FR3036780A1 - FILTER FILTER DEVICE CROSSED BY A FLOW OF AIR A NUMBER OF TIMES DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF POLLUTION, FOR A HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION - Google Patents

Abstract

A filtration device (DF) equips a heating / air conditioning (IC) facility suitable for supplying treated air to a chamber (H). This device (DF) comprises at least one filter (FD) equipping a zone (CD) of the installation (IC) traversed by a flow of air and capable of filtering at least one chemical species in this air flow. channeling means (VC1, VC2, ME) arranged to constrain the flow of air to pass through the filter (FD) either once in a first direction, or at least twice in first and second opposite directions as a function of an instruction, and control means (MCT) arranged to determine this instruction based on a data representative of an air pollution level.

Description

The invention relates to heating / air-conditioning installations for supplying treated air to a chamber , for example constituting a vehicle interior, and more specifically the filtration devices that equip such facilities. The term "heating / air-conditioning installation" means a heating installation, an air-conditioning installation or a heating and air-conditioning installation. Many heating / air conditioning systems, and especially those of vehicles, include at least one pollution control filter 15 for controlling the quality of the air in an enclosure. Each filter (depollution) is fixedly installed in an area of the installation which is traversed by an air flow, and thus filters the molecules or particles (fines) of at least one chemical species that are contained in this stream air. Generally this zone is located just before or just after the blower which supplies the installation with outside air and / or with air coming from inside the enclosure (or recirculated air). As the filter is still traversed by the airflow in the same way, it is therefore not possible to vary its filtration capacity as a function of the level of pollution (which is defined by the concentration of each chemical species or particle that he has to filter). The invention is therefore particularly intended to improve the situation. It proposes for this purpose a filtration device, intended to be part of a heating / air conditioning system adapted to supply treated air to an enclosure, and comprising: - at least one filter intended to equip an area of the installation traversed by an air flow and capable of filtering at least one chemical species in this air flow; - ducting means arranged to constrain this flow of air to pass through the filter only once in a first direction; at least twice in first and second opposite directions as a function of an instruction, and - control means arranged to determine this instruction as a function of a datum which is representative of a level of air pollution. . With this possibility of varying the number of times that the air flow through the filter, we can now vary the filtration capacity of the latter according to the level of pollution. The device according to the invention can comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: its channeling means can comprise a first flap placed downstream of the filter with respect to the first direction of flow of the flow; air and adapted to be placed in a first position allowing access to a filtration outlet, or in a second position constraining the flow of air having passed through the filter in the first direction to go back through the filter in the second direction; its channeling means can be arranged to constrain the flow of air to pass through the filter only once in the first direction to feed a filtration outlet, or at least a first time in the first direction, then a second time according to the second direction, then a third time in the first direction to feed this filter outlet; its channeling means may comprise a second flap placed upstream of the filter relative to the first direction of flow of the air flow and adapted to be placed in a first position allowing the flow of air to pass through the filter in the first direction; then to exit through the filtration outlet, or in a second position constraining the flow of air having passed through the filter in the second direction to go back again the filter in the first direction and then out through the filter outlet; its (each) filter may be intended to be installed in the zone disoriented with respect to a general flow direction of the air flow 3036780 3 upstream of an upstream face that it comprises; its control means can be arranged to trigger a production by a blower of the heating / air-conditioning system of a maximum air flow when the instruction is intended to cause the filter to pass through the air flow; at least twice in the first and second opposite directions; its control means can be arranged to trigger a warning of a user of the enclosure in case of production of the maximum air flow by the blower. 1 o The invention also provides a heating / air conditioning system suitable for supplying treated air to an enclosure, and comprising at least one filtering device of the type shown above. The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of automotive type, and comprising an enclosure constituting a passenger compartment and a heating / air-conditioning installation of the type presented above. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 schematically and functionally illustrates an embodiment of a heating installation; air conditioning equipped with an exemplary embodiment of a filtration device according to the invention with its first and second flaps placed in a first position, and Figure 2 schematically and functionally illustrates the heating / air conditioning system of Figure 1 with the first and second flaps of its filter device placed in a second position. The purpose of the invention is notably to propose a filtration device DF intended to be part of a heating / air-conditioning system IC, for supplying treated air to at least one enclosure H. In what follows, it is considered that non-limiting example, that the enclosure H constitutes a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle V, such as a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of enclosure. It concerns indeed any enclosure to be supplied with treated air. Thus, it relates in particular to vehicles (land, sea (or fluvial), and air), facilities, possibly industrial type, and buildings. Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the heating / air conditioning system IC ensures not only the heating but also the air conditioning. But the invention is not limited to this type of heating / air conditioning system. It also concerns installations that only provide heating and installations that only provide air conditioning. FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematically and functionally an example of a heating / air-conditioning installation IC implanted in a vehicle V and comprising a filtration device DF according to the invention. The heating / air conditioning system IC is here located in the CO engine compartment of the vehicle V and is intended to supply the passenger compartment (or enclosure) H with treated air.

As illustrated, this installation (heating / air conditioning) IC comprises in particular a DF filtering device, a PU blower, a cold loop (or air conditioning loop) BF, a hot loop (or heating loop) BC, a shutter of VA power supply, a VM mixing flap and Vj distribution flaps.

The PU blower is supplied with air coming from outside the cockpit H and / or with air coming from the interior of the cabin H (or recirculated (or recycled) air) by the supply flap (or air inlet) VA. The outside air comes from a first supply duct C1, and the recirculated air comes from the passenger compartment H via a second supply duct C2. The air flow rate delivered by the pulser PU 25 depends on the power level which has been automatically calculated by a computer CS which manages the installation IC, or else chosen (and possibly programmed) by a passenger of the vehicle V by means of a control member which is installed in the cockpit H, generally in the dashboard.

The position of the VA supply flap, and therefore the proportions of outside air and recirculated air that feed the installation IC (and in particular its PU blower), is / are controlled by the computer CS.

3036780 5 The cold loop BF is supplied with air by the PU pulser via a CD conduit. It comprises in particular an evaporator EV (traversed by the air which is derived from the PU blower), as well as a compressor, a condenser and a circuit in which circulates a refrigerant and which is coupled to the evaporator 5 EV, to the compressor and the condenser. The output of the evaporator EV is coupled to a duct which feeds, on the one hand, a mixing chamber CM having a first input whose access is controlled by the mixing flap VM, and, on the other hand, the hot loop BC whose access is controlled by the VM mixing flap and the output 10 feeds a second input of the mixing chamber CM. The hot loop BC comprises heating means MCH for heating the air which is derived (here) from the evaporator EV and which is intended for the passenger compartment H of the vehicle V, possibly after mixing with air less hot present in the mixing chamber CM.

The mixing chamber CM is connected to ducts which are here intended to feed distribution outlets Sk placed in the passenger compartment H of the vehicle V (and in this case four in number (k = 1 to 4)). Access to these conduits is controlled by the distribution flaps Vj (here two in number (j = 1 or 2), but there could be more, for example three or four).

The mixing flap VM is intended to control the distribution of the air, which is provided by the VA supply flap (and which has here passed through the evaporator EV), between the mixing chamber CM and the heating means. MCH. It thus makes it possible to mix (or mix) in a controlled manner a part of the air which has passed through the cold loop BF (possibly in operation) and the air which has passed through the hot loop BC. Its position depends on the operating mode of the IC installation. The operating mode of the installation IC is chosen by a user of the vehicle V or by the computer CS, possibly according to the choice made by a user of the vehicle V.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a filtration device DF, according to the invention, comprises at least one filter FD, channeling means VCj and ME (associated with the filter FD), and control means MCT. In the example shown non-limitatively in FIGS. 1 and 2, the filtration device DF comprises only one filter FD. But the number of FD filters can take any value greater than or equal to one (1). The FD filter is intended to equip a CD area of the installation IC which is traversed by a stream of air to be filtered, and is capable of filtering at least one chemical species in this air stream to be filtered. It will be noted that this filter FD can filter into the air stream which feeds at least one chemical species in solid form (for example fine particles or dust) or in gaseous form (such as for example CO, O 3, 802). , NO2, 02 or CO2). It can therefore be optionally arranged to filter several predefined chemical species (at least two). In the example shown non-limitatively in FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter FD is installed in an area of the installation IC which is a conduit CD connecting the output of the pulser PU and the input of the cold loop BC . However, this filter FD could be installed in many other areas of the installation IC, and in particular upstream of the input of the pulser PU (possibly in the first supply duct C1). On the other hand, when the filtering device DF comprises several FD filters (at least two), the latter (FD) may optionally be installed respectively in different zones of the installation IC and / or may be optionally arranged for filtering species different chemicals. The channeling means VCj and ME are arranged to constrain the air flow (here from the PU blower) through the FD filter only once in a first direction (as illustrated in Figure 1 by the arrows FO), or at least two times in opposite first and second directions (as illustrated in FIG. 2 by the arrows F1 to F3), depending on an instruction. In FIGS. 1 and 2, "first direction" is understood to mean a direction that goes from the PU pulsator towards the evaporator EV (materialized by the arrows FO, F1 and F3), and by "second sense" a direction that goes from Evaporator EV to the PU blower (shown by the arrow F2). Furthermore, the term "upstream face of the filter 30 FD" the face of the filter FD which is oriented towards the PU blower, and "downstream face of the FD filter" the face of the filter FD which is oriented towards the evaporator EV. The MCT control means are arranged to determine each instruction for the channeling means VCj and ME as a function of a given 3036780 7 which is representative of a level of air pollution. If this level of air pollution is below a predefined threshold, the MCT control means will therefore decide that normal filtration (that is to say resulting from a single crossing of the FD filter) is sufficient. They will then generate an instruction of a first value (digital or analog) for placing the VCj and ME channeling means in a first state (see FIG. 1 - FO arrows). On the other hand, if this level of air pollution is greater than the predefined threshold, the MCT control means will decide that a super-filtration or ultra-filtration (that is to say resulting from several passes 1 o filter FD) is necessary. They will then generate an instruction of a second value (digital or analog) for placing the channeling means VCj and ME in a second state (see Figure 2 - arrows Fi to F3). In other words, it is now possible to vary the number of times that the air flow passes through the FD filter in order to vary the filtration capacity of the latter (FD) as a function of the level of pollution. It will be understood that by imposing on the flow of air to cross the filter FD several times, the efficiency of the filtration is significantly increased, since the filter FD is not arranged to filter in a single traversal the entirety of each chemical species to which he is dedicated. Therefore, the greater the number of vias 20 is, the more effective the filtration. The air that is concerned by the data representative of a pollution level is not necessarily that which is part of the air flow that supplies the filter FD. It may indeed be an air that has been measured outside the vehicle V by a station, or air that comes from outside the vehicle V and that circulates in the first supply duct C1, or recirculated air which is coming from inside the vehicle V and which circulates in the second supply duct C2, or else a mixture of outside air and of recirculated air. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the installation IC comprises a sensor CF installed in the first supply conduit C1 and providing data defining the concentration of at least one chemical species present in the outside air to filter. But this CF sensor could be installed in other places of the IC installation or, here, the vehicle 3036780 8 V, and in particular just before the entry of the PU blower or into the second supply conduit C2. Moreover, the filtration device DF could comprise several sensors (at least two), possibly installed in different zones of the installation IC or, here, of the vehicle V.

In an alternative embodiment, each piece of data (representative of an air pollution level) could come from an information server or from a detection station located in the vicinity, here, of the vehicle V, or again, here, another vehicle circulating near the vehicle V. In this variant, the data are transmitted by wave (or possibly by wired when the speaker H is part of a building or facility ). It is then imperative that the system that includes the speaker H is equipped with communication means. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the MCT control means are located in the computer CS. But that's not obligatory. Indeed, they could be implanted in electronic equipment different from the computer CS or constitute electronic equipment. Therefore, the MCT control means can be made in the form of software modules (or computer or "software"), or a combination of electronic circuits (or "hardware") and software modules. In order to at least partially control the number of bushings of the filter FD, the pipe means VCj and ME may comprise a first shutter VC1 (j = 1) placed downstream of the filter FD relative to the first direction of flow of the air flow, as illustrated in non-limiting manner in FIGS. 1 and 2. This first shutter VC1 is adapted to be placed in a first position or in a second position. The first position is illustrated in FIG. 1 and allows access to at least a portion of the air stream, which has just passed through the filter FD in the first direction (arrow FO), to an SF filtration outlet (here located in the CD duct upstream of the evaporator 30 EV). The second position is illustrated in Figure 2 and constrains the airflow, which has just passed through the filter FD in the first direction (arrow F1), to go back through the FD filter in the second direction (arrow F2). Note that the first component VC1 here is butterfly type, but it could be of any other type, including flag type. The positioning of this first component VC1 in its first or second position can be controlled by an electric motor ME controlled by the control means MCT and part of the channeling means.

Note that in the presence of a single flap (VC1) the air flow can pass through the FD filter only twice. It is then necessary to provide upstream of the upstream face of the filter FD, for example in a lower half, a duct comprising a first end intended to collect the flow of air having passed through the filter FD in the second direction, and a second end 1 o opening (here) upstream of the evaporator EV. When it is desired that the air flow passes through the FD filter more than twice, more sophisticated VCj and ME ducting means must be used. More specifically, the channeling means VCj and ME are then arranged to constrain the flow of air through the FD filter only once in the first direction to feed the filtration outlet SF, or at least a first time according to the first direction (arrow F1), then a second time in the second direction (arrow F2), then a third time in the first direction (arrow F3) to supply the filtration output SF. To do this, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 and 2, the channeling means VCj and ME may also comprise a second flap VC2 (j = 2) placed upstream of the filter FD with respect to the first direction of flow of the air flow. This second component VC2 is adapted to be placed in a first position or in a second position. The first position is illustrated in FIG. 1 and allows part of the airflow to pass through the filter FD in the first direction and then out through the filter outlet SF (arrow FO). The second position is illustrated in FIG. 2 and constrains the flow of air, which has just returned to the filter FD in the second direction (arrow F2), to go back again the filter FD in the first direction (arrow F3) and then to exit through the SF filtration outlet.

It will be noted that the second flap VC2 is butterfly type here, but it could be of any other type, and in particular of the flag type. The positioning of this second shutter VC2 in its first or second position can be controlled by an electric motor controlled by the MCT control means 30 and being part of the channeling means. As illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 and 2, this electric motor can advantageously be the same as that which controls the positioning of the first component VC1 and which is referenced ME. In this case, a coupling kinematics can be provided for substantially simultaneously positioning the first VC1 and second VC2 flaps either in their first position or in their second position, as required. But each VCj flap could have its own electric motor. It will be noted that returning the FD 10 filter a second time makes it possible to avoid what the person skilled in the art calls a release phenomenon which consists in bringing out from the FD filter previously filtered molecules or particles. a crossing in the first direction (FO arrow) under the impact of the flow of air through the second direction (arrow F2). It will be understood in fact that during the second reverse (arrow F3) the 15 molecules or particles released can be filtered again. The channeling means could comprise more than two components VCj, and in particular three or four. In general, it is preferable, in order to avoid the phenomenon of release, to use an even number of VCj flaps.

It should be noted, as illustrated in non-limiting manner in FIGS. 1 and 2, that the filter FD can be installed in the zone CD (here a duct) in a disoriented manner with respect to a general flow direction of the upstream air flow. of the upstream face that he understands. This general direction of flow is here materialized by the arrows FO. This option is intended to allow the use of a larger FD filter and a larger portion of it (FD) by the incoming airflow when the first VC1 and second VC2 flaps are both in their second position (closed) illustrated in Figure 2. It will also be noted that the greater the number of bushings of the FD 30 filter, the greater the pressure drop is important. Therefore, to overcome this disadvantage, the MCT control means can be advantageously arranged to trigger the production by the PU blower of a maximum air flow when the instruction is intended to cause the filter 3036780 11 to pass through the filter. airflow at least twice in the first and second opposite directions. To do this, the MCT control means can, for example, ask the computer CS to operate the PU pulser in its maximum speed.

Furthermore, since the operation of the PU pulsator in its maximum speed can induce a sudden increase in noise, the control means MCT can advantageously be arranged to trigger a warning of a user (here a passenger) of the passenger compartment H in case of the maximum air flow by the PU blower. This warning may be a text message which is displayed on a display screen of the vehicle V (for example that of the central handset) and / or an audible message which is broadcast by at least one loudspeaker of the vehicle V. Such message can, for example, be of the type "start of super-filtration". The invention offers several advantages, among which: it makes it possible to offer an additional super-filtration mode when the air pollution is very important; it only requires slight modifications of the installation; does not complicate the maintenance operations on the filter.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Filtration device (DF) for a heating / air-conditioning system (IC) capable of supplying treated air to an enclosure (H), characterized in that it comprises i) at least one filter (FD) designed to equip a zone (CD) of said installation (IC) traversed by a flow of air and suitable for filtering at least one chemical species in this air flow, ii) channeling means (VCj, ME) arranged to constrain said flow of air air through said filter (FD) once in a first direction, or at least twice in first and second opposite directions according to an instruction, and iii) control means (MCT) arranged to determine said instruction according to a data representative of an air pollution level. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said channeling means (VCj, ME) comprise a first flap (VC1) placed downstream of said filter (FD) with respect to said first direction of circulation of said air flow and adapted to be placed in a first position allowing access to a filtration outlet (SF), or in a second position constraining said air flow having passed through said filter (FD) in said first direction to go back to said filter (FD ) according to said second direction. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said channeling means (VCj, ME) are arranged to constrain said flow of air to pass through said filter (FD) one time according to said first sense to feed a filtration outlet (SF), at least a first 25 times in said first direction, then a second time in said second direction, and a third time in said first direction to supply said filter outlet (SF). 4. Device according to the combination of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said channeling means (VCj, ME) comprises a second flap (VC2) placed upstream of said filter (FD) relative to said first flow direction of said flow air and adapted to be placed in a first position allowing said air flow to pass through said filter (FD) in said first direction and then out through said filter outlet (SF), or in a second position constraining said air flow having passed through said filter (FD) according to said second direction to further traverse said filter (FD) in said first direction and then out through said filter outlet (SF). 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said filter (FD) is intended to be installed in said zone (CD) disoriented with respect to a general direction of flow of said flow of air upstream of an upstream face that it understands. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said control means (MCT) are arranged to trigger a production by a blower (PU) of said heating / air conditioning (IC) of a maximum air flow when said instruction is intended to cause said filter (FD) to pass through said flow of air at least twice in said first and second opposite directions. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said control means (MCT) are arranged to trigger a warning of a user of said enclosure (H) in the event of production of said maximum air flow by said blower ( COULD). 8. Heating / air conditioning (IC) system adapted to supply treated air to an enclosure (H), characterized in that it comprises at least one filtering device (DF) according to one of the preceding claims. 9. Vehicle (V) comprising an enclosure (H) constituting a passenger compartment, characterized in that it comprises a heating / air conditioning (IC) installation according to claim 8. 10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of automobile type.