DE102007057167A1 - Air conditioning system for motor vehicle, has disinfection unit provided as liquid phase, and nozzle provided in air duct, where fluid disinfection unit or liquid is injected with disinfection unit in air duct - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (1) has a blower (2) producing an air flow, and an air duct, where the air flow produced by the blower flows into the air duct. A disinfection unit (22''') is produced and/or contained in a disinfection module (22), and is supplied to the air duct. The disinfection unit is provided as a liquid phase, and a nozzle (23) is provided in the air duct, where a fluid disinfection unit or a liquid is injected with the disinfection unit in the air duct. An independent claim is also included for a method for disinfection of an area of the air conditioning system.

Description

The The invention relates to a ventilation system, a Heating or air conditioning, in particular for motor vehicles, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for sterilizing components and / or water.

in the Operation of air conditioning systems, especially in motor vehicles, occur often odors the comfort, the condition and the ability to concentrate affect persons exposed to conditioned air. Cause is usually the colonization of moist surfaces of the evaporator of the air conditioner by microorganisms, favors by the attachment of dirt particles to the microorganisms as a breeding ground serve. Known approaches to the solution This problem is the cleaning and disinfection of the evaporator on the occasion of a maintenance. The disadvantage here is a lack of sustainability the measure and a consequent necessary frequent repetition of maintenance.

To counter this problem is in the DE 102 30 440 A1 provided an air conditioning system for a vehicle, in which the cooling circuit is temporarily switched to heat the evaporator and so to disinfect or to dry.

In the DE 600 29 060 T2 Further, an air conditioner with an automatic cleaning and disinfecting system is disclosed, which has a Ozonisa tor. The ozonizer is actuated at predetermined intervals, the treatment taking place within a lockable area in which an air filter to be treated and an evaporator to be treated are arranged. For circulating the air, a fan is also provided in the lockable area. For a treatment, the lockable area is detached and the ozonizer and fan are operated. After a phase in which the air has been treated with ozone, a catalyzing phase is provided in which the ozone in the unit is eliminated. Subsequently, the lockable area is opened and the air conditioner can be operated normally again.

From the DE 10 2004 023 376 A1 an air treatment device for enriching an air flow with a gas component is known, wherein the air treatment device is installed in an air duct of an air conditioning device and divided into two subunits, which are arranged in the air duct cross section, that the air flow over the entire air duct cross-section uniformly acted upon or enriched with the gas component is. In particular, ozone is used as the gas component. For a noteworthy degermination effect, however, a relatively high ozone content of the air must be ensured. In addition, ozone and its reaction products such as aldehydes, alcohols and acids can be detrimental to the health of people exposed to air-conditioned air.

It the object of the invention is an improved ventilation system, to provide a heating and / or air conditioning. Furthermore, should a process for disinfecting or disinfecting components, water or air for An air conditioner will be provided.

The The object is achieved by a ventilation system, a heating and / or air conditioning with the features of the claim 1 and a method for sterilizing components and / or water with the features of claim 10.

advantageous Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a ventilation system, a heating and / or air conditioning ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning, in particular vehicle air conditioning, comprising at least one blower, which serves to generate the air flow, at least one air duct, in which the air flow generated by the blower can flow , and a disinfection module, in which a disinfectant is contained and / or generated, wherein the disinfectant is supplied to the air duct. Here, the disinfectant is provided as a liquid phase or dissolved in a liquid. Furthermore, at least one nozzle is provided in the air duct through which the liquid disinfectant or the liquid with the disinfectant dissolved therein can be sprayed into the air duct. Preferably, a water-soluble disinfectant is used. The introduction of the disinfectant in the liquid phase instead of the air phase increases the efficiency of the disinfectant. By using disinfectant dissolved in water or disinfectant present as a liquid phase, the entry of harmful disinfectants into the vehicle interior can be further minimized. Furthermore, by spraying the liquid disinfectant in the liquid phase according to the invention, the problem of colonization of the evaporator with microorganisms is combated in place without polluting the air with ozone. The disinfection takes place by means of a liquid disinfectant, whereby a phase transition between the air and the condensate can be bypassed. Rather, the disinfectant is particularly preferably generated directly on site in the liquid phase, wherein the water carried in a corresponding reservoir or can be formed by the accumulating condensation from the evaporator. A cleaning and disinfecting during maintenance of the air conditioning can be omitted.

in this connection is particularly preferably used by the fan airflow as a carrier for Location of the disinfectant. By spraying in the direction of air flow sufficiently before the actual site of use, the fog, which results as a result of the spraying forms, distribute in the air stream, so that a more even and in particular needs-based distribution of the disinfectant at the site results, as in the case of direct spraying ago Place. So get to the places to which in normal operation too more moisture enters and precipitates, and the more susceptible to nucleation are, more disinfectants. The spraying is preferably done via a Plurality of nozzles.

The Distribution of the disinfectant at the site is preferably carried out by capillary action, eg. in the case of an evaporator between the corrugated fins and flat tubes, and by a support the flowing through Air, which supports a transport in the flow direction. Furthermore, will the distribution through various mixing processes and rinsing processes, through diffusion processes, which due to the different ozone concentration in the water different locations on the evaporator comes into existence, supported.

Prefers is at least one nozzle in the normal air flow direction seen in front of a filter. In a filter collect often germs, the - ever by type of filter - if necessary also killed right here can be for example in the case of an activated carbon filter. In the case of a particulate filter Can be a disinfection from the outside be required, which in a particularly simple manner by the Spray can be done by disinfectant in the air stream.

Especially at least one nozzle is preferred in the normal air flow direction seen arranged in front of an evaporator. Due to condensation of water from the air on the cold surfaces can be a vaporizer one play an important role in odor problems.

The However, disinfectant can also be on a in one flow direction the air flow side, in particular on the downstream side of the Vaporizer sprayed on because of the tendency of the vaporizer to germinate at this point is particularly high.

Especially is preferred as a disinfectant ozone provided which in Water is dissolved. Particularly preferred as the disinfecting module is an ozone-generating Module provided which generates dissolved ozone from the water, and the then dissolved in water Ozone can be sprayed into the air stream by means of the at least one nozzle. The water ozonization requires, in comparison with the air ozonization, a comparatively small effort and is in relation to the germicidal much more efficient. Also, the health risk is in use of ozonated water lower because no ozone is generated in the air becomes.

All Particularly preferably, the disinfection module water can be supplied, which accumulates on a vaporizer as condensation. Is ozone, for example, by high-energy UV light, in the context of a silent electric Discharge or generated in an electrolytic cell, so no external disinfectant or water is introduced and the disinfection is completely service-free.

In a preferred embodiment contains the disinfectant free oxygen radicals such as hydroxide radicals, Superoxide, dissolved Ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide, these being particularly effective destroy the cell membranes of microorganisms. The health impairment is low, especially when the superoxide, ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide in water, in particular below a critical concentration solved exist.

The exemplified disinfectants can be kept in a reservoir and refilled if necessary become. Preferably, however, superoxide, dissolved ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide from water by means of an ozonation module, in particular by means of an electrolytic cell produced. An electrolytic cell works on the reverse principle of a hydrogen fuel cell. This is an electrical voltage at an anode and at one Cathode, through the water molecules in hydrated hydrogen and hydrated ozone. In particular, the generated Electrolysis cell a mixture of active oxidants or superoxides. As examples are this next to the solved Ozone, perhydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, Aloxyl radicals, called peroxyl radicals or hydroperoxide. Especially the ozone subsequently reacts with the remaining water Super oxides.

This is particularly advantageous when the water comes from a condensate separator of the air conditioner. The condensate collector collects condensed water at the evaporator as a result of the cooling of the air flow. Usually, the water is eliminated at this point from the system of the air conditioner, but used here in an advantageous manner. Thus eliminates the Vor maintenance of disinfectant or water.

Prefers the actual storage of the water takes place in one of the electrolysis cell connected spongy structure from which the electrolysis cell if necessary, remove water. A needs-based and in particular Maintenance-free integration is thus possible.

Preferably is the disinfectant by means of a piston-diaphragm pump from the electrolysis cell sucked and the nozzle supplied where it finely atomises is sprayed on the evaporator, in particular with a droplet size of at most 20 microns, preferably at the most 10 μm, especially preferably at most 5 μm. at constant volume increases due to the small droplet size the surface of the Disinfectant, which improves its activity. Alternative to piston diaphragm pumps can Other suitable pumps may be used.

In a preferred embodiment the disinfectant fragrances are zusetzbar to the optionally perceptible odor of superoxides, ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide mask, in particular by means of a water-soluble scent stone. The perfumes can also separated from the disinfectant mixed with the air flow become.

A possible embodiment the invention allows the needs-based disinfection of the evaporator, in particular only when forming evaporator condensate during the Operation of the air conditioner. It is advantageous that only low concentrations of the disinfectant, for example, several times a day, required are.

A another possibility is the interval disinfection, then with a corresponding higher concentration of the disinfectant.

As well can provide manual operation for disinfection on request be.

In a particularly preferred embodiment a humidity sensor is provided, with which humidity at the Evaporator is detectable. The disinfectant is then in Dependence on formed of this moisture and sprayed on the evaporator, since odor in the air conditioner only arises when one of their parts, mostly first, the evaporator, is moist. In this way, a demand-based disinfection reached.

Also can in the case of a liquid reservoir a level indicator be provided. Also in the case of an electrolytic cell for generating the Disinfectant may be a level indicator be provided to ensure that sufficient fluid is available.

The Superoxide, the dissolved Ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide is preferably by means of the electrolysis cell generated and applied when the vehicle is stationary.

Prefers may be provided a scenting module, which the air flow next to and / or in place of the disinfectant a fragrance is admixed. The fragrance may arise during disinfection smells, such as that of hydrogen peroxide, superimpose, so that the comfort is not affected in the vehicle interior. The fragrance module preferably has nozzles on, by which the perfume is admixed to the air stream, which in the direction of air flow seen behind the nozzles of the disinfection module are arranged.

Especially Preferably, the spraying of the Disinfectant continuously and in small quantities. A impairment the occupant does not take care of small amounts. Optionally resulting smells, For example, as a result of the formation of hydrogen peroxide, can by the addition of a fragrance superimposed become. The continuous disinfection can also, especially in the Be limited to operating conditions in which the place of use, So in the case of an air conditioner in particular the evaporator, wet is.

One continuous spraying can of intervals with a spraying of a larger amount superimposed on disinfectant become. The spraying larger quantities at disinfectant may, for example. At constant intervals, the Depending on time or mileage are, and / or when switching off the engine and remove the ignition key, i.e. before a longer one Standstill when usually nobody in the vehicle interior located.

Especially preferably takes place parallel or slightly offset in time to the rear for spraying the Disinfectant a spraying a perfume in the air stream.

in the The invention is based on several embodiments with variants, partly with reference to the attached drawing, explained in more detail. In show the drawing:

1 a schematic representation of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment,

2 a schematic representation of a Air conditioner according to the second embodiment,

3 a schematic representation of an air conditioner according to the third embodiment, and

4 a schematic representation of an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment.

A motor vehicle has a control, not shown, for the ventilation of the vehicle interior. The control device controls in addition to the type (fresh air and / or circulating air) and amount (fan power) of the inner space supplied air and the air distribution and the temperature of the air through the air conditioning 1 , Furthermore, the control device controls a spraying of the supplied air with the disinfectant, which is used in particular for the disinfection of an air filter and evaporator.

The air conditioner 1 has a fan 2 with an air filter 3 , an evaporator 4 and a radiator 5 with PTC heater 5 ' on, being the heater 5 ' can also be omitted. Here, according to the present embodiment, parallel to the evaporator 4 a bypass flap 6 provided, which one adjacent to the evaporator 4 arranged bypass opens or closes, which flows past the fan 2 coming air at the evaporator 4 allows. This by means of the bypass flap 6 Regulated bypass can also be omitted. Behind the evaporator 4 is another flap 7 provided by the evaporator 4 coming air either through the radiator 5 with PTC heater 5 ' or passing him by. Here are intermediate positions of the flap 7 possible. After the heat exchangers 4 and 5 is a defrost flap 8th for removing a fitting on the windshield, which opens or closes a defrost air duct when needed, and a ventilation flap 9 for venting the vehicle interior, for example via center and side nozzles, which opens or closes a ventilation air duct when needed, provided.

Further, right after the radiator 5 a footwell flap 10 arranged, which has an air duct 11 to the footwell as required releases or closes, with intermediate positions of the footwell flap 10 possible are. The air duct 11 Branches according to the present embodiment immediately after the door 10 in an air duct 11a , which serves the lateral air supply to the footwell, and an air duct 11b , which serves the rear air supply to the footwell.

The air is in normal operation of the blower 2 - Depending on the position of the recirculation and fresh air flaps (not shown) - sucked from the environment (fresh air) and / or from the vehicle interior, filtered and for temperature control by the motor vehicle air conditioning system described above 1 and on the different air channels depending on the corresponding flap positions of the flaps 8th . 9 and 10 directed into the corresponding areas of the vehicle interior.

Since usually part of the air humidity contained in the air as condensation in the evaporator 4 precipitate is a condensation separator 20 provided with a condensate drain, through which the condensation water to the outside in a collection container 21 can be delivered. In the present case is the condensation separator 20 designed so that the condensation water by itself in the sump 21 expires, being always open.

Further, a disinfection module, in the present case in the form of an ozonation module 22 , provided, which with the collecting container 21 for condensation over a suction line 22 ' connected is. The ozonation module 22 sucks by means of a pump as needed water from the reservoir 21 and sprays by means of a plurality of nozzles distributed over the wall of the air duct housing 23 ozone-enriched water as a disinfectant 22 ''' in the blower 2 coming air, in the present case before the same to the air filter 3 and to the evaporator 4 arrives.

Ozone production in the ozonation module 22 takes place here by means of an electrolytic cell 22 '' However, it can also be done in any other way, for example by means of a silent electrical discharge or by means of high-energy UV light.

Due to the ozone in the water sprayed into the air stream, which is especially in the evaporator 4 precipitates, there is a disinfection thereof, so that the formation of unwanted germs o.ä. in the evaporator and thus unwanted odors that get into the vehicle interior via the air flowing through, can be prevented.

According to the first embodiment, disinfection takes place by an actuation of the ozonation module 22 , A disinfection of air filter and / or evaporator and others in the air flow behind the Einsprühstelle of the disinfectant 22 ''' lying components and air duct walls can be done continuously and / or at intervals or demand-controlled. In the case of continuous operation, only a small amount of ozone is produced, but this over the entire time. Furthermore, at predetermined intervals (eg in the context of customer service or once a month or depending on the mileage, eg every 1000 km) or If necessary, a short-term generation of a large amount of ozone.

Instead of an ozonation module 22 According to a first variant of the first embodiment, a disinfection by means of another water-soluble disinfectant is provided, which is arranged in a corresponding disinfection module, in which condensed water is mixed with the disinfectant and then admixed via nozzles of the air coming from the fan. The disinfection can - in accordance with the disinfection by ozone - continuously and / or in intervals or as needed.

The Introducing a liquid Disinfectant can according to a second variant of the first embodiment also be done in such a way that the disinfectant stored in a sump is and with the help of a disinfection module, which is essentially includes a pump, over the nozzles the air is added.

The Embodiment of the first embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of the second and third embodiments, which are described below, so that on the embodiment, provided it does not differ from that of the first embodiment, not closer will be received. Furthermore, the same components are the same Reference numeral used.

According to the second, in 2 illustrated embodiment, the spraying of ozone-enriched water, which in turn is condensation water from the evaporator 4 is behind the air filter 3 and right in front of the evaporator 4 by means of a plurality of nozzles 23 , wherein in the drawing only one nozzle is indicated. Due to the arrangement of the nozzles 23 can be ensured that at least a majority of the ozone-added water in the evaporator 4 and did not get into the bypass. In addition, the flow rate of the air enriched with the ozone-added water through the evaporator 4 with the help of the bypass flap 6 be regulated in connection with the blower power and the subsequent flaps.

Further, a fragrance module 24 provided in which there is a perfume mixed with a liquid according to the ozone added water through the nozzles 23 can be sprayed into the air stream. In the present case, the spraying takes place alternately, the disinfection first taking place and then the scenting.

Also In this case, instead of the ozonation module, a disinfection module be provided.

In 3 is a third embodiment, an air conditioner 1 provided which both an ozonation module 22 , as provided according to the first Ausfüh approximately example, ie in front of the air filter 3 arranged, as well as a separately formed therefrom fragrance module 24 which, according to the second embodiment behind the air filter 3 is arranged. This allows a plurality of nozzles, a spraying of disinfectant, in this case water with ozone, and perfume in parallel.

of course is in all, mentioned above make a combination of an ozonation module with a disinfection module possible, over which another disinfectant is added to the air stream, being for the two modules both separate nozzles and mixed used or provided with simultaneous introduction of shared nozzles could be.

Even though only one vehicle air conditioning system is described above, a appropriate ozonation or other disinfection even in room air conditioners be provided, which suck in air. Likewise, the disinfection even with pure ventilation systems or be provided in heating systems.

Further a corresponding disinfection, in particular by means of ozonation, even with a pure ventilation system or a ventilation system with a heater for cleaning an air filter provided therein be provided, but in this case is in the absence of the operation an evaporator accumulating condensate an external water supply in the form of a water tank with refill option required.

A external water supply of the ozonation module or another Disinfection module, which requires water for its function, can also be provided in the case of air conditioning, however, is in this Case a monitor in relation to the water supply required, which in the case of a Use of condensate from the evaporator due to the amount the condensate attack can be omitted.

4 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an air conditioner 1 according to the fourth embodiment with a degermination device. One from a blower 2 sucked airflow L first passes through a pre-filter 3 ' , the blower 2 and an air filter 3 before going to an evaporator 4 cooled and / or dried. The resulting condensation water runs down the evaporator 4 down and collects in one condensation trap 20 , The frequent or permanent moisture on the evaporator 4 favors the colonization of microorganisms. By the air flow L, the microorganisms or their metabolites in a room to be air conditioned, for example, the interior of a vehicle, worn and can lead there for odor nuisance or at worst health impairment of vehicle occupants. The condensate separator 20 includes an electrolytic cell 22 '' with a sponge-like structure (not shown) that stores the condensed water. The electrolytic cell 22 '' generates permanently, intermittently or when the vehicle is switched off by means of electrical energy water-dissolved ozone from a part of the condensed water, so that a disinfectant 22 ''' in the form of a solution of superoxides in water. In this case, a certain concentration in% by volume should not be exceeded, which can be ensured by means of suitable monitoring devices. The disinfectant 22 ''' is by means of a nozzle assembly in a nozzle arrangement located piston-diaphragm pump through a suction line 22 ' from the electrolytic cell 22 '' sucked and fed to the nozzle assembly where it is finely atomized with a droplet size of at most 20 microns, preferably at most 10 microns, through a nozzle 23 exit and onto one side of the evaporator 4 is sprayed on. The disinfection effect of the hydrogen peroxide is, inter alia, the destruction of the cell membranes of the microorganisms.

Alternatively, other, especially water-soluble disinfectants 22 ''' be used.

The disinfectant 22 ''' may elsewhere on the evaporator 4 , in particular in the direction of the air flow L before the evaporator 4 be sprayed, as provided for example according to the first three embodiments.

The disinfectant 22 ''' may differ from the in 4 shown embodiment held in a reservoir and, if necessary, refilled.

As well can that be for needed the electrolysis Water kept in a reservoir and, if necessary, refilled.

The disinfectant 22 ''' can also be mixed with fragrances. In particular, water-soluble scented stones are suitable.

Disinfection of the evaporator 4 can be permanent, especially during the operation of the air conditioning 1 take place, preferably with a low concentration of the disinfectant 22 ''' , Alternatively, an interval-type disinfection may be provided according to an interval made by the vehicle user or service personnel, optionally with an increased concentration of the disinfectant 22 ''' , Likewise, a manual or demand-based disinfection can take place, for example triggered by moisture detected at the evaporator.

The electrolytic production of superoxides, dissolved ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide and / or the disinfection of the evaporator 4 may be limited to operating conditions of the vehicle in which the vehicle is stationary and / or the air conditioning system and / or the fan is not in operation.

Claims (11)

Ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning, in particular vehicle air conditioning ( 1 ), comprising at least one blower ( 2 ), which serves to generate the air flow, at least one air duct, in which the blower ( 2 ) generated air stream (L) can flow, and a disinfection module ( 22 ), in which a disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) and / or produced, the disinfectant ( 33 ''' ) is supplied to the air duct, characterized in that the disinfectant is provided as a liquid phase or dissolved in a liquid, and in the air duct at least one nozzle ( 23 ) is provided, through which the liquid disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) or the liquid with the disinfectant dissolved therein ( 22 ''' ) is sprayed into the air duct. Ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the air flow (L) as a carrier for the disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) serves to the place of use. Ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one nozzle ( 23 ) in the normal air flow direction in front of an evaporator ( 4 ) is arranged. Ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) Contains superoxide, dissolved ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide. Ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that an electrolytic cell ( 22 '' ) is provided, by means of which the superoxide, the dissolved ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide can be generated from water. Ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that water from a condensate ( 20 ) of the air conditioner ( 1 ) is usable for the production of superoxides, dissolved ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide. Ventilation system, heating and / or air conditioning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) from the nozzle ( 23 ) can be sprayed with a droplet size of at most 20 microns, in particular 10 microns. Method for disinfecting an air-flow-through region of a ventilation system, or a heating and / or air conditioning system according to one of claims 1 to 7 with the aid of a disinfectant ( 22 ''' ), characterized in that the disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) as a liquid phase or dissolved in a liquid in the air stream (L) during operation of the blower ( 2 ) is sprayed. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that as disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) a solution containing superoxide, dissolved ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide is used. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the superoxide, dissolved ozone and / or hydrogen peroxide in an electrolytic cell ( 22 '' ) is produced from water which is contained in a condensate separator ( 20 ) during operation of the air conditioner ( 1 ) accumulating condensate is accumulated. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the disinfectant ( 22 ''' ) permanently and / or intermittently and / or as a result of manual operation and / or demand-controlled as a function of moisture in the evaporator ( 4 ) on the evaporator ( 4 ) is sprayed on.