Vehicle air-conditioning unit

Abstract

This vehicle air-conditioning unit comprises an intake module (1A) that introduces at least one of outdoor air and indoor air, and a blower module (1B) including a blower (30) that draws in at least one of the outdoor air and the indoor air through the intake module. The vehicle air-conditioning unit comprises a temperature adjustment module (1C) that adjusts the temperature of the air blown out from the blower and sends the air into the vehicle interior. In the blower module, an air suction port (13a) is formed on one axial-direction side of the blower, and an air blowout port (13b) is formed on the other axial-direction side of the blower. The intake module is attached to a suction-port-side portion of the blower module, and the temperature adjustment module is attached to a blowout-port-side portion of the blower module.

Description

Vehicle air conditioning unit CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-034999, filed on March 7, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicle air conditioning units.

[0003] A conventional vehicle air conditioning unit has been disclosed in which the intake port of a blower module is connected to the underside of an intake module and the outlet port of the blower module is connected to the side of a temperature control module (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, in the vehicle air conditioning unit described in Patent Document 1, the intake port of the blower module is provided on one side of the fan in the axial direction, and the outlet port of the blower module is provided on the radially outer side of the fan.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-58256

[0005] However, in the vehicle air conditioning unit described in Patent Document 1, the intake and outlet of the blower module are set so that their opening planes are substantially perpendicular to each other, which requires that the intake module and the temperature control module be assembled in different directions relative to the blower module. This makes the assembly of each module complicated. The present disclosure aims to improve the ease of assembly of the modules that make up the vehicle air conditioning unit.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle air conditioning unit comprises: an intake module that introduces at least one of outside air and inside air; a blower module including a blower that draws in at least one of outside air and inside air through the intake module; and a temperature control module that adjusts the temperature of the air blown out from the blower and sends it into the vehicle cabin, wherein the blower module has an air intake port formed on one axial side of the blower and an air outlet formed on the other axial side, and the intake module is assembled to a portion of the blower module on the intake port side, and the temperature control module is assembled to a portion of the blower module on the outlet port side.

[0007] In this way, by setting the intake port and the outlet port in the axial direction of the blower module, the intake module and the temperature control module can be assembled in the same orientation to the blower module, thereby improving the ease of assembly of each module.

[0008] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and the specific components described in the embodiments described below.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which a vehicle air conditioning unit according to a first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the outer shape of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which a vehicle air conditioning unit according to a second embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the outer shape of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the outer shape of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the outer shape of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an integrated adapter and a blower module of a vehicle air conditioning unit according to a fifth embodiment, cut along a plane including an axis. FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a vehicle air conditioning unit according to a sixth embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the preceding embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, in the embodiments, when only some of the components are described, the components described in the preceding embodiments can be applied to the remaining components. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other, even if not specifically stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0011] First Embodiment This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a vehicle air conditioning unit 1 according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle V in which a vehicle interior V1 is separated from a front space V0 different from the vehicle interior V1 by a dash panel DP. Note that the arrows indicating front / rear, up / down, left / right in each figure indicate the orientation of the vehicle V in which the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is installed.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is disposed in the vehicle interior V1 behind the dash panel DP. The front space V0 is a space where vehicle drive equipment such as an engine and a motor are disposed, and is referred to as an engine room, motor room, etc. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is disposed between a driver's seat space DS where the driver's seat is disposed and a passenger's seat space PS where the passenger seat is disposed in the left-right direction of the vehicle V, in a so-called center-mounted layout. In this example, the driver's seat space DS constitutes the right-side space of the vehicle interior V1, and the passenger's seat space PS constitutes the left-side space of the vehicle interior V1. Note that the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of the present disclosure can also be applied to a vehicle in which the driver's seat space DS is configured on the left side of the vehicle interior V1 and the passenger's seat space PS is configured on the left side of the vehicle interior V1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is configured by assembling three modules: an intake module 1A, a blower module 1B, and a temperature control module 1C. The intake module 1A, the blower module 1B, and the temperature control module 1C are assembled in this order from front to back. Specifically, in the vehicle air conditioning unit 1, the intake module 1A is disposed in front of the blower module 1B, which is disposed in front of the temperature control module 1C. The intake module 1A, the blower module 1B, and the temperature control module 1C are disposed in the vehicle interior V1 behind the dash panel DP. In this example, each of the modules 1A to 1C is disposed inside an instrument panel IP installed in the vehicle interior V1.

[0014] The intake module 1A introduces at least one of outside air and inside air, and is disposed further forward in the vehicle than the blower module 1B and the temperature adjustment module 1C.

[0015] The blower module 1B includes a blower 30 that draws in at least one of outside air and inside air through the intake module 1A. The blower module 1B has an air intake port 13a formed on one side of the blower 30 in the axial direction CL, and an air outlet 13b formed on the other side of the blower 30 in the axial direction CL. The intake module 1A is assembled to the blower module 1B at a location on the intake port 13a side. The blower module 1B is disposed further forward of the temperature control module 1C in the vehicle.

[0016] The temperature adjustment module 1C adjusts the temperature of the air blown out from the blower 30 and sends it to the vehicle interior V1. The temperature adjustment module 1C is attached to a portion of the blower module 1B on the air outlet 13b side.

[0017] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 configured in this manner includes an air conditioning case 10, an inside / outside air switching door 20, an air filter 22, a blower 30, an evaporator 40, a heater core 50, an air mix door 60, and a mode switching door 70, as shown in FIG.

[0018] The air conditioning case 10 is a component that forms the outer shell of the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 and that forms an air ventilation path therein. The air conditioning case 10 includes an intake section 11, a filter housing section 12, a fan housing section 13, and a thermal equipment housing section 14.

[0019] The intake section 11 switches between inside air circulation, which guides inside air to the air filter 22, and outside air introduction, which guides outside air to the air filter 22, by operating an inside / outside air switching door 20. An outside air inlet 111 for introducing outside air and an inside air inlet 112 for introducing inside air are formed in an upper portion of the intake section 11. The intake section 11 also has an inside / outside air switching door 20 for opening and closing the outside air inlet 111 and the inside air inlet 112.

[0020] The inside / outside air switching door 20 is configured as a rotary door that opens and closes the outside air inlet 111 and the inside air inlet 112. Note that the inside / outside air switching door 20 may not be a rotary door, but may instead be configured as a cantilevered plate door, a butterfly door, or the like.

[0021] A filter housing 12 is provided below the intake section 11. The filter housing 12 forms a space in which an air filter 22 is disposed. The air filter 22 captures foreign matter that has entered through at least one of the outside air inlet 111 and the inside air inlet 112. The air filter 22 includes, for example, a filter material formed by folding a breathable sheet into a pleated shape, and a reinforcing portion that reinforces the end of the filter material. The filter housing 12 is connected to the fan housing 13 at a portion of the air filter 22 on the vehicle rear side.

[0022] The fan housing section 13 constitutes a fan case that houses the fan 31 of the blower 30. The fan housing section 13 has a cylindrical outer shape when viewed from the outside. The fan housing section 13 has an intake port 13a formed in an upstream section that connects to the filter housing section 12, and an outlet port 13b formed in a downstream section that connects to the thermal equipment housing section 14. The intake port 13a corresponds to the intake port 13a of the blower module 1B. The outlet port 13b corresponds to the outlet port 13b of the blower module 1B.

[0023] The blower 30 includes a fan 31 and a fan motor 32 that rotates the fan 31. The blower 30 is mounted on the vehicle V with the opening plane of the intake port 13a intersecting the horizontal direction. The opening plane is a plane that includes the opening of the intake port 13a.

[0024] The fan 31 and fan motor 32 of the blower 30 are disposed between the intake port 13a and the outlet port 13b of the fan housing section 13. The blower 30 of this embodiment is disposed so that the axial direction CL of the rotation axis AX of the fan 31 is closer to horizontal than vertical. Specifically, the blower 30 is disposed so that the axial direction CL of the rotation axis AX of the fan 31 is approximately horizontal.

[0025] The fan 31 is a centrifugal fan that draws in air from one side of the axial direction CL of the rotation axis AX and blows it out in a direction away from the rotation axis AX. The air blown out from the fan 31 flows toward the air outlet 13b at the rear through a passage between the outer periphery of the fan 31 and the inner surface of the fan housing section 13. In this way, the blower 30 of this embodiment is configured to draw in air from the front side and blow it out rearward.

[0026] The fan housing 13 is connected at its portion on the air outlet 13b side to the thermal equipment housing 14. The thermal equipment housing 14 forms a space in which at least a portion of the thermal equipment that adjusts the temperature of the air blown out from the blower 30 is housed. An evaporator 40 is disposed in the thermal equipment housing 14 near the portion connected to the air outlet 13b.

[0027] The evaporator 40 is one type of thermal equipment and is a cooling heat exchanger that cools the air passing through the evaporator 40. The evaporator 40 is housed inside the thermal equipment housing 14 so that all of the air blown out from the blower 30 passes through the evaporator 40. The evaporator 40, together with a compressor, a radiator, and an expansion valve (not shown), constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The evaporator 40 evaporates the refrigerant and cools the air by exchanging heat between the low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve and the air.

[0028] A heater core 50, which constitutes a thermal device together with the evaporator 40, is disposed downstream of the air flow of the evaporator 40. The heater core 50 is a heating heat exchanger that heats the air that has passed through the heater core 50.

[0029] A bypass passage 51 is formed above the heater core 50, allowing the air that has passed through the evaporator 40 to bypass the heater core 50. An air mix door 60 is disposed between the evaporator 40 and the heater core 50.

[0030] The air mix door 60 adjusts the ratio of the amount of air passing through the heater core 50 to the amount of air passing through the bypass passage 51. In this embodiment, the air mix door 60 is configured as a sliding door. However, the air mix door 60 may also be configured as, for example, a plate door.

[0031] The thermal equipment housing 14 is disposed in the vehicle interior V1. The thermal equipment housing 14 is formed with a defroster outlet 141, a face outlet 142, and a foot outlet 143 as outlets for blowing air into the vehicle interior V1.

[0032] The defroster outlet 141 is an outlet for blowing air toward the inside of the front windshield of the vehicle V. The defroster outlet 141 is provided on the upper surface of the thermal equipment housing 14. A defroster door 71 that constitutes the mode switching door 70 is disposed upstream of the defroster outlet 141 in the air flow direction. The defroster outlet 141 is opened and closed by the defroster door 71.

[0033] The face air outlet 142 is an outlet for blowing air toward the upper bodies of occupants in the vehicle interior V1. The face air outlet 142 is provided on the intermediate surface between the top surface and the rear surface of the thermal equipment housing 14. A face door 72 constituting the mode switching door 70 is disposed upstream of the face air outlet 142 in the air flow direction. The face air outlet 142 is opened and closed by the face door 72.

[0034] The foot air outlet 143 is an air outlet for blowing air toward the lower bodies of occupants in the vehicle interior V1. The foot air outlet 143 is provided on the rear surface of the thermal equipment housing 14. A foot door 73 that constitutes the mode switching door 70 is disposed upstream of the foot air outlet 143 in the air flow direction. The foot air outlet 143 is opened and closed by the foot door 73.

[0035] Here, in the vehicle air conditioning unit 1, the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C often need to be specially designed for each vehicle model and vehicle so as to correspond to the air inlets and outlets provided in the vehicle V.

[0036] Furthermore, if the blower module 1B is also designed specifically to fit the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C, even if the basic structure and specifications are roughly the same, slight differences will require different product numbers to be assigned to the structural components of the blower module 1B. This is undesirable because it increases the number of steps required for managing parts and for preventing incorrect assembly.

[0037] Taking these factors into consideration, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment includes an annular intake-side adapter 15 for assembling the portion of the blower module 1B on the intake port 13a side to the opening on the intake module 1A side, as shown in Figure 4. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 also includes an annular outlet-side adapter 16 for assembling the portion of the blower module 1B on the outlet port 13b side to the opening on the temperature control module 1C side. The intake-side adapter 15 and the outlet-side adapter 16 are dedicated parts designed specifically for each vehicle model and vehicle.

[0038] The intake side adapter 15 is shaped to fit both the intake port 13a of the blower module 1B and the opening on the intake module 1A side. The intake side adapter 15 is connected to the blower module 1B and the intake module 1A by fastening elements such as bolts or mating elements such as snap fits.

[0039] The outlet-side adapter 16 is shaped to fit both the outlet 13b of the blower module 1B and the opening on the temperature control module 1C side. The outlet-side adapter 16 is connected to the blower module 1B and the temperature control module 1C by fastening elements such as bolts or mating elements such as snap fits.

[0040] Here, an annular packing 17 for preventing air leakage and intrusion is provided between the opening of the intake module 1A and the intake side adapter 15. The packing 17 is a member that fills the gap between the opening of the intake module 1A and the intake side adapter 15. The packing 17 is sandwiched, for example, between the intake module 1A and the intake side adapter 15. There are no particular restrictions on the material of which the packing 17 is made, as long as it is capable of preventing air leakage and intrusion.

[0041] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 configured as described above includes an intake module 1A that introduces at least one of outside air and inside air, a blower module 1B including a blower 30, and a temperature control module 1C that adjusts the temperature of the air blown from the blower 30 and sends it to the vehicle interior V1. The blower module 1B has an air intake 13a formed on one side of the blower 30 in the axial direction CL and an air outlet 13b formed on the other side of the axial direction CL. The intake module 1A is assembled to the portion of the blower module 1B adjacent to the intake 13a, and the temperature control module 1C is assembled to the portion of the blower module 1B adjacent to the outlet 13b. By arranging the intake 13a and the outlet 13b in the axial direction CL of the blower module 1B in this way, the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C can be assembled to the blower module 1B in the same orientation. This improves the ease of assembly of each module 1A-1C.

[0042] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment also has the following features.

[0043] (1) The intake module 1A is disposed further forward in the vehicle than the blower module 1B. The temperature control module 1C is disposed further rearward in the vehicle than the blower module 1B. By arranging the modules 1A to 1C in a front-to-rear arrangement like this, it is easier to ensure symmetry in the vehicle width direction compared to a layout in which a portion of the modules 1A to 1C is offset in the vehicle width direction. As a result, it is easier to standardize the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 between right-hand drive vehicles and left-hand drive vehicles.

[0044] (2) At least the temperature control module 1C is disposed between the driver's seat side space DS and the passenger seat side space PS in the vehicle interior V1. This makes it easier to provide air whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature control module 1C to both the driver's seat side space DS and the passenger seat side space PS.

[0045] (3) The blower 30 includes a fan 31 that draws air from one side in the axial direction CL. The blower 30 is disposed so that the axial direction CL is closer to horizontal than vertical. This makes it easier to guide the air introduced from the intake module 1A to the fan 31 of the blower 30 at the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, compared to a blower 30 disposed so that the axial direction CL is closer to vertical than horizontal, the size of the blower 30 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle V can be reduced. This contributes to the downsizing of the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0046] (4) The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 includes an annular intake-side adapter 15 for assembling the portion of the blower module 1B on the intake port 13a side to the opening on the intake module 1A side. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 also includes an annular outlet-side adapter 16 for assembling the portion of the blower module 1B on the outlet port 13b side to the opening on the temperature control module 1C side. By assembling the blower module 1B to the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C via the adapters 15 and 16 in this way, only the adapters 15 and 16 can be designed specifically for each vehicle type and vehicle, and the components of the blower module 1B can be standardized. This makes it possible to reduce the number of steps required for parts management and measures to prevent incorrect assembly.

[0047] (5) The intake module 1A, the blower module 1B, and the temperature control module 1C are disposed in the vehicle interior V1. An annular gasket 17 is provided between the opening of the intake module 1A and the intake-side adapter 15 to prevent air leakage and intrusion. This arrangement can prevent air leakage and intrusion from the connection between the intake module 1A and the intake-side adapter 15. For example, when circulating air in the vehicle interior V1, unintended intrusion of outside air into the vehicle interior V1 can be prevented. Furthermore, when introducing outside air into the vehicle interior V1, unintended leakage of outside air into the vehicle interior V1, unintended intrusion of inside air, and inhalation of inside air into the air-conditioning case 10 can be prevented.

[0048] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0049] 5, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is disposed through the dash panel DP so as to straddle the vehicle interior V1 and the front space V0. Specifically, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 has an intake module 1A disposed not in the vehicle interior V1 but in the front space V0, which is an external space, and a blower module 1B and a temperature control module 1C disposed in the vehicle interior V1.

[0050] 6 and 7, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is arranged so that the intake side adapter 15 penetrates the dash panel DP. The intake side adapter 15 has an outer shape that matches the shape of the through-hole in the dash panel DP so that it can be inserted into the through-hole in the dash panel DP.

[0051] An annular packing 17 for preventing air leakage and intrusion is provided between the intake side adapter 15 and the outlet side adapter 16, which is adjacent to the dash panel DP. There are no particular restrictions on the material of the packing 17, as long as it is capable of preventing air leakage and intrusion.

[0052] In addition, between the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B, which are adjacent to the dash panel DP, an annular waterproof gasket 18 is provided to prevent water from entering the vehicle interior V1.

[0053] The waterproof gasket 18 is a member that fills the gap between the opening of the intake module 1A and the dash panel DP. The waterproof gasket 18 is sandwiched, for example, between the intake module 1A and the dash panel DP. There are no particular restrictions on the material that makes up the waterproof gasket 18, as long as it is waterproof.

[0054] The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment that are achieved by the configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0055] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment also has the following features.

[0056] (1) The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is arranged so that the portion between the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C penetrates the dash panel DP, which separates the vehicle interior V1 from the exterior. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is provided with an annular waterproof gasket 18 between the intake module 1A and the dash panel DP to prevent water from entering the vehicle interior V1. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 also is provided with an annular gasket 17 between the intake side adapter 15 and the dash panel DP to prevent air from leaking or entering.

[0057] This prevents water from entering through the connection between the intake module 1A and the dash panel DP, and also prevents air from leaking or entering through the connection between the dash panel DP and the intake side adapter 15. Furthermore, if at least the intake module 1A is configured to be located in the exterior space, sufficient space can be secured within the vehicle interior V1 even in a layout in which the modules 1A to 1C are arranged in a front-to-rear direction.

[0058] (Modification of Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is exemplified as one in which the intake module 1A is disposed in the exterior space and the blower module 1B and the temperature adjustment module 1C are disposed in the vehicle interior V1, but the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 may be one in which the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B are disposed in the exterior space and the temperature adjustment module 1C is disposed in the vehicle interior V1.

[0059] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 configured as described above is realized by positioning the outlet-side adapter 16 so that it penetrates the dash panel DP. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 preferably includes a gasket 17 between the outlet-side adapter 16 and the dash panel DP to prevent air leakage. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 preferably includes a waterproof gasket 18 between the blower module 1B and the dash panel DP. While waterproof gaskets 18 are preferably provided between the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B, whichever module is adjacent to the dash panel DP at the front of the dash panel DP, and the dash panel DP, this is not required. Furthermore, an annular gasket 17 is preferably provided between the intake adapter 15 and the outlet-side adapter 16, whichever is adjacent to the dash panel DP, and the dash panel DP, but this is not required.

[0060] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0061] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is arranged in the vehicle interior V1, similarly to the first embodiment. That is, in the vehicle air conditioning unit 1, the modules 1A to 1C are arranged in the vehicle interior V1.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an assembly member 80 for assembling the portion of the blower module 1B on the intake port 13a side to the opening on the intake module 1A side, and for assembling the portion on the outlet port 13b side to the opening on the temperature control module 1C side.

[0063] 9, the assembly member 80 is configured as a cylindrical member that covers the entire blower 30. The portion of the assembly member 80 that covers the suction port 13a side of the blower 30 configures an adapter for assembling the suction port 13a side portion of the blower module 1B to the opening on the intake module 1A side. Also, the portion of the assembly member 80 that covers the outlet 13b side of the blower 30 configures an adapter for assembling the outlet 13b side portion of the blower module 1B to the opening on the temperature adjustment module 1C side.

[0064] The assembly member 80 of this embodiment has a structure that allows the blower 30 to be removed in a direction intersecting the axial direction CL. Specifically, the assembly member 80 includes a main body 81 and a cover 82. The main body 81 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape. An opening 811 large enough to allow the blower 30 to be inserted and removed is formed on the side of the main body 81. The cover 82 is a semi-cylindrical member that closes the opening 811 of the main body 81. The cover 82 is removably attached to the main body 81. The assembly member 80 configured in this manner allows the blower 30 to be removed in a direction intersecting the axial direction CL by removing the cover 82 from the main body 81.

[0065] Here, an annular packing 83 for preventing air leakage and intrusion is provided between the opening of the intake module 1A and the assembly member 80. The packing 83 is a member that fills the gap between the opening of the intake module 1A and the assembly member 80. The packing 83 is sandwiched, for example, between the intake module 1A and the assembly member 80. Note that there are no particular restrictions on the material of the packing 83, as long as it is capable of preventing air leakage and intrusion.

[0066] The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment that are achieved by the configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0067] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment also has the following features.

[0068] (1) The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 includes an assembly member 80 for assembling the portion of the blower module 1B on the side of the intake port 13a to the opening on the intake module 1A side, and for assembling the portion on the side of the outlet port 13b to the opening on the temperature control module 1C side. By assembling the blower module 1B to the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C via the assembly member 80 in this manner, only the assembly member 80 can be designed specifically for each vehicle type and vehicle, and the components of the blower module 1B can be standardized. This makes it possible to reduce the number of steps required for managing parts and preventing incorrect assembly.

[0069] (2) The intake module 1A, the blower module 1B, and the temperature control module 1C are disposed in the vehicle interior V1. An annular gasket 83 is provided between the opening of the intake module 1A and the assembly member 80 to prevent air leakage and intrusion. This prevents air leakage and intrusion from the connection between the intake module 1A and the assembly member 80. For example, when circulating air in the vehicle interior V1, unintended intrusion of outside air into the vehicle interior V1 can be prevented. Furthermore, when introducing outside air into the vehicle interior V1, unintended leakage of outside air into the vehicle interior V1, unintended intrusion of inside air, and inhalation of inside air into the air conditioning case 10 can be prevented.

[0070] (3) The assembly member 80 is structured so that the blower 30 can be removed in a direction intersecting the axial direction CL. This allows the blower 30 to be installed and removed even when the modules 1A to 1C are installed in a line up front and rear. Furthermore, because the blower 30 can be installed and removed while mounted on the vehicle, the labor required to remove the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 from the vehicle V to replace the blower 30 is reduced. This in turn improves the work efficiency and reduces the workload of the car dealer or service shop that performs the blower 30 replacement work, and reduces the labor costs for the user.

[0071] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. In this embodiment, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[0072] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is disposed through the dash panel DP so as to straddle the vehicle interior V1 and the front space V0, similar to the second embodiment. That is, in the vehicle air conditioning unit 1, the intake module 1A is disposed not in the vehicle interior V1 but in the front space V0, which is an external space, and the blower module 1B and the temperature control module 1C are disposed in the vehicle interior V1.

[0073] 10 and 11, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment is arranged so that the mounting member 80 penetrates the dash panel DP. The mounting member 80 has an outer shape that matches the shape of the through-hole of the dash panel DP so that it can be inserted into the through-hole of the dash panel DP.

[0074] An annular gasket 83 is provided between the dash panel DP and a portion of the assembly member 80 adjacent to the dash panel DP to prevent air leakage and intrusion. In addition, an annular waterproof gasket 84 is provided between the dash panel DP and the intake module 1A adjacent to the dash panel DP, between the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B. The waterproof gasket 84 prevents water from infiltrating into the vehicle interior V1.

[0075] The waterproof gasket 84 is a member that fills the gap between the opening of the intake module 1A and the dash panel DP. The waterproof gasket 18 is sandwiched, for example, between the intake module 1A and the dash panel DP. There are no particular restrictions on the material that makes up the waterproof gasket 18, as long as it is waterproof.

[0076] The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the third embodiment, which are achieved by the configuration common to or equivalent to that of the third embodiment.

[0077] The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment also has the following features.

[0078] (1) The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is arranged so that the portion between the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C penetrates the dash panel DP, which separates the vehicle interior V1 from the exterior. An annular waterproof gasket 84 is provided between the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B, which is adjacent to the dash panel DP at the front of the dash panel DP, and the dash panel DP to prevent water from entering the vehicle interior V1. An annular gasket 83 is also provided between the dash panel DP and the mounting member 80 to prevent air leakage and intrusion. This configuration prevents water from entering through the connection between the intake module 1A and the dash panel DP, and also prevents air from leaking and intruding through the connection between the dash panel DP and the mounting member 80. Furthermore, by configuring at least the intake module 1A to be located in the exterior space, sufficient space can be secured within the vehicle interior V1 even when the modules 1A to 1C are arranged in a front-to-rear layout.

[0079] (Variation of Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, for example, the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B may be disposed in the exterior space, and the temperature adjustment module 1C may be disposed in the vehicle interior V1. A vehicle air conditioning unit 1 configured in this manner is realized by arranging the portion of the assembly member 80 on the side of the air outlet 13b so that it penetrates the dash panel DP. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 desirably has a waterproof gasket 84 provided between the blower module 1B and the dash panel DP. Note that the waterproof gasket 84 and the gasket 83 are not essential and may be omitted.

[0080] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In this embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C that constitute the vehicle air conditioning unit 1. FIG. 13 is an exploded view showing the intake module 1A, the blower module 1B, the temperature control module 1C, and the integrated adapter 19 that constitute the vehicle air conditioning unit 1. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment includes an integrated adapter 19 that integrates the intake side adapter 15 and the outlet side adapter 16 of the second embodiment. That is, the integrated adapter 19 is an integrated component that integrates the intake side adapter 15 and the outlet side adapter 16. The integrated adapter 19 is made of, for example, a metal material, a resin material, or the like.

[0081] As described above, the intake side adapter 15 is formed for assembling the intake port side portion of the blower module 1B to the opening on the intake module 1A side. As described above, the outlet side adapter 16 is formed for assembling the outlet port side portion of the blower module 1B to the opening on the temperature control module 1C side. The integrated adapter 19 is formed to cover the blower module 1B from the radially outer side centered on the axis Xa of the rotation axis AX of the blower 30. Specifically, the integrated adapter 19 has a hollow portion 19a and is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis Xa of the rotation axis AX of the blower 30. The hollow portion 19a is formed to accommodate the blower module 1B. The axis Xa is the rotation center line of the rotation axis AX.

[0082] The front side of the integrated adapter 19 constitutes the intake side adapter 15. The rear side of the integrated adapter 19 constitutes the outlet side adapter 16. An opening 19b is formed in the hollow portion 19a of the integrated adapter 19 on the rear side of the vehicle. The opening 19b constitutes an air flow path between the temperature control module 1C and the outlet 13b of the blower module 1B. An opening 19c is formed in the hollow portion 19a of the integrated adapter 19 on the front side of the vehicle. The opening 19c constitutes an air flow path between the intake module 1A and the suction port 13a of the blower module 1B. The opening area of ​​the opening 19b is larger than that of the opening 19c.

[0083] The integrated adapter 19 supports the blower module 1B with its inner circumferential surface from the radially outer side of the rotation axis AX of the blower 30. The integrated adapter 19 is disposed in the vehicle interior V1 on the vehicle rear side relative to the dash panel DP. The integrated adapter 19 is disposed between the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C. The integrated adapter 19 is supported by the intake module 1A and also by the temperature control module 1C. The integrated adapter 19 is structured so that the blower module 1B can be removed from one side in the axial direction CL. Here, when the integrated adapter 19 is mounted on the vehicle, the one side in the axial direction CL corresponds to the rear side of the vehicle. When the integrated adapter 19 is mounted on the vehicle, the other side in the axial direction CL corresponds to the front side of the vehicle.

[0084] As shown in Figure 13, a drainage channel 19d is formed on the lower side of the inner circumferential surface forming the hollow portion 19a of the integrated adapter 19 of this embodiment. The drainage channel 19d is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the integrated adapter 19 so as to be recessed downward in the axial direction CL. The drainage channel 19d is formed to guide water that has entered the hollow portion 19a of the integrated adapter 19 from the front space V0 through the intake module 1A into the thermal equipment housing 14 of the temperature adjustment module 1C. The water discharged from this drainage channel 19d into the thermal equipment housing 14 of the temperature adjustment module 1C is discharged from the temperature adjustment module 1C together with condensed water from the evaporator 40.

[0085] The remaining features are the same as those of the second embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment, achieved by a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) The intake side adapter 15 and the outlet side adapter 16 are integrated into an integrated adapter 19. The integrated adapter 19 is formed to cover the blower module 1B from the radially outer side about the rotation axis AX of the blower 30. This prevents the blower module 1B from being covered with water. Additionally, this embodiment can reduce the number of parts compared to when the intake side adapter 15 and the outlet side adapter 16 are provided independently.

[0086] (2) The integrated adapter 19 supports the blower module 1B with its inner circumferential surface. Therefore, the integrated adapter 19 can reliably hold the blower module 1B while being supported by the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C. (3) The inner circumferential surface of the integrated adapter 19 is provided with a drainage channel 19d for discharging water from the integrated adapter 19 into the temperature control module 1C from the front space V0 through the intake module 1A. Therefore, water in the integrated adapter 19 can be properly discharged.

[0087] (4) The integrated adapter 19 is configured to allow the fan module 1B to be removed from one side in the axial direction CL. After the integrated adapter 19 is removed from between the intake module 1A and the temperature control module 1C, the fan module 1B can be removed from the integrated adapter 19 from one side in the axial direction CL. This makes it easy to replace the fan 30. (First Modification of the Fifth Embodiment)

[0088] In the fifth embodiment, for example, the integrated adapter 19 may be disposed in the front space V0. In this case, the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B are disposed in the front space V0, and the temperature control module 1C is disposed in the vehicle interior V1. In the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 configured in this manner, an annular gasket 17 may be provided between the outlet side adapter 16 of the integrated adapter 19 and the dash panel DP to prevent air leakage and intrusion. In addition, an annular waterproof gasket 18 may be provided between the blower module 1B and the dash panel DP to prevent water from infiltrating into the vehicle interior V1. (Second Modification of the Fifth Embodiment)

[0089] In the fifth embodiment, the intake module 1A, the blower module 1B, and the temperature control module 1C may be disposed in the vehicle interior V1. In this case, the integrated adapter 19 is disposed in the vehicle interior V1. (Second Modification of the Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, the integrated adapter 19 may be configured to allow the blower module 1B to be removed from the other side in the axial direction CL (i.e., the front side of the vehicle). In this case, the opening 19c may have a larger opening area than the opening 19b.

[0090] Other Embodiments Although typical embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways, for example, as follows.

[0091] As in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the blower 30 is positioned so that the axial direction CL is closer to horizontal than vertical, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, the blower 30 may be positioned so that the axial direction CL is closer to vertical than horizontal.

[0092] As in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is preferably configured such that the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B are connected via the intake side adapter 15, but is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 may be configured such that the intake module 1A and the blower module 1B are directly connected.

[0093] As in the above embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 is preferably configured such that the blower module 1B and the temperature control module 1C are connected via the outlet-side adapter 16, but is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 may be configured such that the blower module 1B and the temperature control module 1C are directly connected.

[0094] The above-described embodiment illustrates a vehicle air conditioning unit 1 with a center-mounted layout, but the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 may also be arranged in a layout in which a portion of it is offset to the right or left side of the vehicle V.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0097] In the above-described embodiments, when referring to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of components, etc., the shapes, positional relationships, etc. are not limited to those shapes, positional relationships, etc., except when specifically stated or when they are fundamentally limited to specific shapes, positional relationships, etc. (Viewpoints of the Present Disclosure) The above-described present disclosure can be understood from the following viewpoints, for example. [First Aspect] A vehicle air conditioning unit comprising: an intake module (1A) that introduces at least one of outside air and inside air, a blower module (1B) including a blower (30) that draws in at least one of the outside air and the inside air through the intake module, and a temperature control module (1C) that adjusts the temperature of the air blown out from the blower and sends it into the vehicle cabin, wherein the blower module has an air inlet (13a) formed on one side in an axial direction of the blower and an air outlet (13b) formed on the other side in the axial direction, and the intake module is assembled to a portion of the blower module on the inlet side, and the temperature control module is assembled to a portion of the blower module on the outlet side. [Second Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first aspect, wherein the intake module is arranged further forward than the blower module, and the temperature control module is arranged further rearward than the blower module. [Third Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the second aspect, wherein at least the temperature control module is disposed between a driver's seat side space and a passenger's seat side space within the vehicle cabin. [Fourth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the second or third aspect, wherein the blower includes a fan that draws air from one side in the axial direction, and the blower is disposed so that the axial direction is closer to horizontal than vertical. [Fifth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, comprising: an annular intake side adapter (15) for assembling a portion of the blower module on the intake port side to an opening on the intake module side; and an annular outlet side adapter (16) for assembling a portion of the blower module on the outlet port side to an opening on the temperature control module side.[Sixth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the fifth aspect, wherein the intake side adapter and the blow-out side adapter constitute an integrated unitary structure (19). [Seventh Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the sixth aspect, wherein the integrated structure is formed so as to cover the blower module from the radially outer side about the axis (Xa) of the rotation shaft of the blower. [Eighth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the seventh aspect, wherein the integrated structure has a hollow portion (19a) for accommodating the blower module and is formed in a cylindrical shape about the axis, and wherein a drainage channel (19d) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the integrated structure that forms the hollow portion to guide water in the hollow portion toward the temperature control module. [Ninth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the intake module, the blower module, and the temperature control module are disposed inside the vehicle cabin, and an annular gasket (17) for preventing air leakage and intrusion is provided between an opening of the intake module and the intake-side adapter. [Tenth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein a portion between the intake module and the temperature control module is disposed so as to penetrate a dash panel (DP) that separates the vehicle cabin from an exterior space, and an annular waterproof gasket (18) for preventing water from entering the vehicle cabin is provided between the dash panel and one of the intake module and the blower module that is adjacent to the dash panel at the vehicle front of the dash panel, and an annular gasket (17) for preventing air leakage and intrusion is provided between the dash panel and one of the intake-side adapter and the outlet-side adapter that is adjacent to the dash panel. [Eleventh Aspect] A vehicle air conditioning unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, comprising an assembly member (80) for assembling the intake port side portion of the blower module to the opening on the intake module side and the outlet side portion to the opening on the temperature control module side.[Twelfth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the intake module, the blower module, and the temperature control module are disposed inside the vehicle cabin, and an annular gasket (83) for preventing air leakage and intrusion is provided between an opening of the intake module and the assembly member. [Thirteenth Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the eleventh aspect, wherein a portion between the intake module and the temperature control module is disposed so as to penetrate a dash panel (DP) that separates the vehicle cabin from an exterior space, and an annular waterproof gasket (84) for preventing water from entering the vehicle cabin is provided between the dash panel and one of the intake module and the blower module that is adjacent to the dash panel at the vehicle front of the dash panel, and an annular gasket (83) for preventing air leakage and intrusion is provided between the dash panel and the assembly member. [14th Aspect] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to any one of the 11th to 13th aspects, wherein the assembly member is structured so that the blower can be removed in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning unit comprising: an intake module (1A) that introduces at least one of outside air and inside air; a blower module (1B) including a blower (30) that draws in at least one of the outside air and the inside air through the intake module; and a temperature control module (1C) that adjusts the temperature of the air blown out from the blower and sends it into the vehicle cabin, wherein the blower module has an air intake port (13a) formed on one axial side of the blower and an air outlet port (13b) formed on the other axial side, and the intake module is assembled to a portion of the blower module on the intake port side, and the temperature control module is assembled to a portion of the blower module on the outlet port side.

2. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the intake module is disposed further forward in the vehicle than the blower module, and the temperature control module is disposed further rearward in the vehicle than the blower module.

3. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 2, wherein at least the temperature control module is disposed between a driver's seat side space and a passenger seat side space in the vehicle interior.

4. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the blower includes a fan that draws air from one side of the axial direction, and the blower is positioned so that the axial direction is closer to horizontal than vertical.

5. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: an annular intake side adapter (15) for assembling the intake side portion of the blower module to the opening on the intake module side; and an annular outlet side adapter (16) for assembling the outlet side portion of the blower module to the opening on the temperature control module side.

6. A vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 5, wherein the intake side adapter and the outlet side adapter form an integrated, unified structure (19).

7. A vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the integrated structure is formed so as to cover the blower module from the radially outer side centered on the axis (Xa) of the rotary shaft of the blower.

8. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in claim 7, wherein the integrated structure is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis and has a hollow portion (19a) that houses the blower module, and a drainage channel (19d) is formed on the inner surface of the integrated structure that forms the hollow portion to guide water within the hollow portion toward the temperature control module.

9. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in claim 5, wherein the intake module, the blower module, and the temperature control module are arranged inside the vehicle cabin, and an annular gasket (17) is provided between the opening of the intake module and the intake side adapter to prevent air leakage and intrusion.

10. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in claim 5, wherein the portion between the intake module and the temperature control module is positioned so as to penetrate a dash panel (DP) that separates the interior of the vehicle from the outside space, and an annular waterproof gasket (18) that prevents water from entering the interior of the vehicle is provided between the dash panel and the module of the intake module and the blower module that is adjacent to the dash panel at the front of the vehicle, and the dash panel, and an annular gasket (17) that prevents air leakage and intrusion is provided between the dash panel and the adapter of the intake side adapter and the outlet side adapter that is adjacent to the dash panel.

11. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an assembly member (80) for assembling the intake port side portion of the blower module to the opening on the intake module side and the outlet side portion to the opening on the temperature control module side.

12. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in claim 11, wherein the intake module, the blower module, and the temperature control module are arranged inside the vehicle cabin, and an annular gasket (83) is provided between the opening of the intake module and the assembly member to prevent air leakage and intrusion.

13. A vehicle air conditioning unit as described in claim 11, wherein the portion between the intake module and the temperature control module is positioned so as to penetrate a dash panel (DP) that separates the interior of the vehicle from the outside space, and an annular waterproof gasket (84) that prevents water from entering the interior of the vehicle is provided between the dash panel and the module of the intake module and the blower module that is adjacent to the dash panel at the front of the vehicle, and an annular gasket (83) that prevents air from leaking and entering between the dash panel and the assembly member.

14. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 11, wherein the mounting member is structured so that the blower can be removed in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

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