Vapor compression refrigeration circuit and automotive air-conditioning system using same

Abstract

A vapor compression refrigeration circuit comprises a compressor, a heat radiator, a high-temperature section of an internal heat exchanger, a pressure reducer, an evaporator, an accumulator and a low-temperature section of the internal heat exchanger disposed in this order in a circulation passage through which a refrigerant circulates, when viewed along a direction of flow of the refrigerant. The pressure reducer, the accumulator and the internal heat exchanger are integrally formed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to a vapor compression refrigeration circuit and an automotive air-conditioning system using this refrigeration circuit.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The refrigeration circuit is used, for example in an automotive air-conditioning system, and has a circulation passage for circulating a refrigerant therethrough. In the circulation passage, generally, a compressor, a heat radiator (condenser or gas cooler), a pressure reducer (expansion valve) and an evaporator are inserted in this order when viewed along the direction of flow of the refrigerant. In the circulation passage, also a vapor-liquid separator for separating a vapor-phase component and a liquid-phase component of the refrigerant is disposed downstream of the heat radiator or downstream of the evaporator.[0005]In recent years, out of consideration of environmental problems, the development of a refrigeration circuit using a r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The primary object of the present invention is to provide a vapor compression refrigeration circuit which is composed of a reduced number of major devices and connecting parts so that the refrigerant leakage is prevented, and which is easy to assemble, and an automotive air-conditioning system using this refrigeration circuit.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, the refrigeration circuit is composed of a large number of major devices and connecting parts, so that assembling the refrigeration circuit, and particularly, installing the refrigeration circuit in a vehicle as a part of an automotive air-conditioning system is cumbersome work, especially because the engine room tends to be reduced in space.

Thus, there is a concern about a leakage of the refrigerant around the coupling member.

Further, the use of the internal heat exchanger in the refrigeration circuit causes not only a decrease in ease of installation in the vehicle and an increase in concern about the refrigerant leakage, but also a rise in the refrigerant temperature at the inlet and outlet of the compressor and therefore a decrease in adiabatic efficiency (compression efficiency) of the compressor.

Images