Device for cleaning surrounding air fed to passenger compartment of

Abstract

Various types of air cleaning devices for cleaning air fed to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle are described. These air cleaning devices are arranged to incorporate with a cowl top structure of the vehicle. In one type, an air filter is disposed in an external air introduction passage led to the passenger compartment, and when the air filter is blocked with arrested dusts, a bypass passage is established to keep the feeding of atmospheric air to the passenger compartment. In a modified type, the bypass passage is instantly blocked and an internal air circulation mode is established. In one type, an electrostatic air collecting unit is used for arresting very fine particles in the atmospheric air fed to the passenger compartment. In order to achieve a smoothed air flow in the electrostatic air collecting unit, smoothly curved air guide passages are defined between positive and negative electrode plates. In one type, two hood ridge reinforcing hollowed structures are used for feeding the air box and thus the passenger compartment with a satisfied amount of atmospheric air. In order to facilitate the maintenance of the air filter in the air box, an inspection aperture is provided in the cowl top. Usually, the inspection aperture is covered by a lid.