DE10301214B3 - Arrangement used in air conditioner for preparing air for a vehicle cabin, has an air speed sensor for determining actual air volume stream, and units for controlling the amount of olfactory substances to be added - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement comprises units for cleaning crude air in a cleaning process, units for producing and/or impinging the neutral air obtained with olfactory substances, air speed sensor (6) for determining the actual air volume stream, and units for controlling the amount of olfactory substances to be added depending on the output signal of the air speed sensor.

Description

technical area

The invention relates to an arrangement for the preparation of a room, especially the vehicle interior of a motor vehicle to be fed Air, which devices for cleaning the raw air to be treated in a possibly multi-stage cleaning process and facilities to generate and / or apply the neutral air thus obtained with olfactory substances.

From the DE 100 27 428 A1 an arrangement for scenting rooms, such as sales, hotel, clinic or common rooms, but also interiors of motor vehicles is known, which relates in particular to a suitable means for the targeted and precise, pulse-wise metering of predetermined amounts of fragrance. The metering should be microprocessor-controlled, the time and intensity of the fragrance should be freely programmable. In the DE 100 27 428 A1 It is also proposed to neutralize the air to be scented by means of a suitable, possibly multi-stage cleaning process before the scenting, since the scenting of odor-contaminated air should lead to unsatisfactory results. According to the document, such a multi-stage cleaning process can take the following steps: freeing the raw air to be cleaned of particles, ozonizing, passing the air pre-cleaned in this way over a sorption catalyst to remove odorous gases and vapors, but also bacteria and germs, and destroying excess ozone include.

A disadvantage of the known arrangement is that the fragrances are added in high-precision doses Quantities take place, the total concentration by the pulse Large addition should be variable, but on the other hand the microprocessor-controlled Scenting process is preprogrammed and thus actual changes the pressure conditions in the air duct system or in the passenger compartment, which is based on the concentration of the metered Substances can affect unconsidered stay.

The object of the invention is an arrangement of type described at the beginning so that the control the dosing of olfactory substances quickly and flexibly on current changes of relationships reacts in the room to be scented or in the air duct system and so that it is adapted to the current load case.

This problem is solved with a Arrangement with all the features of claim 1. Advantageous Embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

According to the invention is one Arrangement for the preparation of a room, in particular the vehicle interior of a motor vehicle to be fed Air, which facilities for cleaning the raw air to be treated in a possibly multi-stage cleaning process and facilities for Generation and / or application of the neutral air thus obtained with olfactory substances, provided, each current air volume flow by means of an air speed sensor to detect and the amount of olfactory acting to be added Substances dependent from the output signal of this air speed sensor.

It has been shown that a room for example, the air volume flow supplied to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle even with funding by means of a fan and even at constant fan speed is subject to considerable fluctuations. These fluctuations are obviously on changes of air resistance in the above facilities or the corresponding ones Air inlet and outlet openings interconnecting air lines of the air duct system due. These changes of air resistance can for example through changes the fan flap positions or in the case of motor vehicles through changes the driving speed, switching from fresh air to recirculation mode and the like, in particular also by opening windows and / or Sunroofs, are caused. Such fluctuations in the air volume flow result, provided they are not taken into account in the assessment of fragrances wrong dosage.

The present invention overcomes these problems by adapting the amount to be added to the current air volume flow in a simple manner.

The air speed sensor can be arranged anywhere in the air guidance system, as long as it is ensured that the output signal is in a reproducible relationship with the air volume flowing past. Preferably, the air speed sensor, which, for example, as will be described below, can comprise a measuring wire arrangement, is used downstream of the particle filter which is usually present in systems for indoor air conditioning. Such particle filters are usually part of the air inlet filter system in addition to an activated carbon filter, through which particles, dust, gases and vapors are filtered out of the untreated air flowing in through the air inlet opening. The arrangement of the air speed sensor downstream of the particle filter enables in simple The manner in which the degree of clogging of the filter is monitored, for example by comparing the current output signal of the air speed sensor with the reference air speed of an unloaded filter. The resulting signal can be sent to a service computer and displayed accordingly. If a limit value is exceeded, the necessary filter change can be displayed. The filter monitoring ensures that the filter clogging is noticed in good time. As a result, the particle filter can have a smaller size, and reserves that are still customary when designing the filter are no longer required.

So-called are also known Combination filter, which essentially consists of one with an activated carbon filter combined particle filter exist. This can be done, for example, by an activated carbon layer on a conventional particle filter from one Filter material, e.g. B. nonwoven fabric can be realized. It's on the hand that the air speed sensor even with such Combi filter downstream from Filter is arranged.

The filter monitoring by means of an air speed sensor is known per se, for example from EP 0 847 787 A1 , However, the simultaneous control of the addition of olfactory substances on the basis of the output signal of the air speed sensor is not known.

The olfactory substances can for example by spraying, Evaporation, evaporation or the like in a carrier volume flow to be brought. Also the addition via a partial volume flow is conceivable. Such procedures and corresponding facilities are known. According to the invention the control of the quantities to be added, for example the control when spraying the length or number of spray pulses or control of temperature during evaporation, depending from the output signal of an air speed sensor arranged in the air guidance system. In recirculation mode, it can be useful in individual cases, which over the Air velocity sensor determined the amount of fragrance to be added to decrease a correction amount to a continuous Prevent enrichment of fragrances in the room to be scented. Such an individual case can e.g. B. exist when in recirculation mode no filtering takes place.

Air speed sensors are known and described in the literature. Their mode of action is based usually on the change the electrical resistance of a measuring wire or a group of measuring wires through the flowing air. In terms of the selection of a suitable air speed sensor present invention has no limitations.

If there is a fan for advancement the air can output the air speed sensor additionally still be used, that with increasing clogging of the particle filter accompanying decrease in the air volume flow to a certain Degree by regulating the fan voltage to compensate. The signal can be used in the same way be, even changes of the total flow resistance to compensate, for example caused by changes in the flaps of the outflows or the dynamic pressure flap.

In a preferred embodiment According to the invention, the olfactory substances include ions and / or ozone. It is known that ions or ozone are low Quantities added create the impression of fresh air. An arrangement according to the invention can therefore also have corresponding ionization or ozonization devices, the amount of ions and / or ozone to be added according to the invention via the Air speed sensor is controlled. In the literature often the air-cleaning effect of ozone or ions through oxidation described by pollutants. However, this effect is controversial. However, the present invention does not exclude corresponding Use ionization or ozonization devices in addition.

In a further preferred embodiment The invention is an air quality sensor to determine the pollutant concentration in the raw air supplied from outside intended. Such an air quality sensor has the advantage that the intensity of pollutant removal to the actually existing amount of pollutants can be adjusted. This affects also positive for the subsequent air treatment by adding olfactory active substances, since a fragrance preferably on neutral air is heard. The addition of fragrances in a still with others Air polluted with odorous substances is generally considered to be unpleasant felt.

Air quality sensors are known. Also their mode of action is generally based on the change a measuring resistor when oxidizable or reducible air pollutants are encountered. However, the present invention is not based on the use of a limited to certain types of air quality sensors.

The air quality sensor can also be used to the extent that a recirculation mode is provided, as is the case, for example, in motor vehicles, in order to protect the vehicle occupants by switching the recirculation flap to recirculation mode if the pollutant air supplied from outside is high. Switching to air recirculation mode has the further advantage in terms of filter technology that the loading of the air inlet filter, which is often arranged behind the air recirculation flap, is also reduced. This allows the amount of adsorbent material, e.g. B. the activated carbon, be kept lower in the adsorption filter, resulting in a lower flow resistance re consulted. Overall, the component size can be reduced. When using filters of conventional size and with usual amounts of activated carbon, their service life is extended accordingly.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous an air quality sensor for the to provide scented interior, since the indoor air, for example through cigarette smoke or new car emissions, can be heavily polluted. For example, that Output signal of the indoor air quality sensor to control the fan voltage be used in such a way that with increased pollution of the indoor air the fan voltage with pollutants and thus the fan speed elevated and so the air exchange is accelerated. As with the outdoor air quality sensor The higher intensity of air purification also has a positive effect in this case on the fragrance.

If there is an inside and a Outdoor air quality sensor can control the recirculation flap position, for example Comparison of the output signals of the indoor and outdoor air quality sensor respectively. This can be done in such a way that with higher pollution levels Fresh air is switched to recirculation mode. In contrast, the pollutant concentration decreases inside the vehicle, for example due to cigarette smoke, in one Dimensions to that the outside air pollution is less than the indoor air pollution, so it is switched back to fresh air.

Depending on the application, it can be advantageous the arrangement according to the invention to train as a module that can be easily integrated into an existing one Air conditioning and heating system used, e.g. B. inserted can.

The arrangement according to the invention can also as a "stand-alone" solution for Air purification and treatment in indoor areas with high indoor specificity Pollution, e.g. used by cigarette smoke, etc. are, for example, in the passenger compartments of a large taxi. In this application, the interior air is drawn into the passenger compartment used module cleaned and treated in the manner of a recirculation mode.

The arrangement according to the invention can continue but can also be realized in such a way that their components not as a compact module, but individually at specified points an air conditioning and heating system. Conveniently, all components are connected centrally to the air conditioning electronics.

The arrangement according to the invention can generally for cleaning and treatment of any interior Air can be used. It is particularly suitable for use in motor vehicles.

The invention is explained below of the figures closer explained.

Show it:

1 : a schematic representation of the design of an arrangement according to the invention as a module that can be inserted into an air conditioning system;

2 : a schematic representation of an air conditioning system with inserted module according to 1 ;

3 : a schematic representation of the formation of an arrangement according to the invention as a "stand-alone"module;

4 : An arrangement according to the invention, which is integrated in an air conditioning system;

5 : Another embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, which is integrated in an air conditioning system;

One recognizes in 1 an arrangement according to the invention as a module 1 is trained. The module 1 includes a housing 2 , which can be designed, for example, as an injection molding receiving frame, with an air inlet 2a and an air outlet 2 B , In the case 2 are an air quality sensor in the direction of flow 3 , an air intake filter system 4 arranged with a combination filter. The air intake filter system 4 is by means of a sealing element 5 opposite the wall of the housing 2 sealed. Immediately downstream of the air intake filter device 4 is an air speed sensor according to the invention 6 arranged. The air speed sensor 6 is used to determine the current air volume flow and thus not only enables a largely precise determination of the amount of substances to be metered in, but also also provides information regarding the filter loading or depletion. Furthermore are downstream of the air intake filter system 4 another ionization and / or ozonization device 7 and a scenting device 8th arranged. On the outer wall of the housing 2 there is a central electronic interface with connector 9 ,

The through the air intake 2a into the module 1 incoming air passes the air quality sensor 3 , The output signal of the air quality sensor 3 is via the central interface 9 fed to the climate electronics not shown in this figure and processed there and converted into control signals, for example for the control of the air recirculation flap, also not shown.

But they are also air quality sensors known, which is a unit for processing and converting the input signal include in a control signal. Such air quality sensors directly deliver a control signal as output signal.

The air flow continues to pass through the air intake filter system 4 , In the air intake filter system 4 particles and gaseous pollutants and odors are filtered out of the untreated air. downstream from the air intake filter system 4 the cleaned air flow passes the air speed sensor 6 , The signal from the air speed sensor 6 is also sent to the air conditioning electronics, the signal for generating or metering a quantity of ions and / or ozone adapted to the current air volume flow or for scenting to the ionization and / or ozonization device 7 or the scenting device 8th emits.

The air conditioning electronics determine from the signal of the air speed sensor 6 continue the filter assignment. For example, this occurs regularly every time the engine is started, referencing a value that was recorded directly after the filter change. Depending on the extent of the filter occupancy, an indication for a necessary filter change or, if the occupancy is still low, the fan voltage can be increased to maintain a predetermined air volume flow.

The air treated as described above finally exits through the air outlet opening 2 B from the module 1 out.

In the following figures, the Reference signs for keep the same components.

2 shows the arrangement of the module 1 out 1 in an air conditioner 10 , for example a motor vehicle. The module 1 is in the illustrated embodiment without limiting the generality in the air conditioning 10 insertable. On the inflow side of the module 1 you can see a fan 11 to promote air in the air conditioning system 10 , Downstream of the module 1 is the evaporator 12 the air conditioning. The amount of from the module 1 Leaving ions and / or ozone can be dimensioned such that they are sufficient for fragrance, the evaporator 12 rid of germs and fungi. Via the central electronic interface with connector 9 finds the connection of the module 1 to the air conditioning electronics 14 instead of. In air conditioning electronics 14 the sensor data are received, evaluated and, if necessary, processed. This is what happens in air conditioning electronics 14 the determination of the current air volume flow from the sensor signals and the determination of the resulting generation and dosing rates for the ions, the ozone and possibly used fragrances. Likewise done by the climate electronics 14 the control of the air recirculation flap position based on the signals from the air quality sensor 3 as well as a possible filter change display etc. In addition, the air conditioning electronics 14 still for the control and regulation of all others in an air conditioning system 10 processes that are usually carried out.

3 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the arrangement according to the invention is designed as a “stand-alone” module, which is preferably used for air purification in an interior with an interior-specific pollutant load, for example in the passenger compartment of a large-area taxi. The through the air inlet opening 2a Indoor air entering the module and contaminated with pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, passes the air quality sensor 3 , the particle filter 4a and the activated carbon filter 4b and is cleaned of particles, dusts, odor-bearing gases and vapors. The downstream of the air intake filter system 4 arranged air speed sensor 6 generates a signal which is dependent on the air volume flow flowing past and is fed to a control unit, not shown in the figure. The scenting device is controlled from there 8th and the ionization device 7. The air loaded with ions and fragrances in olfactory effective quantities finally passes through the air outlet opening 2 B out of the module. A fan 11 ensures air delivery in the module. The fan 11 is controlled according to the output signal of the indoor air quality sensor. If a high level of pollutants is detected, the air circulation through the air purification and treatment module and thus the intensity of the air purification is increased via the fan voltage. Scenting expediently only takes place when the output signal of the air quality sensor and thus the pollutant load has fallen below a predetermined threshold value. The latter generally applies to all arrangements according to the invention with an inside and / or outside air quality sensor.

The 4 and 5 show exemplary preferred embodiments for in an air conditioner 10 integrated arrangements according to the invention. The through an air inlet opening 10a of the air conditioner 10 incoming air passes an air quality sensor 3a , which controls the position of the air recirculation flap, not shown. In the air intake filter 4 with particle filter 4a and activated carbon filter 4b the air is cleaned of dust, particles and gaseous, possibly odorous, air constituents. The neutral air cleaned in this way passes the evaporator 12 the air conditioning system and finally arrives at a scenting and an ionization device. There, depending on the output signal, a downstream of the air inlet filter 4 arranged air speed sensor 6 measured amounts of fragrances and ions. The air cleaned and treated in this way finally passes through the air outlet opening 10b in the passenger compartment 20 , A fan (not shown in the figure) can be provided for air delivery. Another air quality sensor is without restriction of generality 3b , in the passenger compartment 20 intended. This has the task of air quality in the passenger compartment 20 to be detected and compared, for example, in recirculation mode with the pollution of the fresh air from the outside. If the internal load is greater than the outside air load, the recirculation damper is switched to outside air.

The arrangement in 5 differs from that in 4 essentially in that on the inflow side of the evaporator 12 in itself be known an ozonizer 7 is provided for evaporator disinfection. The activated carbon filter is still installed to remove any excess ozone 4b downstream of the evaporator 12 ,

Alternatively to the fully automatic Controlling the addition of olfactory substances it is also possible to use a manual operation to provide the metering, however, the per triggering an actuator unit of measure added depending set by the output signal of the air speed sensor can be. This has the advantage of a presetting depending on the air volume concentration is given, but on the other hand individual can be replenished.

The embodiments shown above show exemplary possible Embodiments of the invention. However, the present invention is by no means limited to these examples. Especially regarding the combination and arrangement of the facilities for cleaning and Air treatment is a wide variety possible. As well can more Components not mentioned here for air treatment and air purification be added. It is easily possible for those in need optimal solution find.

Claims (15)

Arrangement for processing the air to be supplied to a room, in particular the vehicle interior of a motor vehicle, comprising devices for cleaning the untreated air to be processed in a cleaning process and devices for generating and / or loading the neutral air thus obtained with olfactory substances, characterized in that an air velocity sensor ( 6 ) for determining the current air volume flow and means for controlling the amount of olfactory substances to be metered in as a function of the output signal of the air speed sensor ( 6 ) are provided. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that that the cleaning process is multi-stage. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a particle filter ( 4a ) and that the air speed sensor ( 6 ) is designed and arranged in such a way that its output signal in addition to determining the degree of occupancy of the particle filter ( 4a ) can be used. Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the air speed sensor ( 6 ) downstream of the particle filter ( 4a ) arranged measuring wires made of electrical resistance material. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a fan ( 11 ) and that the output signal of the air speed sensor ( 6 ) can be used to control the fan voltage. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has an activated carbon filter ( 4b ) and / or the particle filter as a combination filter ( 4 ) is trained. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the devices for generating and / or loading the neutral air with olfactory substances are devices ( 7 ) to generate ions and / or ozone. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the devices for generating and / or loading the neutral air with olfactory substances have devices ( 8th ) for producing and / or metering in fragrances and / or fragrance-carrying substances. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an air quality sensor ( 3a ) for determining the pollutant concentration of the raw air supplied from outside. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an air quality sensor ( 3b ) is provided to determine the pollutant concentration in the interior. Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a recirculation flap is provided and that the recirculation flap position by means of the output signal of the outside ( 3a ) and / or indoor air quality sensor ( 3b ) is controllable. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that that they have an ozonization and / or ionization device Evaporator disinfection includes. Arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the ozonization and / or ionization device for evaporative disinfection an ozone filter is connected. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it as a in the air conditioner ( 10 ) insertable module ( 1 ) is trained. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is in an air conditioner ( 10 ) is integrated.