboard 3. In this embodiment, the vehicle air conditioner C is placed on the right side of the vehicle interior space and the table T is placed on the left side, so the driver can see behind the vehicle V through the space above the table T and the transmission plate 33.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a view of the backboard 3 as seen from the passenger compartment side. As described above, the backboard 3 has the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32 formed as through-holes. A flexible abutment member 6 is also provided on the inner surface of the backboard 3 at the portion where the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32 are formed. This abutment member 6 also has through-holes that communicate with the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32. Therefore, in this embodiment, the through-holes formed in the abutment member 6 also constitute the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32. The abutment member 6 is the portion that abuts against the retaining member 5 and the protruding frames 11 and 21 when the rear gate G is in the closed position. It functions as a cushion during abutment and improves adhesion during abutment. Furthermore, using an air-impermeable material for the retaining member 5 and the abutment member 6 can prevent air from flowing in or out of the connection portions between the outside air intake port 1 and the heat exhaust port 2 and the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32, respectively, thereby enhancing the airtightness of the flow paths.

[0028] When the rear gate G is in the closed position, the outside air intake 1 and the air intake hole 31, and the heat exhaust port 2 and the heat exhaust hole 32 are closely opposed to each other, forming two communication passages (flow paths). Therefore, outside air is taken into the vehicle air conditioner C through the opening at the bottom of the cover 41, the air intake hole 31, and further through the outside air intake 1. Meanwhile, exhaust heat from the vehicle air conditioner C is discharged to the outside of the vehicle V from the opening at the bottom of the cover 42 through the heat exhaust port 2 and the heat exhaust hole 32.

[0029] 4(a) is a side cross-sectional view of the rear gate G in the middle of being displaced from the open position to the closed position, and FIG. 4(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the rear gate G in the closed position. However, these figures do not show the rear gate G, the vehicle air conditioner C, etc.

[0030] 4(a) to the position of FIG. 4(b) (closed position), the upper end of the protruding frame 11 gradually fits into the air intake hole 31, and then the upper end of the protruding frame 21 gradually fits into the heat exhaust hole 32. At this time, the abutting member 6 abutting against the protruding frames 11 and 21 elastically deforms, making it easier for them to fit in. Then, when the rear gate G is completely closed (closed position), the protruding frames 11 and 21 are fitted into the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32, respectively. This ensures communication between the outside air intake port 1 and the air intake hole 31, and between the heat exhaust port 2 and the heat exhaust hole 32. Furthermore, when the rear gate G is in the closed position, the retaining material 5 abuts against the abutting member 6. This makes it possible to suppress the inflow and outflow of air from the connection between the outside air intake port 1 and the intake hole 31 and the connection between the heat exhaust port 2 and the heat exhaust hole 32, thereby improving the airtightness of the internal flow path.

[0031] On the other hand, when the rear gate G is shifted from the closed position to the open position, the communication between the outside air intake 1 and the air intake vent 31 and the communication between the heat exhaust vent 2 and the heat exhaust vent 32 are released. At this time, a large opening is formed in the automobile V, allowing easy access to the vehicle air conditioner C from outside the vehicle. This makes it easier to perform maintenance on, or to attach or detach the vehicle air conditioner C. Note that when the vehicle air conditioner C is to be removed from the automobile V, the fixing plate B can be removed from the automobile V.

[0032] As described above, in the mounting structure for an in-vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention, the outside air intake 1 and the heat exhaust vent 2 of the in-vehicle air conditioner C are not directly fixed to the vehicle body, so the in-vehicle air conditioner C can be easily removed from the vehicle body. Furthermore, because the outside air intake vent 1 and the heat exhaust vent 2 are positioned opposite an openable movable member of the vehicle, such as the rear gate G, they can be easily accessed by opening the movable member, which also makes maintenance easier.

[0033] When the vehicle air conditioner C is removed, the vehicle interior space and the space outside the vehicle are in communication via the air intake holes 31 and the heat exhaust holes 32, so it is preferable to attach members that block the air intake holes 31 and the heat exhaust holes 32. For example, a cap or the like that blocks these holes may be used, or vehicle furniture or the like that abuts against the movable member (such as the rear gate G) when the movable member is displaced to the closed position to block the opening may be used. The latter is preferable because it allows for effective use of the vehicle interior space when the vehicle air conditioner C is removed.

[0034] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the protruding frames 11, 21 provided on the outside air intake 1 and the heat exhaust 2 are fitted into the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32 to connect them, but if the opposing surfaces are configured to be in close contact with each other, it is also possible to configure them without providing the protruding frames 11, 21. Note that in this case, "close contact" means contact to the extent that air cannot enter or exit through the contacting parts.

[0035] (2) In the above embodiment, the rear gate G is the movable member, but the door can also be the movable member. It is also possible to use a sliding door as the movable member, but in this case, it is difficult for the protruding frames 11, 21 to fit into the intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that does not include the protruding frames 11, 21.

[0036] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle air conditioner C is mounted so that the outside air intake 1 and the heat exhaust vent 2 face the inner surface of the rear gate G in the closed position. However, such mounting may not be possible depending on the configuration of the vehicle air conditioner C or the shape of the vehicle interior. In such cases, an air intake guide pipe and a heat exhaust guide pipe can be connected to the outside air intake 1 and the heat exhaust vent 2, respectively. In this case, the free ends of the air intake guide pipe and the heat exhaust guide pipe can be fixed so that they face the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32 of the rear gate G in the closed position and communicate with the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32, respectively. In this case, the free ends of the air intake guide pipe and the heat exhaust guide pipe may be shaped to fit within the air intake hole 31 and the heat exhaust hole 32, respectively, or may be configured to be in close contact with them. [Industrial Applicability]

[0037] The present invention can be used to mount an in-vehicle air conditioner in a location other than the instrument panel of an automobile. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] B: Fixing plate (mounting part) C: Vehicle air conditioner G: Rear gate (movable part) V: Automobile W: Rear window 1: Fresh air intake 11: Protruding frame 2: Heat exhaust port 21: Protruding frame (internal fitting) 3: Backboard (alternative material) 31: Air intake 32: Heat exhaust hole 33:Transparent plate 41: Cover 42: Cover 5: Retaining material 6: Contact member

Claims

1. An installation structure for an in-vehicle air conditioner for installing the in-vehicle air conditioner at a location other than the instrument panel of an automobile, a mounting member for detachably mounting the vehicle air conditioning device to the vehicle; a substitute member provided in place of the window glass of the window portion of the openable and closable movable member of the automobile, the mounting member fixes the vehicle-mounted air conditioner so that an outside air intake port and a heat exhaust port of the vehicle-mounted air conditioner face an inner surface of the movable member in a closed position; The replacement member has an air intake hole and a heat exhaust hole formed through the replacement member in the thickness direction, When the movable member is in a closed position, the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole communicate with the outside air intake port and the heat exhaust port, respectively.

2. the outside air intake port and the heat exhaust port each include a frame-shaped internal fitting member that protrudes toward the movable member, the inner fitting members have a shape and size that allow them to be inscribed in the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively; 2. The mounting structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the internal fitting members are fitted into the intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively, when the movable member is in the closed position.

3. An installation structure for an in-vehicle air conditioner for installing the in-vehicle air conditioner at a location other than the instrument panel of an automobile, a mounting member for detachably mounting the vehicle air conditioning device to the vehicle; a substitute member provided in place of the window glass of the window portion of the openable and closable movable member of the automobile; an intake guide pipe having one end connected to an outside air intake port of the vehicle air conditioner; a heat exhaust guide pipe, one end of which is connected to a heat exhaust port of the vehicle air conditioner; the other end of each of the intake guide pipe and the exhaust heat guide pipe faces the inner surface of the movable member in a closed position; The replacement member has an air intake hole and a heat exhaust hole formed through the replacement member in the thickness direction, When the movable member is in a closed position, the intake guide pipe and the exhaust heat guide pipe communicate with the intake hole and the exhaust heat hole, respectively.

4. the other end of the air intake guide pipe and the other end of the heat exhaust guide pipe have a shape and size such that they are inscribed within the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively; 4. The mounting structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, when the movable member is in the closed position, the other ends of the air intake guide pipe and the heat exhaust guide pipe are fitted into the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively.

5. The movable member has a contact member on the interior side of the vehicle, 5. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the abutment member has through holes formed therein that communicate with the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole, respectively, and integrally form the air intake hole and the heat exhaust hole.

Images